As well as performing a number of pieces to an awestruck crowd at the school’s performing arts centre, Dickson introduced students to the Take a Breath program, which she has been trialling across the United Kingdom for the past year. 

Dickson said the program aimed to provide students with an effective coping strategy for stressful situations and was also useful for learning to play wind instruments.

“It’s a very simple breathing technique that we teach the children called elephant breaths and it’s just one very simple technique,” Dickson said.

“It’s just so they can calm themselves down and prevent anxiety and depression and just whenever they get pent-up they can stop, take a breath and start again with a clear mind.” 

Mowbray Heights music teacher Jenny Johnston said witnessing a world-class musician in action was an invaluable experience for students.

“It’s absolutely fantastic (for students) to see somebody of Amy’s calibre, she’s a professional musician so it’s a fantastic opportunity,” Mrs Johnston said.  

“Last year we had a mini TSO orchestra come and visit and that was fantastic as well, the children were just blown away with the musicianship.”

Dickson will play with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra at City Park’s Symphony Under the Stars on Saturday.