Music

I have been a Trumpet tutor at schools and The University of Adelaide’s Elder Conservatorium from 2010 to present. Some theatre productions I’ve played in since 1978 include Chicago, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Westside Story and South Pacific. Have worked with Idina Menzel (Frozen), Human Nature, Olivia Newton John, John Farnham and Daniel John (Silver Chair). My passions are my family and teaching trumpet and learning languages.

In Australia I have played as a casual Principal Trumpet with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, Adelaide Concert Orchestra, Tasmanian Symphony, section player with West Australian Symphony and New Zealand Philharmonic. Recently played with Malaysian Philharmonic in Kuala Lumpur.

I currently teach Violin but have played both Violin and Piano for 15 years. I am studying at university and am a part of the Symphony Orchestra at the Adelaide Conservatorium, as well as the worship band at Seeds Church. I am very passionate about music and would really love to teach you too! I am offering piano and violin lessons for beginners, right up to more competent players. Please do not hesitate to contact me as I would love to start you on your musical journey.

Since 1998 I have used my passion and experience to establish and operate my Instrumental Teaching Business and taught students privately from home and in Christian and public schools.

I pride myself on my patience, gentle nature, and passion to nurture students’ enjoyment of music and enjoy seeing them thrive. I have assisted over 100 students in achieving A+’s to Bs in their AMEB flute and piano exams, supported several students to win music scholarships, and another has been offered a position on the Junior Adelaide Symphony Orchestra.

I have performed at weddings and concerts both as a soloist and in various ensembles, choirs, bands and musicals. As a vocalist and instrumentalist, I was a founding member of Limited Edition, a group comprised of ex Brighton High associates performing at paid and charity events including Carols by Candlelight.

With over 20 years of piano teaching experience, my primary goals for all my students is that they continue to play, create and enjoy music throughout their lives. I place a strong emphasis on the process of learning music by consistently asking two questions:

Q1: Is the student enjoying what she/he is playing?
Q2: Have they acquired the skills necessary to support them when they become independent pianists?

I hold an Honours degree in Piano Performance and Music Education (B.Mus) from The Elder Conservatorium at The University of Adelaide. Fluent in seven languages/dialects, I actively contribute to the music scene as a pianist, keyboardist, music educator, AMEB piano examiner, accompanist, arranger, songwriter and concert organiser. My expertise spans diverse music genres, including Classical, Pop, worship, play-by-ear techniques, jazz, composition, and music theory. This allows me to offer comprehensive instruction across a broad musical range.

I have a Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Arts, and Master of Teaching. With a liking for jazz, soul, RnB, and funk genres, I have sung at the Adelaide Fringe and citywide venues. I enjoy teaching students a variety of styles and appreciate each student’s unique talent and I’m commitment to nurturing future musicians.

I have been teaching one-to-one saxophone and clarinet lessons for over a decade. In 2017, he received a full scholarship to the Los Angeles College of Music, where I studied before returning to complete my B.Mus (Honours) in Jazz Performance. Specialising in a range of styles, I have performed with artists ranging from popular hip hop artists "The Hilltop Hoods", to Australian jazz icons John and James Morrison.

I am currently the Director of Big Bands at Pembroke School. I also teach woodwind at St Peter's College, Concordia College, Nazareth College, as well as teaching at Emmaus and in my own private studio.

I am a passionate educator, advocate for music learning and a certified Bigger Better Brains Facilitator. I'm the treasurer and councilor of the Music Teachers’ Association of South Australia, and I am regularly involved in mentoring other teachers and facilitating professional development opportunities.

You'll often see me performing in the Adelaide music scene, playing violin in the Glenhuntly Quartet and the Adelaide Fringe. I recently played bassoon in the Australian premier of the powerful mass 'The Armed Man' by Karl Jenkins, for orchestra and choir, accompanied by a film.

I currently provide individual saxophone and clarinet lessons at Emmaus and other local schools. Additionally, I also contribute to the Year 5/6 band program at Emmaus. My passion for music began during my primary school years, influenced by my school music teacher, church, and piano teacher.

Presently, I am part of various bands and ensembles, such as the Lindy Hip Big Band, Holdfast Bay Concert Band, Fusion Pops Orchestra, a funk band, and a saxophone quartet. I perform a range of genres, encompassing contemporary, jazz, swing, classical, and everything in between at local venues and the Adelaide Fringe.

I have played drums all over the country with more musicians than I can remember, recorded albums of my own, and recently was given a Don Burrows Award for Recognition of Long Service for Music Tutors in Independent Schools.

After leaving school I started playing in my own bands and auditioning for others, turning professional at the age of 19, and that was also when I started teaching. There isn't really anything else that I could imagine doing for a living.

I have been teaching guitar at Emmaus for 25 years. Emmaus Christian College stands out as a school that excels in its commitment to music.

Over the years I have seen many fine guitarists come through the school, many of which have gone onto careers in music themselves. I remain passionate about teaching and teach any style of guitar. Each student's learning is targeted to their needs and the learning journey is always collaborative with styles and music chosen to suit.

I have been teaching the piano at Emmaus for 25 years and from my home studio for longer. Students have ranged from beginners to Grade 8 piano, and several have gone on to study piano at university level. My interest in the piano was inspired by recordings of classical music played in the family home. Aside from playing the piano I enjoy gardening and listening to music.

Past experiences include organising church musicals and being the accompanist for a church choir. More recently I undertook some study in teaching the piano to students with diverse learning needs and disabilities.