sue johnson

Sue Johnson is a composer, musical director and recording artist (vocalist, pianist and choral conductor) who has co-produced numerous CDs of original works with various artists and performed nationally and internationally.

"One of the most mesmerising songs… is a composition by Sue Johnson called 'Sister My Sister'… part lullaby, part prayer, part celebration of the human voice." Jessica Nicholas, The Age, 2004

Sue has co-founded vocal and improvisation groups (including award-winning Coco's Lunch and Morgana), collaborated with Australian authors (Elizabeth Honey, Sally Rippin, Meme McDonald, Rosalind Price) as well as numerous arts organisations (Musica Viva, Sydney Opera House, Jump Leads, Theatre Arts Export, The Boite).

"One of Australia's best exports…(Coco's Lunch)" Vancouver Sun, Canada

She is also a composer for children's theatre, television and books including numerous seasons of Playhouse Disney. In 2008 her first book & audio CD with author Elizabeth Honey "Still Awake Still" published by Allen and Unwin was adapted into a theatre work touring the US and Australia directed by Jessica Wilson.

"So much for sleep… no one snoozes" New York Times, 2014

Still Awake Still! One of the most precious children's shows I've ever seen." Kate Ceberano, Adelaide Cabaret Festival Director 2014

Sue's published vocal scores are recorded by choirs worldwide and have been sung by numerous USA all-state chorus'. She has completed commissions for massed voices, led vocal improvisations with audiences of 2000+, produced workshops and concerts in venues ranging from concert halls to yoga spaces and created singing groups in workplaces and community.

"In the Big Sing, Sue Johnson masterfully led the filled-to-brim Sydney Town Hall audience in an improvised canon. It was a truly amazing thing to hear." Oral Majority

Sue lectured at the Victorian College of the Arts Improvisation department from 1990 – 1999 and has tutored at Melbourne University, presented at conferences (ASME, Children's Book Council, VMTA) and was artist in residence at many schools and festivals.

Sue has received numerous nominations and awards including Montsalvat Yalumba Jazz Medal (best young performer), APRA award nomination (with author Elizabeth Honey for most performed jazz work 2003) and nomination for Honouring Women in Moreland Award as well as Coco's Lunch nominations for the ARIAS 2007 (Best World Album & Best Children's Album) USA Contemporary A Cappella Recording Awards (Runner-Up Best Folk/World Album), 2000 Australian World Music Awards (finalist Best Album)

"'All The Wild Wonders' (easily one of their runaway hits, and with lyrics by author and poet Elizabeth Honey) was perhaps one of the most moving compositions heard at the Fest so far." The Hindu, November Fest, India 2013

"Sue Johnson's heartfelt tribute 'I Am Your Grandmother' is as good as anything I have heard by Sweet Honey in the Rock." ABC Limelight Magazine, November 2007

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Highly skilled at facilitating collective singing experiences that are superbly inspirational, Sue runs workshops nationally and internationally and currently directs many singing groups in Melbourne including Trolls (usually found under bridges in Coburg - see The Age article), Pagan Angels (resonating in the Abbotsford Convent), Prana Mob (women with 'life force' at Prana Yoga studio) and Living Out Loud ('singing up' Clifton Hill every other Saturday).

For more information email Sue at sue@suejohnson.com.au

Sue is choir director on Singing To The Heart (2022), a singing pilgrimage into the heart of Australia with Sound Tracks Travel.

Sue Johnson's groove based vocal scores are sung and recorded by choirs worldwide.

From the gentlest lullaby to a revolutionary roar, delicious dark laments, whimsical soundscapes, or upbeat train songs that drive the soul, Sue Johnson weaves the resonance of many voices, to make a symphony of sound.

press coverage

Trolls choir featured in The Age, on 3AW and ABC Radio and on Channel 7 News:

buy sue johnson's scores

The Music Catalogue contains original 3 to 5 part vocal scores available for online purchase.

Sue Johnson acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout this continent and their continuing connections to lands, waters and communities. She pays her respect to their cultures and to Elders past and present.