MSE Music Directors
Behind every MSE ensemble is a director dedicated to nurturing young musicians at every stage of their journey. From a student's first steps in Prelude and Arietta, through Intermezzo and Chamber, to the flagship ensemble, our directors bring their own expertise, artistry and care to the podium - building not just technical skill, but a genuine love of playing together. Guided by Artistic Director Fintan Murphy and a dedicated team of ensemble directors, MSE's students are supported by experienced musicians and educators every step of the way.
Fintan Murphy
Fintan Murphy currently teaches at the University of Melbourne and the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School. He previously served as Head of Strings and Music Performance at Monash University for fourteen years, and was a full-time member of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (1987–1991) Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (1987–1991) Trust Melbourne Orchestra (now Orchestra Victoria, 1980–1981). As a recitalist and chamber musician, Fintan has collaborated with many distinguished artists, including Elizabeth Wallfisch, David Selig, Christian Wojtowicz, Harmut Lindemann, and David Bollard.
As both a performer and an educator, Fintan has made an exceptional contribution to the development of string education in Australia. His deep musicianship, insightful teaching, and commitment to nurturing young musicians have inspired generations of students, fostering an environment that balances discipline with creativity.
For three decades, Fintan has been the Artistic Director of the Melbourne String Ensemble (MSE). Under his direction, the ensemble has toured Europe eight times and received high acclaim for its performances. Many of his students now hold positions in major orchestras across Germany and Australia or have continued their studies at prestigious institutions such as the Curtis Institute of Music (Philadelphia) and the Hochschulen für Musik in Cologne, Stuttgart, and Munich.
Through his artistry, vision, and dedication, Fintan Murphy has shaped countless outstanding musicians and continues to play a vital role in advancing the art of string playing in Australia and beyond.
Danielle Arcaro
Dani is a violist, conductor, and educator whose work spans orchestras, classrooms, and community arts initiatives. She has performed with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra for over twenty years, as well as with Orchestra Victoria, the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, and a wide range of chamber and freelance ensembles both in Australia and internationally.
Dani served as Director of Music at Christ Church Grammar School and was Lead Teacher for the MSO’s Pizzicato Effect, a social-justice music program based on the El Sistema model, which aimed to provide transformative access to music education for children in Melbourne’s north. She is also the founder of Bearing Witness, a creative initiative using the arts to explore and respond to mental illness and loss.
Rohan Mack
Rohan Mack is a graduate of the University of Melbourne with a degree in Music and holds a Graduate Diploma in Education from the University of New England. Throughout his career, he has been a passionate and dedicated educator, specialising in string pedagogy while also maintaining an active career as a violinist, conductor, composer, and arranger.
With broad musical interests spanning a wide range of styles and genres, Rohan has performed with numerous ensembles and artists, including the Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Orchestra, London Philharmonia, London Rehearsal Orchestra and the Australian Discovery Orchestra. His performance experience also extends to collaborations with international artist Gene Pitney, as well as appearances at major events such as the Port Fairy Folk Festival.
Combining extensive performance experience with a deep commitment to music education, Rohan continues to inspire young musicians through his leadership, teaching, and advocacy for excellence in string playing. Currently, Rohan is the Head of Strings and Director of Music (Instrumental) at Camberwell Girls Grammar.
Naomi Durston
Naomi is a violinist, educator, ensemble director, and emerging composer whose diverse career reflects a deep commitment to music-making, creativity, and education. She completed a Master of Music (Performance) at the University of Melbourne in 2002 and has performed extensively with Orchestra Victoria, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, and numerous chamber ensembles and independent projects. She is also a member of the actively performing Merri Creek Quartet, bringing a collaborative and dynamic approach to chamber music alongside her broader professional practice.
Today, Naomi enjoys a multifaceted career that combines teaching, directing ensembles, performing, and ongoing creative development. She is the Ensembles Director and Strings Teacher at Collingwood College, a Lead Teaching Artist with The Pizzicato Effect, and maintains a thriving private teaching studio, working with students of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. She also contributes to the Australian Chamber Orchestra's Foundations program and is currently studying composition at the University of Melbourne, continuing to expand her artistic practice.
Naomi is passionate about creating engaging musical experiences and helping students develop confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong enjoyment of music.