The Music Makers - Ron Eichler

'Music IS my Life' - says Ron Eichler when asked what part music plays in his life.

'All sound entails music, be it the bird song, the rustle of the leaves in the wind or the sound of the insects in a summer garden'.

In fact, the Birregurra resident of 16 years is equally known for his gardening skills as he is for his musicianship.

Taking a walk in Ron's garden is to enter a whimsical world where art, design and music combine, enticing the visitor to dream.

His life in music had an early start. From a poor Portland family where music lessons were out of the question, a chance encounter with a local elderly bandmaster enabled young Ron to take up cornet lessons leading him to join the band at just 12 years of age.

In his teens he embarked on the AMEB (Australian Music Examinations Board) syllabus for trumpet. During this time, the arrival of a new music teacher in town had huge influence on Ron. Anton Meerbach, a brilliant musician and speaker of 6 languages, became a mentor and Ron credits him for much of his success with music.

One suspects, however, that the love of music was not the only motivator to diligent application and practicing every day, as Ron ended up marrying his mentors' daughter. He became a teacher of Music and the trumpet remains his instrument of choice. He plays second trumpet for the Geelong Community Orchestra and is a member of the St Mary Basilica Choir, where he sings bass every Sunday, although his preference would be baritone. 

Ron has taught Brass instruments for many years and his students always achieve great results. He is a member of the Colac Music Teachers Association, and he has taught at Trinity College, and in Colac for many years.

Now a very sprightly septuagenarian, Ron attributes the learning of music and playing an instrument for keeping the mind active and a regular yoga practice to keeping the body fit and healthy.

He still teaches trumpet privately in Birregurra and if you are interested in learning to play yourself, you are invited to email Ron by clicking HERE.