Quincy


Piano

Quincy loves approaching lessons creatively and adapting different styles of teaching to each student to reach that "ah-hah!" moment when everything clicks into place! She'll often say "talk and sing to yourself while you play - it helps keep you in time!"


She describes herself as a Romantic, with Classical being her favourite style of music.


Quincy is a professional Piano Tutor, who writes incredibly clear and concise lesson notes and brings out the best in her students of all ages and all levels. Her piano lessons include music reading, music appreciation, music theory and aural skills.


Originally from America,  Quincy has performed extensively throughout North America and Europe and is recognized for her creative musical interpretations.  She recently graduated with a Masters in Creative Practice from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, and has moved to Sydney to continue teaching and accompanying. She also has a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder and a Bachelor of Science degree in news-editorial journalism. 



After graduating with a dual degree in 2012,  Quincy continued her piano studies with Professor Andrew Ball at the Royal College of Music in London where she completed her Masters of Music in 2014 and at New York University, where she received an Advanced Certificate in Music Education from NYU’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development under Marilyn Nonken, Director of Piano Studies, and Alexander Kobrin. 

Georgina Ball


Piano

"Listen to the music that you're playing. The music is about beauty and joy."


Georgina just loves being part of the musical journey of each and every one of her students, getting to know them and being part of their lives and is a highly experienced teacher having taught for around twenty years.


She encourages her students that any time at all at the piano every day is better than putting it off every day, feeling terrible about it, and then doing a longer practice.


One of her passions is to learn new pieces for accompanying singers or instrumentalists.


She enjoys different types of music dependent on different moods, and different locations as well as a good soaking of sublimely beautiful classical music. We've also heard her singing along to her favourite singers and genres: (folky/bluesy)!

Luke Clark


Piano

No wonder Luke's students love learning piano with him - he has a great rapport with them, he is happy to teach current music and he also produces music in his own home studio! 


Luke is currently studying Music Education at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and already holds a Diploma of  Music from C3 College Oxford Falls. In addition, he has a Bachelor of Commerce (Major in Economics) from Macquarie University.


He has tutored at Mona Vale Music, Music Tuition Power and has vast experience tutoring private students.



Luke has performed with a collective called Dusk to Dawn at corporate gigs, functions and other venues and also has performed as guest entertainment on P & O Cruise Ships.

Michael Xu


Piano

"Inspiring the future generations of talented musicians."


Michael’s experience in teaching students of various age groups is built upon his core values of passion, practice and perseverance.


He aims to fulfil his students’ musical journeys by incorporating his special teaching methods with contemporary music examples, leaving students with newfound knowledge, a sense of accomplishment and a smile after every lesson.


Michael has completed all AMEB grades up to CMusA and is currently striving towards the prestigious Licenciate Diploma of Music in piano as well as currently studying Music and Sound Design (& German) at University.



He is also a DJ, electronic music producer and the host of his weekly music radio show.

Lauren Liu (Xuan Liu)


Piano

Holding a Bachelor of Music in Therapy and a Masters Degree in Social work, Lauren is highly qualified and aptly suited to teaching children of all abilities. 


As a highly skilled Musician and Music Therapist, Lauren is trained in understanding the effects music experiences can have on behaviours, feelings, thoughts and actions and uses this to assist her students in achieving their goals.


Gentle-spirited by nature and very patient, her students and their parents value her warm and approachable manner, relatable interpersonal skills and great time management.



Having initially studied at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, she is fluent in Chinese and Mandarin.

Olivia Diamant


Trumpet

Olivia Diamant is a composer, performer and tutor who is studying a Bachelor of Composition at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. As a trumpet player, she is experienced in playing classical, jazz and popular music. She currently plays in Spectra Jazz Orchestra and was a recipient of the Ryde Eisteddfod Over 15s Jazz Trumpet award in 2019, where she was invited back to perform for the prestigious winners concert in 2020. She has also played in North Shore Wind Symphony Orchestra and had extensive experience playing in both concert & jazz bands in highschool.

Olivia was selected as a winner for Artology’s National Fanfare composition competition in 2022, where her composition was workshopped and recorded by the Sydney Youth Orchestra. Her compositions and arrangements have also been workshopped by ensembles such as the University of Sydney Acapella Society and Spectra Jazz Orchestra. 

Olivia aims to foster a love for music in her teaching - striving to make lessons fun whilst catering to individual student needs. She is a deeply passionate and patient teacher and is committed to guiding her students through their musical journey. 

Richard Cao


Piano

Richard holds more than 15 years of playing experience and plays and teaches a wide variety of music.


His passion for music comes across in the fun way he delivers his lessons.  


His patient approach is dedicated to improving and building upon the technical ability and knowledge of music theory of his students all whilst providing them with a fun and positive learning experience.



Claire Ni


Piano

Claire is an incredibly warm, and friendly Piano Tutor who connects extremely well with her students. Her strengths lie in her quiet,  easy going and patient nature.


She inspires her students by incorporating fun elements into lessons.


To her, learning the piano is a journey, and she uses her knowledge and experience to guide students to reach their full potential.



Claire holds a Bachelor of Education (Music) from Nanjing Normal University, China.

Gustavo Diaz


Clarinet | Saxophone | Flute

"Anyone can achieve anything if they do it in small steps."


Gustavo (Gus) Diaz is a clarinettist, flautist and saxophonist with extensive performing and teaching experience.


He’s a dedicated teacher with over 12 years of experience. Students relate well to Gus as he has an enthusiastic and warm teaching style.


He adapts his teaching style to suit the individual student’s interests and requirements and is able to expertly prepare students for examinations as well as performances.


He studied at the Collegium Musicum Conservatory of Music of Colombia UNAL. Throughout his musical training, he has studied under some well-renowned teachers like Oscar Wilches, JorgesVelez, Robert de Gennaro and Jose Gomez. He has also attended numerous master classes with international teachers.


Gus’ performance career has seen him perform in many ensembles and orchestras and travel the world performing.



Jeremy Kindl


Saxophone | Clarinet | Flute

Jeremy is a highly talented and experienced Musician and Clarinet, Saxophone and Flute Tutor.


He has taught in a number of schools across Sydney as Tutor and Band Conductor.


He studied a Bachelor of Performance (Clarinet) - at  Sydney Conservatorium of Music, majoring in Conducting and also holds an Associate in Music (AMus Clarinet) Diploma, from the University of New South Wales.



Aside from tutoring, Jeremy is heavily involved in Conducting, Directing and the Performing Arts Theatrical arena. He has his own production company which focuses on Musical Theatre and Vocal Ensembles. 


Lower Brass | Trombone | Euphonium | Tuba

Zoe Gougousidis is a Composer, Euphonium player and Trombonist based in Sydney, Australia. She is completing a Bachelor of Music (Composition) at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, additionally undertaking elective studies in Euphonium performance.


Zoe has studied Euphonium under Brad Lucas and James Blackford. She is currently the 1st Baritone player in Warringah Concert Brass,  as well as performing as a jazz and classical Trombonist. She has been playing music since age 8 and has performed at numerous competitions, including at the NSW State Band Championships and Australian National Band Championships. She has completed her 8th Grade AMEB exam on Euphonium.


As a composer, Zoe has been selected as a finalist in the Australian Women's Wind Band Composition Award (2021), with a premiere by the Queensland Wind Orchestra set for 2022, and was a winner in the Artology Fanfare Composition Award (2021), premiered by the Sydney Youth Orchestra in April 2022. She has written works for ensembles around Sydney, including a commissioned work for the Kuringai Youth Orchestra in 2022, and a work premiered by Warringah Concert Brass in 2021, as well as many works performed by fellow students at the Sydney Conservatorium.


She additionally has experience as a sound engineer, having acted as Head Audio Engineer for numerous concerts and recording sessions at the Conservatorium.


Saxophone

Having accumulated eight years of experience playing the saxophone and participating in concert jazz bands, Isabella is dedicated to inspiring students to embrace enthusiasm and consistently deliver their best performances.


Working with children brings her great joy, and she aims to cultivate a positive musical atmosphere that fosters their growth and passion.

Emily Newham


French Horn

As a professional performer and horn fellow with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Emily brings a high level of excellence and professionalism to her lessons, making her a highly inspirational and fabulous Tutor.


Her students respond well to her warm and gentle nature.


Emily studied at the Australian National Academy of Music, the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University and has  A.MusA on French Horn.


She has performed with:

  • Sydney Symphony
  • New Zealand Symphony
  • Western Australian Symphony
  • Australian World Orchestra
  • Orchestra Victoria.

Paul Lacey


Bass Guitar


With a rhythm that resonates through the ages, Paul has shared the stage with Johnny Young, Normie Rowe, Kamahl, Patricia Amphlett (Little Pattie), and Johnny Devlin. Paul plays the bass guitar, having provided the rhythmic backbone for Richard Charlton at Ashcam in combined Cranbrook, Sydney Grammar, and more in captivating productions of musical gems like "West Side Story" and "The Wiz."


Paul's true passion lies in shaping the future of music through his role as a Bass Guitar tutor. Guiding and mentoring aspiring musicians, he finds joy in witnessing his students fulfil their wishes to play music. 


Luis Reys


Guitar



Students have described Luis as the most amazing gentle spirited guitar teacher - they find his talent and passion for teaching inspiring.  He has a career of more than twenty years, playing the guitar alongside artists of various nationalities. 


He also has a strong academic career and has taught guitar and music theory classes for over twenty years.


In 2019 Luis released his first solo album, “The Enjoyner”, inspired by his video project “Music es un Voyage” which since 2017 has taken Luis to meet and collaborate with more than 90 musicians in 20 countries around 5 continents.


Luis completed his Master's Degree in Music Composition at the Australian Institute of Music (AIM) in 2017.


For 8 years Luis taught guitar at the Berklee Music College partner in South America (Conservatorium Souza Lima, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, one of the most renowned music schools in Latin America) and was the artistic and pedagogical coordinator of the Vocational Program of arts for the Sao Paulo council, being in charge for planning and overseeing the music department in schools in the city. 



Ryu Kodama


Drums

Ryu Kodama is a Sydney-based drummer performing with a wide range of projects.
Born in Tokyo, Japan, raised in Auckland, New Zealand, Ryu studied under the legendary jazz drummer Frank Gibson Jr. During his high school years, Ryu was awarded with the most outstanding drummer award twice, and the most outstanding musician award at the Tauranga National Youth Jazz Competitions. Ryu was also selected for the New Zealand Youth Jazz Orchestra, touring with guest artist Dick Oatts from the Village Vanguard Big Band.
Now, after completing his Honours year at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music in Jazz Performance under the tutelage of Dr. Simon Barker, Ryu is performing with many up-and-coming original bands and artists around Sydney such as Jiem, Kosher Groove, Prog Dylan, Anoesis and others. 
Ryu has experience teaching privately, catering flexibly to the needs of the individual students. He has also had opportunities to tutor in masterclass/workshop settings in ANU Canberra and The Southern Highlands. Ryu particularly enjoys helping students to discover new challenges and helping them overcome their individual challenges and improve.

Ben Tsai


Drums

Ben is an enthusiastic drummer and multi-instrumentalist who loves to perform, write, and teach music.


He has performed the drums for over 9 years in numerous ensembles and bands and has wide experience in various genres and styles.


Ben has been tutoring drums for several years and has extensive experience with school-based ensembles.


 He believes in mentoring and guiding his students with proper technique while also making the music they enjoy, developing lifelong confidence and creativity.

Vanessa Purnama


All Brass Instruments

Vanessa is a passionate, dedicated brass tutor who loves watching her students excel in their chosen instrument.

She has a kind, empathetic approach to teaching, and firmly believes that every child should have a chance to learn and appreciate music.


Having been in bands for 9 years, Vanessa understands the joys and frustrations that playing an instrument can bring, especially within an ensemble.


Therefore, she seeks to guide her students through their own journeys.


She is currently doing a double Bachelor's degree in Education and Arts at Macquarie University, as well as teaching for the Amadeus Program.

Anne Johnson


Piano

Anne is a graduate of the NSW Conservatorium of Music where she received her DSCM (Performer and Teacher), Bachelor of Music Education and 7th Grade Musicianship.


Over the past 25 years, Anne has worked as a secondary music teacher and private music teacher (piano), preparing students of all ages for AMEB piano and musicianship exams or teaching those who just want to learn for fun.


Anne thoroughly enjoys playing the piano and believes that it is one of the most rewarding instruments to learn, for either personal enjoyment or the more serious musician.


She has a warm and approachable manner and aims to develop a student's passion for playing this beautiful instrument.


Chiara Minotto


Woodwind

Chiara is a Composer and woodwind teacher based in Sydney, Australia. She is currently studying Composition for Creative Industries, and various jazz saxophone classes at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music


She has recently performed with the Sydney Conservatorium Big Band 3, Spectra Jazz Orchestra, PCSD (10 Part Jazz Orchestra), and the 60 Four on their national tour. Additionally, she has had her compositions performed by the Conservatorium Big Band 3 and PCSD.


When teaching students, she likes to create a supportive, low-stress environment for her students to learn, explore, and enjoy music. She has experience teaching jazz and improvisation, classical music, popular music, composition, and theory. 


Constantine Karatenislis


Clarinet | Saxophone

Constantine Karatenislis is an experienced saxophone player and teacher, full-time clarinetist, Section Leader (Melbourne) in the Royal Australian Navy Band and currently serves in the Royal Australian Navy Band in Sydney.


With an extensive musical background, Constantine has been teaching classical clarinet since 2013, catering to students from beginners to the most advanced levels. He has contributed to various ensembles, including the Australian Youth Orchestra, Geelong Concert Band, and Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Orchestra.


Constantine has received accolades such as being a finalist in the Australian Classical Music Competition and winning the South Street Woodwind Soloist (Under 18). Notably, he triumphed in the Clasax Buffet Crampon Clarinet Competition in 2017 and the Margaret Sutherland Bursary Competition.


Constantine continues to showcase his talent, recently making it to the final round of auditions for the Sydney Symphony Orchestra Fellowship.


He fosters a great connection with his students, creating a learning environment where passion for music is nurtured alongside individual growth and development.


Brenda Halim


Piano

Brenda started learning piano at the age 6 and received her music education at Lembaga Musik Murni

which is now known as Sumatra Conservatoire in Medan, Indonesia. She went on to further her

studies in Singapore, Melbourne and Sydney, where piano has always been a huge part of her

life.



With almost a decade of experience working with young children, and passionate not just to teach, but also to cultivate the love of music in each individual child and adult alike. Brenda is able to tailor the

lessons for each student, achieving considerable results. Currently, Brenda is studying Associate of

Teaching aiming for accreditation in teaching. 

Frances Campese


Lower brass

Frances Campese is a specialist Low Brass music teacher and came to teaching after first having a career in banking and HR. After having young children of her own Frances decided a change to teaching music would have a better work life balance for her and her family.


Frances first learnt to play music on recorder in primary school and started on trombone in high school. Frances has had 40+ years of learning and playing music in community concert bands. As a Low Brass specialist Frances can  play and teach trombone, euphonium, baritone horn and tuba.


For fun Frances sings and plays ukulele, and especially loves community singing. 

Courtney Cousins


Piano | Flute

Courtney is an experienced flute and piano teacher, having been teaching students privately for five years, and in schools across Sydney. She has taught beginner to advanced students, including up to AMEB certificate level, and has successfully prepared students for music scholarship auditions into high school. She is a great believer in making music fun and accessible to all ages, no matter one’s musical background. 


Courtney can support students through AMEB exams, or put together a bespoke course depending on what her students need and enjoy. 


No matter what instrument, Courtney’s lessons support a number of musical skills including reading music, aural and listening skills, sight reading, improvisation, composition and music theory. Courtney can also support music theory exams with AMEB if her students are interested. 


She has graduated from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music with a Bachelor of Music (Composition) with First Class Honours. She is a flautist, pianist, composer and music director. She writes instrumental, electroacoustic  and vocal music; in 2023 she worked with Concordia Ensemble on the development of a new opera “Echo” which she wrote, composed and directed in June. She made her conducting debut with the ensemble in August 2023 with their performance of Mozart’s Don Giovanni.


Nish Manjunath


Flute | Saxophone | Clarinet

Nish Manjunath is one of Sydney's premier Saxophonists, Producers and Jazz Improvisors. His performing credits include appearances with 'Solange Knowles' (US) @ Sydney Opera House, 'Yolanda Be Cool' (AUS) @ Club Ivy, and 'Arrested Development' (US) @ Enmore Theatre. He also has had numerous engagements as a session musician in radio/television, appearing on Triple J's 'Like A Version' with 'RUEL' (AUS), channel 7's program 'The Voice AU', as well the ABC program 'The Recording Studio'.


Recently returned from a 2 year sabbatical in the New York City where he also performed alongside US contemporary jazz heavyweights Walter Smith III, Jason Palmer, Bruno Raberg and Francesca Remigi, Manjunath continues to push the boundaries with his own original music - regularly writing, performing and touring with his group 'ARCING WIRES'.


"An exciting band of virtuosi with an abundance of energy, creativity and youthful exuberance - this is today’s jazz for a new audience."


Mike Nock, Sydney Jan 2020.


I strongly believe in the power of music, and the study of artistic practices in general, to elevate a child's interpersonal skills, brain growth, memory and concentration, discipline, communication skills and social skills. While these benefits are very well documented through scientific study, the joy which music can create for both the performer and listener alike is definitely self-evident. Exposing children to this joy, and fostering a passion for music appreciation, and self-confidence through achievement gives me immense satisfaction, and it's my sincere wish that all children should have the opportunity to experience this for themselves.

Christian Brasche


Brass


Christian studied Trumpet performance at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and has performed extensively in the Classical and Commercial domains. He has performed with orchestras, chamber music groups and as a soloist. His commercial experience has included swing, jazz, pop and Latin styles and he has performed at major Australian music festivals and on Television.


He has conducted and tutored at some of Sydney’s top Private schools and had success conducting at eisteddfods, band competitions and band festivals. He has conducted at the Sydney Town Hall Schools Proms concert series.   


Jasmine Good


Saxophone | Clarinet




Jasmine is a dynamic performer, teacher, and lifelong learner with over 10 years of experience playing the Saxophone at a Grade 8 AMEB equivalent level. She has successfully translated her skills to become a proficient clarinettist, excelling in Classical, Jazz, pop, musical theatre, and children's songs. With a strong foundation in both genres, Jasmine is well-versed in grading requirements and adept at guiding beginners.


Currently pursuing a degree in Music (Composition) at the Sydney Conservatorium, she has assisted numerous students in gaining admission to the Conservatorium for various degrees and the CON High School. Jasmine's passion lies in teaching individuals at all stages of their musical journey, valuing the exchange of knowledge with her students.



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