Sisters in Sync: 3-2-1 with Tresna Stampalia
3 Questions - 2 Insights - 1 unique photo with remarkable women musicians
Our own Mirabilis musician, flautist Tresna Stampalia, has developed a multifaceted career which embodies the spirit of versatility and innovation in music. As the founder and director of Tres Classique and co-founder of Mirabilis Collective, Tresna has not only showcased her exceptional musicianship but also paved the way for celebrating women's voices in the industry. Tresna’s experience as an orchestral and musical theatre pit musician, coupled with explorations of diverse flute traditions, reflects a career built on adaptability and a passion for pushing musical boundaries. Her recent work, blending classical techniques with indigenous instruments and collaborating across cultural lines, demonstrates her commitment to expanding the horizons of her art.
In this interview, Tresna shares valuable insights from her rich and varied career, offering advice to aspiring musicians and reflecting on the pivotal moments that have shaped her journey as a female artist in the music industry. Her thoughts on collaboration, adaptability, and the future of women in music provide a compelling glimpse into the mind of a true musical innovator.
What’s a valuable lesson you’ve learned throughout your career?
One of the most valuable lessons I've learned is the importance of versatility and adaptability in the music industry, especially when building a freelance career. Throughout my journey, I’ve embraced diverse opportunities and each experience has enriched my musical path and taught me that being open to different genres and styles can lead to unexpected and rewarding opportunities.
Building a successful freelance career demands consistent effort, professionalism, and a strong work ethic. I’ve learned that being loyal, dependable, and collegial are crucial traits that keep you in demand. When you’re known as someone who not only performs well but also shows up on time, prepared, and with a positive attitude, word spreads quickly in the industry.
I’ve also found that willingness to help others goes a long way. Whether it’s recommending a fellow musician for a gig you can’t take, sharing your knowledge with younger artists, or stepping in last-minute to help a colleague, these acts of generosity often come back to you in the form of new opportunities and a supportive network.
This approach to my career has not only broadened my skill set but also allowed me to connect with a wider range of audiences and fellow musicians. It’s taught me that success in the freelance world is as much about building relationships and a reputation for reliability as it is about musical ability.
The path of a freelance musician can be challenging, with periods of uncertainty and the need to constantly seek out new opportunities. However, I’ve found that embracing this lifestyle with enthusiasm, staying open to learning, and maintaining a professional attitude in all situations has led to a rich and fulfilling career. It’s about seeing each project, each collaboration, as a chance to grow both as a musician and as a professional in the industry.
Can you share a pivotal moment in your career that shaped your path as a female artist?
A pivotal moment in my career was joining the Western Australian Arts Orchestra as Principal Piccolo. This opportunity fulfilled my dream of participating in operatic performances and opened doors I never anticipated. It was a moment that taught me the importance of seizing opportunities, even when they might seem tangential to our main goals. The piccolo, often seen as a specialised instrument, became my gateway to a broader musical world.
This position led to an unexpected audition for Les Misérables, where I was offered a position in the orchestra. At the time, I didn't realise how this single audition would reshape both my professional path and personal life. It expanded my professional horizons, introducing me to the world of musical theatre — a genre that requires a different set of skills and adaptability compared to classical orchestral work. It taught me the value of versatility in music and how different musical disciplines can inform and enrich each other.
But beyond the professional growth, this audition led to a personal connection that would forever alter my life’s trajectory. I met my late husband, Mark, during this production. Our shared love for music became the foundation of both our personal and professional lives. We found ourselves not just life partners but also artistic collaborators, pushing each other to grow and explore new musical territories.
This experience taught me that our careers as female artists are not separate from our personal journeys - they intertwine and shape each other in profound ways. It highlighted how our professional choices can lead to unexpected personal joys, and how personal relationships can fuel our artistic growth.
Moreover, it underscored the importance of being open to new experiences in our careers. What might seem like a simple gig or audition can turn into a life-changing opportunity. It reinforced my belief in saying ‘yes’ to new challenges and being ready to step out of our comfort zones.
This pivotal moment also taught me about resilience and adaptability in the face of life’s unexpected turns. When Mark passed away, the musical foundation we had built together became a source of strength and a way to honour his memory through my continued work.
In retrospect, this experience encapsulates the unpredictable yet beautiful journey of a musician’s life. It shows how our careers can take us on unexpected paths, leading to personal and professional growth in ways we could never have anticipated. It reminds me to always approach new opportunities with an open heart and mind, for they may contain the seeds of profound change and growth.
Can you share an experience where collaborating with other women significantly influenced your work?
Co-founding Mirabilis Collective with my dear friend and fellow UWA alumna, Stephanie Nicholls, has been a experience that I have found transformative. Our journey together, which began in our university days and continued through orchestras, chamber music ensembles, and Australian touring musical theatre productions, laid the foundation for what would become a powerful platform for women in music.
Through Mirabilis Collective, we collaborate with women musicians spanning different generations, highlighting the works of female composers and songwriters. This venture has allowed me to explore the boundless potential of music in various forms and continually push the boundaries of creativity. We’re creating a platform that amplifies women's voices in the industry and celebrates intergenerational collaboration.
What's truly inspiring is witnessing Steph’s unwavering dedication and innovative spirit. Her ability to constantly challenge conventions and think outside the box has been a driving force behind our success. Steph’s work ethic is nothing short of extraordinary — she approaches every project with an intense focus and an eye for detail that elevates everything we do. It’s a quality I deeply admire and one that resonates with my own approach to music and performance.
In many ways, Steph and I share a similar work ethic and attention to detail. This synergy has been crucial in bringing our vision for Mirabilis Collective to life. We both understand the importance of dreaming big, and putting in the hard work necessary to turn those dreams into reality. Our shared commitment to excellence has allowed us to create a space where women musicians can truly thrive.
Mirabilis Collective embodies our mission to cultivate a community where women from diverse musical backgrounds can connect, collaborate, and excel. We’ve created a vibrant artistic hub where the exchange of ideas and experiences fuels our collective growth and creativity. Our intergenerational approach recognizes that women of all ages have invaluable insights and skills to contribute, and this blend of experience and fresh perspectives is key to our innovative and sustainable approach to music-making.
Every performance we organise is a celebration of the rich contributions of women composers and musicians. We strive to create concerts that are musically enriching and showcase the resilience and creativity of women in the arts. It’s deeply fulfilling to see how our platform has grown to inspire and empower women across different stages of their musical careers.
Working alongside Steph has reinforced my belief in the power of collaboration and shared vision. Together we're creating a legacy that we hope will continue to inspire and support women in music for generations to come. This experience has taught me that when passionate, like-minded individuals come together with a common purpose, the impact can be truly mirabilis — wonderful and remarkable.
What advice would you give to young women aspiring to build a career in music?
Embrace your musical journey with open arms — never shy away from exploring and carving your own unique path. The formal education you receive is invaluable, but it's just the beginning. The music industry is vast and ever-changing, and your unique voice and perspective are needed.
Surround yourself with mentors who inspire you. Throughout my career, from my early teachers to my postgraduate supervisors, I've been fortunate to have mentors who challenged and supported me. These relationships can provide guidance, open doors, and offer insights that you can't find in textbooks.
Don't be afraid to take bold risks. Whether it's auditioning for a role that seems out of reach, experimenting with a new genre, or starting your own ensemble, these risks often lead to the most rewarding experiences.
Most importantly, allow your music to speak for itself. Your passion, dedication, and unique artistic voice will shine through in your work. Trust in your abilities and let your music be the loudest advocate for your talent.
Remember, a career in music is more than the performances. My career has woven me into the tapestry of remarkable individuals, unique experiences, and an enduring sense of fulfilment that extends far beyond the stage. It’s about the connections you make, the lives you touch with your art, and the personal growth you experience along the way. Embrace every aspect of this beautiful, challenging journey
How do you think the music industry can better support and uplift women artists and composers?
The music industry can better support and uplift women artists and composers in several ways:
1. Equal representation: Ensure that women are equally represented in concert programs, festival lineups, and recording projects. This includes not just performers, but also composers, conductors, technical crew and producers.
2. Mentorship programs: Establish structured mentorship programs that pair established women in the industry with emerging talents. This can provide crucial guidance, networking opportunities, and support.
3. Fair pay: Address the gender pay gap in the music industry by implementing transparent pay scales and advocating for equal compensation.
4. Leadership roles: Actively promote women to leadership positions in orchestras, music schools, and industry organisations. Having women in decision-making roles can lead to more inclusive policies and diverse programming.
5. Education and awareness: Incorporate works by women composers into music education curricula at all levels. This normalises the presence of women in classical music and inspires young musicians.
6. Funding opportunities: Create grants and funding opportunities specifically for women composers and performers, particularly for large-scale projects that have been historically difficult for women to access.
7. Family-friendly policies: Implement policies that support work-life balance, such as parental leave and flexible rehearsal schedules, to ensure that women don't have to choose between their careers and family life.
By taking these steps, the industry can create a more equitable environment where women's contributions are valued, their voices are heard, and their talents are given the platform they deserve.
