Kirsty Beilharz

Ph.D(Syd) Ph.D(SCD) BMus(Hons) ThC GCTS LTCL
National Head of School

Email: kirsty.beilharz@nd.edu.au

  • Biography

    Professor Beilharz brings strategic, academic, mission, and research leadership experience from Sydney University, UTS, Excelsia College, HammondCare, Lumen Research Institute, Kolling Institute of Research, and has served on Australian Research Council panels.

    With Ph.Ds in music composition, and theology with phenomenology, Kirsty’s recent writing has focused on student formation in the context of diversity and plurality; humane ethical issues including palliative care, wellbeing interventions for people living with dementia and in aged care; Trinitarian theology, communion, doxology, music of Olivier Messiaen, and philosophy of Jean-Luc Marion; research mentoring; and theological and philosophical perspectives on music, equity, community, governance and organisational leadership. Kirsty's sonification, visualisation, gestural interaction, and generative A.I. research has been funded by the Australian Research Council (ARC), Cooperative Research Centre (CRC), the Commonwealth Government, and other grants.

    Kirsty's music compositions have been performed internationally by the Nouvel Ensemble Moderne (Montreal, Canada), Ensemble Recherche (Freiburg, Germany), Charisma Ensemble, Australian Chamber Orchestra, Seymour Group, AustraLYSIS, and by the Sydney, Melbourne, Tasmanian and Western Australian Symphony Orchestras. Her installations have been exhibited at the Media Architecture Biennale in Vienna, Bondi Sculpture by the Sea, Paris Cité International des Arts, Sydney Powerhouse Museum, and in the UK, Taiwan, Japan and Paris.

    Kirsty has won International prizes at Gaudeamus World Music Days Amsterdam, Paris Rostrum, Hannover Biennale, Nouvel Ensemble Moderne Forum Montreal. Kirsty was selected for IRCAM Electronic Music Course (Paris), Matsumae International Science Research Fellowship (Tokyo), an Asialink Arts Residency, Young Australian of the Year Arts Category, a Churchill Fellowship, the Sir Charles Mackerras Prize of the British Council.

  • Books

    • (2023) Redeeming Truth and Community in the Age of Individualism: Meaning and morality in the contemporary world. Kirsty Beilharz, Maureen Miner & Jane Fernandez (ed.s) Cooranbong AU: Avondale Academic Press. ISBN: 978-0-6450613-8-3.
    • (2023) Embracing Diversity: Formative Christian Higher Education and the Challenge of Pluralisms. Maureen Miner and Kirsty Beilharz (ed.s). Paperback: 979-8-88730-329-1; Hardcover: 979-8-88730-330-7; E-Book: 979-8-88730-331-4. Charlotte NC: Information Age Publishing.
    • (2017) Music Remembers Me: Connection and Wellbeing in Dementia. HammondCare Media, Sydney. ISBN 978-0-9945461-1-1.

  • Book chapters

    • (2023) Chapter 10. Reconciling McIntyre’s Post-Truth and Schmitt’s political exceptionalism with ultimate Truth, Pauline obedience to earthly authorities, and Barth’s sovereignty of God. In Redeeming Truth and Community in the Age of Individualism: Meaning and morality in the contemporary world. Kirsty Beilharz, Maureen Miner &Jane Fernandez (ed.s) Cooranbong AU: Avondale Academic Press.
    • (2023) Chapter 2. Trans-disciplinary interpretations of formation in Christian higher education: Navigating academic diversity, cultural pluralism, and locating identity for the questing student– Kirsty Beilharz, Christine Carroll, Ian Eddie, Sunaina Gowan, Dion Khlentzos, Maureen Miner, Mark Seton, and Leonardo Veliz. In Embracing Diversity: Formative Christian Higher Education and the Challenge of Pluralisms. Maureen Miner and Kirsty Beilharz (ed.s). Charlotte NC: Information Age Publishing.
    • (2023) Chapter 5. Plagiarism, poverty, paucity, and pastoral care – Kirsty Beilharz, Carissa Henriksson and Peter Stiles. In Embracing Diversity: Formative Christian Higher Education and the Challenge of Pluralisms. Maureen Miner and Kirsty Beilharz (ed.s). Charlotte NC: Information Age Publishing.
    • (2023) Beilharz K. Music Engagement and Music Therapy. In: MacLeod R, Van den Block L (ed.s) Textbook of Palliative Care 2nd Edition (Springer Cham) – in press.
    • (2023) Beilharz K., Poulos C., Poulos R., Fodera J., Cole A., MacLeod R. Creative Art Making in Palliative Care 2nd Edition. In: MacLeod R., Van den Block L. (eds) Textbook of Palliative Care. (Springer, Cham) – in press.
    • (2020) Beilharz, K. Ageing well: music and meaning in dementia and de-medicalising palliative care. In Embracing life and gathering wisdom: Theological, pastoral and clinical insights into human flourishing at the end of life. Sydney: SCD Press.
    • (2020) Beilharz, K. Human Flourishing until death: Living well until the very end. In Dean G. Smith and Rob A. Fringer (ed.s) Wesleyan Perspectives on Human Flourishing, Wipf & Stock, in press.
    • (2018) Beilharz K. Music Engagement and Music Therapy. In: MacLeod R, Van den Block L (ed.s) Textbook of Palliative Care (Springer Cham) https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-31738-0_39-1, pp.1-22 08/06/2018 ISBN 978-3-319-31738-0 (Biomedical and Life Sciences).
    • (2018) Beilharz K., Poulos C., Poulos R., Fodera J., Cole A., MacLeod R. Creative Art Making in Palliative Care. In: MacLeod R., Van den Block L. (eds) Textbook of Palliative Care. (Springer, Cham) https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-31738-0_38-1. ISBN978-3-319-31738-0.
    • (2017) Beilharz, K. 'Grace and Nurture: Connecting and Engaging Through Music in Dementia Care’ in Doru Costache, Darren Cronshaw, James R. Harrison (Ed.s) Well-being, Personal Wholeness and the Social Fabric, Cambridge: Cambridge Scholars Press, 2017) ISBN-13: 978-1-4438-9858-4) pp. 184-208.
    • (2016) ‘Engaging and connecting through music: enablement in practice’ in Australian Journal of Dementia Care, Vol. 5 No.1 February/March, pp. 21-25.
    • (2014) Mills, Roger & Beilharz, K. ‘The Network Unveiled: Evaluating Intercultural Musical Interaction in Telematic Improvisational Performance’ in Candy, L. & Edmonds, E. (Ed.s) Art Evaluation and HCI, Springer.
    • (2012) Beilharz, K. Chapter 17: ‘Information Engagement through Interactive Sonification Design’ in Gu, N. & Wang, X. (Ed.s) Computational Design Methods and Technologies: Application in CAD, CAM and CAE Education, IGI-Global, DOI: 10.4018/978-1-61350-180-1.ch017, pp. 299-318.

  • Journal articles and proceedings

    • (2023) Miner Bridges, M. and Beilharz, K. Mentoring in Christian Higher Education: Cross-Cultural Reflections from Australia in J. Christian Higher Education – in press.
    • (2023, February) Best, Megan C., K. Jones, F. Merritt, M. Casey, S. Lynch, J. A. Eisman, J. Cohen, D. Mackie, K. Beilharz, and M. Kearney. Australian Patient Preferences for Discussing Spiritual Issues in the Hospital Setting: An Exploratory Mixed Methods Study. Journal of Religion and Health, Springer Nature, DOI: 10.1007/s10943-023-01767-x.
    • (2022) Patients’ preferences for the introduction of spirituality into their healthcare journey – a mixed methods study. Megan Best, Kate Jones, Frankie Merritt, Michael Casey, Sandra Lynch, John Eisman, Jeffrey Cohen, Darryl Mackie, Kirsty Beilharz, Matthew Kearney. Journal of Religion and Health, Springer Nature, DOI: 10.1007/s10943-022-01616-3.
    • (2019) 'Encountering the Trinity through a sacramental framing of music: Participation and analogy in Olivier Messiaen’s Quatour pour la fin du temps (Quartet for the End of Time) in special themed edition – Embodied spiritual practice(s) ed. Darren Cronshaw, Practical Theology Volume 12: Issue 2. https://www.tandfonline.com/eprint/TieaidAAk6Ae9jeuUw3K/full?target=10.1080/1756073X.2019.1598699.
    • (2018) Poulos R.G, Marwood S., Harkin D., Opher, S., Clift S., Cole A.M.D., Beilharz, K., Poulos, C.J. 'Arts on prescription for community dwelling older people with a range of health and wellness needs’ in Health & Social Care in the Community. Wiley. First published: 21 October 2018. https://doi.org/10.1111/hsc.12669.
    • (2018) Beilharz, K. 'Applications of Trinitarian analogy in contemporary thought and the potential for Eucharistic encounter in Olivier Messiaen’s music’ in Phronema, Journal of St Andrew’s Greek Orthodox College, Vol.33(2), 2018, 83-117.
    • (2012) Mills, R. & Beilharz, K. 'Listening through the Firewall: Semiotics of Sound in Networked Improvisation' in Landy, L. (Ed.) Organised Sound: An International Journal of Music and Technology, Volume 17, Issue 01, Special Issue ‘Networked Electroacoustic Music’, Cambridge Journals, Cambridge University Press, pp. 16-27.
    • (2011) Ferguson, S., Beilharz, K.A., and Calo, C.A. ‘Principles for tabletop computing in interactive sonification and visualisation of data’ in Hermann, T., Bresin, R., and Hunt, A. (Ed.s) J. Multimodal User Interfaces, Springer http://www.springer.com/computer/hci/journal/12193, JMUI-D-11-00018R1.

  • Conference papers

    Peer reviewed in published proceedings

    • (2023) Beilharz, K. Biblical insight on ageing: inspiration for integration and inclusion in ageing communities. Lumen International Research Conference Faith, Cohesion and Communities. 2–3 August, Excelsia College, Sydney Australia.
    • (2023) Beilharz, K. Compulsive servitude: the Trinitarian relationship and the unifying effect of a Christian servant heart. Lumen International Research Conference Faith, Cohesion and Communities. 2–3 August, Excelsia College, Sydney Australia.
    • (2012) Beilharz, K. & Martin, A. 'The "Interface" in Site-Specific Sound Installation' in Proceedings of the New Interfaces for Musical Expression Conference, Ann Arbor MI, USA, 20-23 May 2012, http://www.eecs.umich.edu/nime2012/Proceedings/papers/175_Final_Manuscript.pdf.
    • (2012) Martin, A. & Beilharz, K. 'Windtraces: Accessible Sonic Art' in Docherty, M. & Hitchcock, M. (Ed.s) Proceedings of Apple CreateWorld 2011 Conference, Brisbane 28-30 Nov 2011, ISBN: 978-0-947209-38-4, Apple University Consortium Australia, pp. 64-71.
    • (2011) Haeusler, M. & Beilharz, K. ‘[Architecture = Computer] – from computational to computing environments’ in Proceedings of CAAD Futures, Liège, Belgium, 6-8 June 2011, ISBN: 978-2-8745-6142-9, pp. 217-232 http://cumincad.scix.net/cgi-bin/works/Show?cf2011_p019.
    • (2011) Mills, R.H. & Beilharz, K. ‘Distant Presences: Case Studies of Intercultural Transferences in Networked Improvisatory Performance’ in Proceedings of the Digital Resources for the Humanities and Arts 2011 Conference, 4-7 September 2011, University of Nottingham Ningbo, China.
    • (2011) Mills, R.H. & Beilharz, K. ‘Ethernet Orchestra: Intercultural Engagement through Networked Improvisatory Performance’ in Proceedings of the 17th International Symposium on Electronic Art, Istanbul, Turkey, 14-21 September 2011, pp. 1-7.
    • (2010) Haeusler, M., Beilharz, K. and Barker, T. 'Interactive Polymedia Pixel and Protocol for Collaborative Creative Content Generation on Urban Digital Media Displays', International Conference on New Media and Interactivity, Istanbul, Turkey, 28-30 April 2010.
    • (2010) Beilharz, K., Vande Moere, A., Stiel, B., Calo, C.A., Tomitsch, M., and Lombard, A. 'Expressive Wearable Sonification and Visualisation: Design and Evaluation of a Flexible Display' in Proceedings of New Interfaces for Musical Expression, Sydney, Australia, 15-18 June 2010, 323-326.
    • (2010) Martin, A., Ferguson, S. and Beilharz, K. 'Mechanisms for Controlling Complex Sound Sources: Applications to Guitar Feedback Control', in Proceedings of New Interfaces for Musical Expression, Sydney, Australia, 15-18 June 2010, 364-367.
    • (2010) Nugroho, J. and Beilharz, K. 'Framework for Understanding and Evaluating User Centred Design in Wearable Expressions', in Proceedings of New Interfaces for Musical Expression, Sydney, Australia, 15-18 June 2010, 327-330.

    Edited proceedings

    • Beilharz, K. & M. Miner (2023) Proceedings of the Lumen International Research Conference 2023: Faith, Cohesion and Communities. Conference 2–3 August, Excelsia College, Sydney Australia.
    • Beilharz, K., Johnston, A., Ferguson, S., and Chen, A.Y-C. (2010) Proceedings of the 2010 Conference on New Interfaces for Musical Expression (NIME), Sydney, University of Technology, Sydney, Australia. ISBN: 978-0-646-53482-4 (printed proceedings, CD-ROM proceedings & available online) 504 pages.

    Conference papers

    • Beilharz, K. & Ferguson, S. (2010) ‘Augmenting Musical Gesture in Interactive Electro-Acoustic Composition’ in 5th International Conference on Multimodality (refereed abstract), UTS.
    • Beilharz, K., Ferguson, S. & Calo, A. (2010) ‘Multi-Touch Gestural Interaction with Multimodal Data Representation’ in 5th International Conference on Multimodality (refereed abstract), UTS.

  • Live performances

    • 2018: Music and sound design for Wit, Joining the Dots Theatre Company's production Noosa, Dec.5-8.
    • 2018: Beilharz, K. Torque 2, Prof. Andreas Langenbuch & Christian R. Wissel, Offenbach am Main, Germany.
    • 2016: Beilharz, K. Diamond Quills: A Study of Time, Death and the Harbour music composition performed by Charisma Ensemble, Sydney Conservatorium of Music Recital Hall West.
    • 2015: Beilharz, K. Diamond Quills: A Study of Time, Death and the Harbour music composition performed by Charisma Ensemble, Rozelle.
    • 2011: Beilharz, K. Prism for bass clarinet and electroacoustic spatial diffusion, performed by Ros Dunlop at 'diffuse' concert 8 September, Bon Marche Studio, UTS.
    • 2011: Beilharz, K. Prism for bass clarinet and electroacoustic spatial diffusion, performed by Ros Dunlop at 2011 Single Reed Convention, Melbourne.
    • 2010: Beilharz, K. Diamond Quills: A Study of Time, Death and the Harbour music composition performed by Charisma Ensemble, Sydney Conservatorium of Music Recital Hall West.
    • 2010: Beilharz, K. Diamond Quills: A Study of Time, Death and the Harbour electro-acoustic composition performed by Charisma Ensemble & Beilharz (computer), New Interfaces for Musical Expression Conference Concert, ABC Eugene Goossens Hall.

  • Recorded or rendered works

    2010: Diamond quills. Trio: Bass clarinet, piano, cello. Score published by Australian Music Centre.

  • Curated exhibitions

    • 2011: Beilharz, K. and Martin, A. Windtraces site-specific sound installation, Bondi Sculpture by the Sea, Tamarama Beach cliffs, Oct.-Nov.
    • 2010: Beilharz, K., Haeusler, M., Barker, Ferguson, S. Polymedia Pixel in Oliver Schuerer, Gernot Tscherteu, Martin Tomitsch (Curators) Media Architecture Biennale 2010, Künstlerhaus Wien, Austria 7-30 October, catalogue published by Media Architecture Institute.

  • In the media

  • Community engagement

    • Keynote: Music engagement in dementia care and palliative care. ACOM, SCD and CSU Ageing Conference: 'Embracing life and gathering wisdom: Theological, pastoral and clinical insights into human flourishing at the end of life'. 27 - 28 September, Sydney Australia (2018).
    • Plenary Speaker: Grand Designs International Dementia Conference, Sydney Hilton (2016).
    • 'Human Flourishing until death: Living well until the very end’ at Australasian Centre for Wesleyan Research Conference, September, Sydney Australia (2018).
    • ‘Mental Health’, Church by the Bridge Refuel Women’s Community Presentation, 4 September 2018 (invited by Sarah Condie, Co-Director of the ADM Pastoral Care and Mental Health Institute).
    • Music, ageing and dementia, St. James’ Anglican Church, Croyden, 10 April (2018).
    • Mental Health Professionals Network presentation (2018).
    • Northern Beaches Palliative Care Community Services Forum & Primary Health Network presentation, St. Leonards, 2 May (2018).
    • TAFE Gore Hill, 21 May (2018); Home Instead Senior Care Lower North Shore presentation, 28 June (2018).
    • National Palliative Care Conference Adelaide (2017).
    • University of Edinburgh, UK – School of Health in Social Science (2016).
    • Songwriter Speaks, Australasian Performing Rights Association & the Australian Music Centre.
    • Interaction design - Graphite (Sydney Chapter of SIGGRAPH).
    • The Royal Australian Institute of Architects (RAIA).
    • Tokyo University, Artificial Intelligence Lab.
    • University of Sydney Faculty of Architecture Public Lecture Series.
    • University of Sydney, Technology’s Public Lecture series.
    • 2018 Sustainability Champion awarded by Mayor, Jillian Gibson, North Sydney Council, for leadership of 
      The Coal Loader Platform Community Garden

  • Awards

    • 2022: Excelsia Performance Award (Life-Long Learning): for Mentoring and Leadership in Research and Scholarship
    • 2018: Anglican Deaconess Ministries, Senior Creative Fellowship
    • 2014: Australian Deaconess Ministries, Anna Pallister Scholarship for candidate in Doctoral Theology

  • Grants

    Research

    • 2016-2018: The HammondCare Foundation: Psychosocial, spiritual and physical impacts of personalized music in palliative care
    • 2015-2017: Australian Commonwealth Government Department of Social Services, Co-investigator on project: ‘Arts on Prescription’ led by Prof. Chris Poulos
    • 2014: The Thomas Foundation: Impacts of interventional personalized music in dementia
    • 2013: UTS Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences Research Development Grant with Anne Cranny-Francis, Devleena Ghosh, Meredith Jones in Culture & Technology, especially movement and gesture, and democrastisation of knowledges.

    Teaching grants

    • 2010: UTS Faculty of Design, Architecture and Building CapEx Research and Teaching Infrastructure Grant 'Polymedia Pixel' - mutlimodal visualization and sonification autonomous structural, sensing and display units - Prof. Kirsty Beilharz, Dr. Hank Haeusler, Prof. Tom Barker

  • Commissions

    2018: Music and Sound design for Joining the Dots Theatre Company's production of Wit by Margaret Edson