Former Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music student Kristin Berardi has just returned home to Australia after a recording and performance visit to the 'big apple'.

After moving to Brisbane half-way through her Bachelor of Music degree at CQCM, Kristin completed her studies at Griffith Conservatorium in 2001.

Since then Kristin has concentrated on becoming known in the Brisbane entertainment scene and recently secured the New York recording gig.

"The experience was amazing ... so inspiring and challenging," Kristin explained.

After teaming up with New York trombonist Jim Pugh to perform with the Conservatorium's big band in Brisbane last year, the pair decided to work again with each other. But it wasn't until this year the deal was cemented and Kristin got the chance to record her album.

"We went about putting together a duo album, although it has actually turned out more my album featuring Jim - as he preferred to call it." The album features mostly Kristin's original compositions.

Kristin also had the opportunity to join five other talented female performers in Women in Voice - a production of women vocalists who perform once a year.

"It was an honour and a dream fulfilled. They chose six women of different musical genres to perform a 20 minute set each. It was so much fun.".

Other then performing Kristin is currently busy composing, teaching classical violin and holding the occasional workshop or lesson for CQCM.

"CQCM really helped me make progress with my career," Kristin said.

"I got to meet people in the industry and had opportunities to perform more than I would have working on my own.".

"I found the support from the staff at CQCM was very personnal - they were able to tailor learning for us due to the small classes.".

--ENDS-- For more information contact Kristin Berardi at kristinb@planet-save.com.