Australian composer Richard Meale studied piano, cello and harp at the Sydney State Cons. He never formally took any lessons in composition. In 1955 he gave private instructions in piano. In 1961 Meale went to Spain, and got very occupied with a spanish poet with the name of Garcia Lorca. In the past his biggest inspirations was that of Paul Hindemith and Bela Bartók, but now he began to go in the direction of Pierre Boulez and Olivier Messiaen. Especially the latter turned him around to be a true follower of this composers style. He also got another direction of influence, namely Indonesian music and aboriginal music. From 1961 to 1968 he was lector of Music on Elder Cons. of music, and from 1969 to 1988 on Adelaide University.