A well-known Wollongong musician who acquired a traumatic brain injury after a freak accident is embarking on a new career thanks to TAFE NSW.

July is Disability Pride Month – a time to raise awareness of and celebrate people living with disability.

In 2019, the life of cellist Joel Moir was forever altered while in North Queensland preparing for a performance residency with his family music group, The String Family.

“We were visiting a waterfall and I slipped, cracked my head, and was airlifted to hospital with an acquired brain injury and spent a month in an intensive care unit,” Mr Moir said.

“My life was totally flipped upside down. I had to learn to walk again, talk again, and basically re-discover how to do everyday functions.

“Many of my neural pathways were broken, which now wreaks havoc in every aspect of my life. Disruption pokes its head up in everything I do – from my manners, to using words, to instantly knowing who key people in my life are. I’ve had to go back to basics.

“I was unable to reliably read music or play the cello for extended periods, so I knew my career as a professional performer was over.”

After years of rehabilitation, Mr Moir turned to TAFE NSW to start a new career as a composer, studying the Certificate III in Music (Creation and Composition).

“It has been quite the journey over many years, and now TAFE NSW has been a key part of my constant improving,” he said.

“I still have a deep love of music, so now I am gaining new practical skills and knowledge to start a career as a composer. I’ve just released my debut compositions onto Apple Music and Spotify, which is really satisfying.

“Returning to study and beginning this new journey has given me a new purpose and a fresh lease on life.

“It’s teaching me there’s other ways to have a career in music and not just be a performer. My studies have helped piece together a picture of how the music industry works outside of just performing. For example, composing, digital music creation, the business of music, copyright, royalties, and using recording equipment.

“Studying has brought music back into my life. I don’t regret anything because I’m now in a position where I’m excited about this current chapter of my life – making music, which is different to how I was feeling a few years ago.”

TAFE NSW Media, Arts, Design, and Entertainment Head Teacher John Kilbey said the TAFE NSW music courses provide students of all levels of experience with the skills and knowledge they need to pursue their career goals.

“TAFE NSW has a long history of delivering a pipeline of talented musicians to the industry through our courses, like the Certificate III in Music,” Mr Kilbey said.

“As in Joel’s case, studying music here can also help you pivot your career direction and develop a fresh skillset to suit your stage of life and circumstances.

“To see Joel’s progress and witness him develop new skills as a composer is testament to his ability as a musician, and it’s exciting to witness how TAFE NSW is playing a part in helping him start a new chapter in his professional life.”

Mr Moir advocates for others to chase their dreams.

“I encourage anyone out there who has acquired, or been diagnosed with, disability to dig deep and overcome your fears and just do what you can to start a new chapter for yourself,” he said.

“From the second I walked into TAFE NSW, I felt like I was supported to achieve my new goals. I’m really glad I’ve done it.”

Listen to Mr Moir’s compositions.

Media contact: Rob Virtue, Communications Specialist, rob.virtue@tafensw.edu.au