World-Renowned Didgeridoo Player Will Barton Joins CASM To Mentor Next Generation of Musicians

When it comes to yidaki (didgeridoo) players and composers, none are as accomplished as Will Barton. The proud Kalkadunga man is internationally renowned for spotlighting the yidaki and blending the traditional instrument with European classical music. Now Barton is taking on his next challenge as he joins Adelaide University’s Centre for Aboriginal Studies in Music (CASM) to help mentor the next generation of students.

With more than 20 years of experience, Barton's role allows students to learn from one of Australia’s most accomplished contemporary musicians, while also giving Barton the opportunity to give back

"I want the next generation of musicians and composers to feel that the sky is the limit," Barton said. 

"I feel CASM is the right fit for me over the next few years to explore my own ambition and adapt that to an academic situation. I’m reflecting on what I've done in my life, and I hope to be able to teach that back from a grassroots, organic level. 

"My role will be to expand students’ improvisational skills and connect the dots between storytelling and technique. Technique is important, but it's also about the nuances of producing multiple textures, multiple landscape elements, and the unwritten process of learning an instrument or being a performer on stage."

Barton began his journey as a youngster growing up on Kalkadungu Country in Mount Isa. Learning how to play the yidaki from his uncle, Arthur Peterson, a Wannyi, Lardil and Kalkadunga Elder, he soon gained a passion for the instrument and left school at age 12 to pursue music.

He's gone on to perform with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, release five albums, received numerous national and state honours and performed alongside the likes of Jimmy Barnes, David Campbell and the late Dr G Yunupingu. 

Barton's role as part of CASM, which is part of the Elder Conservatorium of Music and School of Performing Arts, and also the oldest and only university-based centre in Australia dedicated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music studies, will see him involved with a range of outreach programs, including language revival through music.

"I remember CASM when I was a youngster. It has been around for years, and it is a place of gathering where students should feel safe to come here and explore the multitude of opportunities that are out in the world beyond Australia," Barton said.

"CASM is a melting pot that keeps evolving here in Adelaide, in South Australia. It is already in some way an epicentre of cultural revolution and musicality, bringing out the best in students across the board - Indigenous and non-Indigenous. Having CASM here is a force to be reckoned with."

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CASM Co-Directors Grayson Rotumah and Dr Dylan Crismani have known Barton through the music industry for many years. While collaborating in Hong Kong in 2024 for the cross-cultural musical performance Coming Together, Barton and CASM began discussing possibilities of a deeper collaboration, which ultimately led to the CASM appointment. 

"Will Barton’s approach to songwriting and composition will bring a fresh perspective to a program that has been running for 50 years, while inspiring students through the experience of one of Indigenous Australia’s most recognised artists," explains CASM Co-Director Grayson Rotumah.

"He is an all-round musician. He plays yidaki and guitar, he sings, and he has worked across classical music, rock and the arts, while remaining grounded in culture and community. That is at the heart of what CASM has always done."

Fellow CASM Co-Director Dr Dylan Crismani said the appointment is an important moment for Adelaide University. 

"William’s appointment is hugely significant for CASM. Having an artist of his calibre teaching our students reinforces CASM’s standing as a leader in Indigenous music education," said Dr Crismani.

Dean of Adelaide University’s Elder Conservatorium of Music and School of Performing Arts, Professor Anna Goldsworthy, said Barton’s appointment will inspire the next generation of artists. 

"Will Barton's appointment is hugely inspirational to all of our young Indigenous artists as someone who has an international profile reputation and is always exploring how to push the boundaries of what can be done with the yidaki,” Professor Goldsworthy said. 

“He’s not only a really powerful role model of a creative artist operating at the top of his game, but also a really generous mentor and advocate for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.” 

More information is available at adelaide.edu.au.