Celebrated NT music educator and conductor awarded CDU honorary doctorate

One of the Northern Territory’s most respected leaders in music education and community music-making, Mrs Nora Lewis AM, has been awarded an honorary doctorate from Charles Darwin University (CDU).

The award recognises Mrs Lewis’ outstanding contribution to music education, cultural life and community engagement across northern Australia for more than four decades.

After moving to Darwin in 1978, Mrs Lewis began her career as a high school music teacher while founding community ensembles including the Orlando Singers and the Darwin Concert Band. 

She later took on senior leadership roles with the Northern Territory Department of Education, most notably as Principal of the NT Music School from 1994 to 2010, where she shaped music education across the Territory through instrumental and choral tuition, professional development for teachers, and outreach to remote Indigenous communities.

Alongside her work in schools, Mrs Lewis has been central to the Territory’s cultural life, serving as Music Director of the Darwin Chorale for more than 20 years, and now as Conductor Emeritus.  

In addition to conducting large shows like Les Misérables and Evita, she has lead the choir each year at civic commemorations of the Bombing of Darwin, Anzac Day, and Police Remembrance Day.

She has also coordinated Darwin’s Carols by Candlelight for more than a decade and nurtured generations of young singers through youth choirs.

Reflecting on the award, Mrs Lewis said she was deeply honoured.

“All my life I’ve felt it was important to use whatever talent I have to share the joy of music-making with others. To be awarded a Doctor of Letters is an enormous honour, and a recognition of the many music-makers, teachers and arts promoters I’ve had the privilege to collaborate with in the NT.”

She said the most rewarding part of her career had been helping people of all ages discover confidence and connection through music.

“There is nothing more gratifying than seeing people who aren’t musically trained become inspired and empowered through participating in a choir – the friendships built in rehearsal are just as important as the polished performances.”

In recognition of her service to music and education, Mrs Lewis was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2011.