You may know Carole McGregor without realising you do.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
She was the violinist at Carols by Candlelight and she also accompanied Shepparton Theatre Arts Group’s The Vicar of Dibley cast during their performances last year. You may have also seen her playing gigs at local pubs on the weekends. But there’s so much more to Carole than meets the eye.
By day, she is a registered psychologist with 18 years of experience. In her free time, she becomes a one-woman band, layering her violin, viola and loop pedal to create immersive renditions of popular songs.
“I’ve been attempting to perfect the art of the loop pedal, which has been a really rewarding journey,” Carole said.
She first bought a loop pedal in 2017 and hasn’t looked back since. The tool allows her to experiment with different layers of sound, adding depth and complexity to her performances.
“I play electric violin with looping and effects. I build a song up from the bass to the melody and create a string orchestra of sound.
“It’s a more rewarding way of playing a string instrument because … there are multiple layers of sound, which to me is more meaningful for my playing and means I can be a one-woman band.
“I’ll work out pop songs that I like and create drum beats by hitting the violin, incorporate a bass guitar sound by using my octave pedal, and then whatever effect I want on top of that.
“Then I’ll play the melody over the top and create different colours and shades by bringing in loops in and out of the piece and making it my own performance.
“I have a lot of fun creating my own unique versions of pop cover songs.”
But Carole’s musical talents extend beyond covers — she also composes her own original pieces, weaving personal experiences into music.
“I enjoy making up songs to go with different experiences in my life,” she said.
In April 2024, she performed at Dr Shiromali ‘Shiro’ Ekanayake’s art exhibition during the Shepparton Festival, presenting compositions inspired by the artwork on display and the artist.
“I’ve made up songs to go with the essence of people that I choose to express my music to, like a sort of gift to them — something that incorporates the individual essence of people,” she said.
Psychology, music and triathlons
When asked how she manages to balance a full-time psychology career, gigs on the weekends and pursuing a doctorate in psychology, Carole’s answer includes yet another passion — triathlons.
She trains every day, fitting in exercising alongside her already demanding schedule.
When she has a major performance coming up, Carole dedicates hours each day to intensive practice.
“It is the thing I want to do the most, and I’m having to balance it with the other things in my life,” Carole said.
“But I have to practise a lot because there are many layers of memory that I have to tend to.
“I have some notes with each of my loop songs, but I have to use my memory mostly, so I’ve got to keep reinforcing all my songs into my memory so I can keep on playing them rather than lose them.”
Carole sees a direct connection between her work as a psychologist and her approach to music. Both disciplines, she says, involve a blend of science and art.
“In music, it’s a creative expression, but it relies on art and science,” she said.
“The science is the theoretical basis that you create a song from — you need to have something sturdy, like a chord progression, and then melodies, and harmonies that go together.
“But then the cherry on top is the expression, which is the art — it’s feeling the beat, finding the soulful rhythm, and making it unique and individually yours.
“I see psychology as a similar combination of art and science in that science is the theory, the techniques and strategies that are evidence-based and grounded in research and required knowledge for a psychologist to be able to support their clients through their journeys.
“But then the art is your personality, your ability to connect with people, your desire to help.
“So, a similar but different expression that brings all of those scientific pieces together in your own unique and individual way, and, I guess in the psychology world, that would encompass the therapeutic relationship — the way somebody feels in your presence and how comfortable and how trusting they feel in the environment that you create for them to attempt to help them.”
Music as a tool for mental wellbeing
Carole’s personal relationship with music has also shaped how she approaches mental health — both for herself and for others.
“My experience of being involved in music and other arts has helped me recognise the importance of the arts in mental health — as an individual expression of who you are, as a way of connecting with like-minded souls and your community in general,” she said.
Carole encourages people to find their own creative outlets, even if they don’t consider themselves artists or musicians.
“Many people don’t consider that they have the skills to invest in their creative world, so (I encourage them) to be able to think outside the box and find the expression that’s going to suit them,” she said.
“It may be very different for different people.
“They don’t need to be playing the violin or painting artworks.
“They may be doing things like colouring in, reading, being social, watching music get played, or listening to music in their own free time.”
As for Carole’s own emotional processing, music plays a significant role.
“When I’ve been practising a lot and I’m more able to feel a depth in what I’m doing, then I can focus a bit more on the artistic expression of it,” she said.
“And that’s, to me, a bit more of a medium through which I might be able to express my emotions rather than the struggle and wrestle with attaining the competence to play a piece.
“So, once it’s kind of done and formed, then it can be a great expressive tool.”
One-woman band: Carole’s hopes for the future
If she had to pick just one thing to focus on, Carole admits music is where her heart lies.
“I do think that my music captures me,” she said.
“It captures the colour of my soul, my passion for everything that I do.
“I need to keep being inspired to do all the things and it does feed my soul.
“It has also been such a medium through which I’ve been able to connect with other people, and it’s been something that has given me a lot of reinforcement and connections with other people.
“That’s all been energy-giving — enlivening, is probably the word.”
Carole hopes to expand her performances and be considered for more events in the Goulburn Valley.
“I wouldn’t mind playing for some weddings and events, like any gigs that would like something a little different — I am a one-person string quartet,” she said.
“I can play all the parts myself; it’s a bit different, a little classier and it’s classical.
“I consider my genres a bit classical and pop.”
Carole will be accompanying guitarist and singer Owen Holleran at the following events:
• Tallis Winery — Friday, February 14, 6pm to 9pm
• Nathalia Pub — Sunday, February 16, from 3pm
• Longwood Beer, Wine & Cider Festival — Saturday, February 22, from 2pm
She will also be performing a few of her songs. For those curious to explore her unique sound, visit Carole’s Facebook page.
Carole is available to accompany other local artists or play standalone gigs — get in touch if you’re interested in collaborating.
Cadet journalist