Executive Council

President

Yolanda Frylink

Yolanda Frylink is back as QMTA President for 2025, bringing with her over 30 years of experience as a passionate piano teacher, accompanist, examiner, and mentor. Having previously served as President (2020-22), Vice-President (2018-19 & 2023-24), and co-ordinator of the Brisbane Teacher Network Groups, Yolanda is enthusiastic about supporting and inspiring fellow music educators!

With a Bachelor of Arts (Music) from the Queensland Conservatorium, plus AMusA and Yamaha Music Foundation accreditation, Yolanda has a wealth of knowledge in diverse teaching methods and personalised learning approaches. She’s also an accompanist for school choirs and the Brisbane examiner for Forte School of Music Foundation Exams.

Always eager to learn and innovate, Yolanda has attended national Piano Pedagogy Conferences and is committed to staying at the forefront of music education. As QMTA President, she’s looking forward to strengthening professional connections, supporting teachers, and promoting excellence in music education across Queensland.

Vice-President

Daniel Johnson

Pianist, Daniel Johnson, has been described by Yamaha Australia as "masterful and insightful", and his Chopin described as "stunning" and "a true pianist" by the late, internationally renowned concert pianist, Dr. Marilyn Meier. Born and raised in Mount Isa, Daniel began piano lessons locally with Pam Breen. After winning the Yamaha Keyboard Award for Queensland and the Yamaha Most Outstanding Performer of the year in 2000, he commenced studies at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music with Oleg Stepanov and Dr. Diane Selmon. He then continued studies at the School of Creative Arts, University of Southern Queensland with concert pianists Wendy Lorenz, Renate Turini, Dr. Marilyn Meier, and at the conclusion of his degree with Helen Smith. 

Daniel gives masterclasses, adjudicates, and examines for various piano competitions and eisteddfods across Australia. He has broadcast live recitals for the MBS network as part of the City Hall Recital Series in Brisbane and the New Sounds Recital Series at the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art. He has presented research papers for international conferences such as the Inaugural Messiaen International Conference and has been invited each year since 2009 to present research and perform at the World Piano Conference in Novi Sad, Serbia.

​An advocate for Australian composers, Daniel has focused most of his academic research on the vocal, symphonic, and instrumental works of composer Miriam Hyde.  He has piano works dedicated to him by Australian composer, Phillip Wilcher (Pirouettes, 5 Nocturnes for Left Hand Alone), and has given world premieres of piano works composed for him by American composer, Forrest Starling (Nocturne for Piano). He has just finished recording the second volume of the piano music of Dr. Nicole Murphy for Wirripang.

Daniel serves as a councillor, mentor, and artistic director of The Marilyn Meier Chopin Award with the Queensland Music Teachers Association (QMTA). He holds examination and performance diplomas from Trinity College (London), ABRSM, and the Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB) where he is also a senior examiner for piano, and a national/international examiner for Rockschool. Daniel has a Master of Music majoring in piano performance and analysis with distinction from the University of Queensland.