Piano teachers

Danny Lee

Danny Lee

Piano

Danny is a passionate university student with a love for music! He’s already earned his 8th grade AMEB certificate and is gearing up for his cMus exams. Over the past couple of years, Danny has been active in piano competitions, including the Australian National Eisteddfod and the ACTKA piano competition. He was also part of his high school band and was the accompanist for his local church vocal band.

Danny is excited to share his love for the piano with anyone who wants to learn—whether you’re just starting out and looking for a fun new hobby, preparing for exams, interested in competitions, or simply want to learn some awesome songs to show off to friends and family. He’s all about making learning enjoyable, supportive, and motivating, and he’s especially into contemporary, romantic, and classical music. Whatever your musical goals, Danny will do his best to help you reach them!

Wei Cheng

Wei Cheng

Piano

With more than seven years of teaching experience in higher education, Wei is a dedicated educator specialising in music pedagogy, piano performance, and arts education. Holding a Master of Education Studies from the University of Canberra and a Master of Musical Arts from South Ukrainian National Pedagogical University, Wei has developed a deep understanding of both the theoretical and practical aspects of music education.

In her previous roles, Wei guided and recommended students for professional competitions and piano examinations, many of whom went on to win awards. As a result, she was recognised multiple times as an excellent instructor.

Additionally, she is fluent in Mandarin, Cantonese, and English, bringing a multicultural perspective to her work and fostering inclusive, dynamic learning environments.

Ren Colina-Alcazar

Ren Colina-Alcazar

Piano

Ren is an adaptable piano teacher who is more than capable to guide your child in their musical journey, whether it be their first steps into the world of piano, or well into studying for their AMEB exams. Ren prioritises hands-on learning and fostering creativity within his students.

Ren has been playing the piano for 9 years, and has since then also branched out to other musical instruments, such as trumpet, guitar, bass guitar, and tuned percussion. Ren is also an amateur composer, and in 2023 was the ACT winner of the ASME National Young Composers Project. Ren seeks to improve their craft and write for chamber music and orchestras.

Josh Hu

Josh Hu

Piano and Violin

Joshua Hu teaches violin and piano with students ranging from beginner to advanced. Josh’s teaching style involves developing a strong technical foundation in order to meet students musical and creative goals. Josh has been awarded his Licentiate in Music for violin by the AMEB and has experience in leading his students through their own AMEB exams. Josh appreciates an open dialogue with his students about their musical journey and what they wish to achieve in their lessons.

 

Josh is currently teaching at our Belconnen and Weston studios.

Lily Nguyen

Lily Nguyen

Piano

Lily is a music student at the Australian National University with a profound love and appreciation for the piano, which she has been playing since she was a kid. She understands just how important fostering an enjoyment for the instrument that you are learning is, and also knows just how rewarding it can be for a student when they notice improvement in themselves owing to their own hard work, or when they are enjoying and being challenged by the learning that they do. It is one of Lily’s greatest joys to foster a love for the instrument that she loves in her own students, whether that is by transcribing their favourite songs, or showing them the hammers of the piano striking the strings, or by engaging in deeper discussions of the music they are playing.

Lily holds an AMEB Certificate of Performance in piano and loves playing in bands and accompanying vocalists in her spare time. She warmly welcomes all students.

Tracy Pei

Tracy Pei

Piano

Tracy has been passionate about music from a young age, a passion that led her to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education. During her studies, she received comprehensive training in music theory, history, and pedagogy. With over 15 years of teaching experience, Tracy has worked with students of all ages and skill levels.

Her teaching philosophy centers on nurturing a genuine love for music while making the learning process both enjoyable and engaging. She aims to inspire her students to continue playing and appreciating music throughout their lives. Tracy also holds ABRSM qualificationns in both Piano with distinction and Theory.

Dawn Dyson

Dawn Dyson

Piano

Dawn Dyson first discovered her passion for piano at age 4 and has been in love with the instrument ever since. Previously Newcastle-based, she graduated from Merewether High School in 2021, where she studied Music 2 and Music Extension (with a musicology elective) and was awarded the Max Coombs award and course distinctions for first in cohort for Music 2. Dawn is classically trained at a Grade 8 AMEB Pianoforte level and enjoys playing a wide range of musical genres. Although piano is her main passion, she has also forayed into vocals, trumpet, and mallet percussion and was a dedicated member of her local orchestra, band, percussion ensemble, and choir.

Dawn currently studies a bachelor’s of Vision Science at University of Canberra. Her love for music has been irreplaceable in her life, and it would be her dream to share her experiences and knowledge with her students! Whether looking to try out something new or to expand a pre-existing talent, Dawn aims to instil her students with an appreciation for the art and technique of piano that they will carry with them for years to come.

 

Dawn is currently teaching at our Belconnen studio.

Anne Tey

Anne Tey

Piano

Anne has developed a passion for music since a young age, especially classical pieces. Anne hopes her students will enjoy music playing throughout their learning process.

Anne has been playing music for over 19 years & has been a music tutor here in Australia & her home country for a number of years.

Anne is currently working to obtain an Associate from  the London College of Music (ALCM). Anne has also completed Grade 8 Piano & Theory through ABRSM. Anne also has Diploma of the London College of Music (DipLCM)

Anne is currently teaching at our Weston and Fyshwick studios.

Kate Cameron

Piano

Kate Cameron is a highly experienced music educator. Clocking up over two decades with CMT, Kate has outstanding success with students of all ages and levels, and has an exemplary record of student AMEB results.

Kate is extremely community-minded and is heavily involved with the Yass Music Society.

Kate is currently teaching at our Weston studio.

Sheila Rasanen

Piano

Sheila is a warm and nurturing piano teacher with a large following of students. Having taught with CMT for over a decade, Sheila is considered a cornerstone of our teaching crew.

Sheila has a love for things retro and if you don’t find her in front of a piano, you’ll probably find her near a vintage car or two.

Sheila is currently teaching at our Weston and Belconnen studios.

Helena Victoria

Piano and Violin

One of the things Helena likes best about teaching music is the variety of work. She might start her day helping a tiny little person to read middle C for the first time, half an hour later she might be discussing with a mature student how they can realise the finer points of phrasing in their Beethoven sonata. 

 

She began learning the piano when she was 4. When she was 8, her family moved to Australia where she discovered she wasn’t very good at sport, so she took up learning the violin so she could join a student orchestra and make some friends. She still loves playing in orchestras and bands regularly. She began teaching music part time in 1999 when she was studying music at UWA, and continued working part time teaching music while studying for a B.A with Honours at the ANU.

 

When her daughter was born in 2007, music pedagogy went from being an interesting part-time job that also allowed her time to compose and perform, to gradually becoming the secondary focus of her life, (alongside her daughter) so she could give her the best start in life. In her 1st ten years of studying music, her daughter has gone from a beginner violin and piano student, to preparing for her 8th grade violin exam and playing in the Canberra Youth Orchestra, and still playing the piano for leisure. Her other students are at various stages, on similar pathways to their own measures of success and fulfillment. Her years of experience in teaching music seem to fly by, and add up quickly, perhaps because she stills enjoy her job –  time flies when one is having fun! 

In addition to English, Helena is able to teach in German.

Helena is currently teaching at our Weston studio.

Sam Row

Piano

Sam graduated from the Queensland Conservatorium at Griffith University in 2016 with Bachelor of Music and a major in classical piano. Since moving to Queanbeyan, Sam has continued classical piano studies with Colin Forbes. Currently Sam teaches piano and accompanies soloists, the Manning Clark Singers, and the Queanbeyan Community Choir.

Growing up in North Queensland, Sam enjoyed playing for many music theatre productions in Ayr, most recently Addams Family, Boy from Oz, Phantom of the Opera, Wicked and Shrek.

Sam has been involved in the Canberra area music theatre community as repetiteur and orchestra member, playing keyboard for performances of Chicago, Strictly Ballroom, Barnum, Beauty and the Beast, and Legally Blonde with Canberra Philharmonic; 42nd Street and radio promotion of Les Miserables with Free Rain Company; Hello Dolly and Sound of Music with Queanbeyan Players.

In 2019 Sam worked with the team at Canberra Opera as repetiteur for Cavalleria Rusticana and for market performances, then from 2020 for the National Opera rehearsals of La Rondine and Opera Chorus Gala. He has also presented several piano recitals at Wesley Music Centre in Canberra.

Sam hopes to pass on his love of music performance and interest in music theory to his students.

Sam is currently teaching at our Weston, Fyshwick, and Belconnen studios.

Rory Quirk

Piano and Drums

Rory Quirk is a multi-talented piano teacher whose musical career spans a wide variety of styles. Completing a Bachelor of Music Composition (AIM 2010) and a Bachelor of Secondary Education (UC 2015), Rory is passionate about music education and has been teaching for over 5 years.

Rory’s general teaching philosophy aims to tailor lessons to suit individual needs and goals, while providing a solid grounding in the fundamentals of music. Students are exposed to a variety of repertoire to ensure diversity in their learning.

Rory is currently teaching at our Weston and Fyshwick studios.

Azadeh Atri

Piano

BMus Hons, PhD
For the past ten years I have been teaching piano at primary schools and Canberra Music Tuition.

My teaching style is one of encouragement and support, and I am passionate about passing on my knowledge and furthering my teaching experience. I love helping students on their musical journey whether they are preparing for the AMEB exams or simply developing a love for playing.

I completed my Bachelor of Music degree at the Australian National University where I took piano lessons from Arnan Wiesel. Throughout my studies, I have participated in lessons and master-classes with Geoffrey Tozer, Geoffrey Lancaster, Geoffrey Saba, John Luxton and many others.

My passion for teaching led me to compose piano pieces of pedagogic intent for my Honours thesis. I completed my Honours degree with Professor Larry Sitsky in 2009 and received First Class Honours. These compositions can be found in the ANU and NLA websites: https://openresearch-repository.anu.edu.au/handle/1885/8989, http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/164774435?q&versionId=179617992. These pieces set out to work on some of the principles of the piano technique. Apart from piano pedagogy, my other research interests include the music of the avant-garde composers, music analysis and art/music teachers’ professional development
(education.unimelb.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/…/upitis-atri-paper.pdf).

I have recently completed my doctoral studies at the ANU School of Music under the
supervision of Professor Sitsky. In my PhD thesis I examined the piano compositions of
the Russian avant-garde composer, Nikolai Obukhov.

Azadeh is currently teaching at our Belconnen studio.

Guitar Teachers

Evan Marshalsey

Evan Marshalsey

Evan Marshalsey has been playing guitar for over 15 years and bass for over a decade. Graduating with a Diploma of Music Performance from CIT in 2018, Evan has performed and recorded with an eclectic number of artists including Citizen Kay, Genesis Owusu, JEP, The Burley Griffin and many others.

With over 5 years of teaching experience, his lessons focus on the individual students musical interests, as well as music theory. Proficient in numerous styles of music from Jazz to Hard Rock , Evan wishes to pass on musical versatility and passion to all students of any age or skill level.

Mert Boyali

Mert Boyali

Guitar

Mert is a current student at the Australian National University, studying a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance alongside Engineering. He began his musical journey at age seven on violin before moving to guitar at ten, developing his skills across rock, jazz, and contemporary styles, and is now focusing on film composition.
Mert has received several performing arts awards, including the ANU’s Whitworth Roach Scholarship in music, and has earned multiple nominations and wins for Best Film Score at film festivals across Australia. He welcomes students of all levels, ages, and genres. So whether you want to shred, write your own music, or just learn to play your favourite songs, come along!

Damian Ashcroft

Damian Ashcroft

Guitar

Damian began teaching at CMT in 2014. He prioritises fundamental concepts over specific repertoire as “understanding how the tools work is much more useful than just being told what to build with them”.

Receiving an Advanced Diploma of Music from CIT in 2014, Damian is long-standing member of Canberra’s professional music scene, working as a guitarist, bassist and singer in cover bands, original music outfits and as an accompanist for improv theatre performance. More recently he has been composing and producing music for the Surrealia podcast. You can hear some of his work here.

Damian’s lessons focus on developing strong technique, and encourage composition and improvisation early on. He encourages students to take a self-directed approach to their lessons, and can cover a broad range of contemporary styles.

Damian currently teaches at our Weston and Belconnen studios.

Michael Rushby

Guitar

Michael Rushby joins us from the Young Regional School of Music where he taught guitar for many years.

After completing a Diploma of Music Performance at CIT in Canberra, Michael commenced studying at the ANU School of Music, for his Bachelor of Music in Jazz guitar performance, studying under Greg Stott.

Michael has taught at CMT for over 5 years and is enthusiastic about all styles of guitar playing, guiding students to engage in their preferred musical styles for optimal enjoyment and development.

Michael is currently teaching at our Weston and Belconnen studios.

 

Voice/Singing Teachers

Grace Blomfield

Grace Blomfield

Voice

Grace graduated from The Australian National University in 2025 with a Bachelor of Music and a Bachelor of Science, and is currently completing her PhD in Astrophysics. She has been singing in both contemporary and classical ensembles for as long as she can remember, and works professionally in choir performance, studio recording, and jazz/pop band leading. In her spare time she composes music for short films around Canberra, and performs in as many musicals and bands as possible. At the ANU she was awarded two music scholarships: the Dennis Griffin Piano Scholarship for composition, and the Myrtle Thomas Scholarship for outstanding female music students.

Though her vocal training was in Musical Theatre, Grace’s musical interests include everything from Jazz to Punk to Folk, and she tailors her lessons to the preferred musical style of the student. Her teaching style focuses on encouraging a love of music and confidence in performance, whilst also providing a healthy technical basis for students to develop their vocal strength and style. Utilising her tertiary music education, Grace incorporates music theory into her lessons to develop students ears and musicality, even from a young age. Proficient in both piano and guitar, she also supports multi-instrumentalists looking to develop their skills in singing while self-accompanied.

Audrey Wilson

Audrey Wilson

Voice

Audrey has extensive singing experience, performing in concerts, musicals, open mics and eisteddfods. Growing up, she received formal vocal training from Theresa Rayner, where she developed strong foundations in both singing and music theory. Audrey enjoys singing a wide range of genres including musical theatre, jazz, country, opera, and contemporary music. She also performs as part of a singing duo (known as ‘The Lovelies’), where she sings and accompanies performances on guitar and piano.

Audrey is actively involved with the Country Music Association and recently opened for Luke O’Shea and Lyn Bowtell during their Love and Laughter Tour. She also regularly performs at fundraisers and community events.

Audrey is currently studying a Bachelor of Primary Education specialising in creative arts, with a focus on music. Aside from music, she also coaches competitive gymnastics after previously being a gymnast herself.

Audrey’s philosophy for teaching singing is to foster students’ passion for music while developing the skills they need to nurture and strengthen their voices. Her teaching focuses on building students’ confidence, expressiveness, and vocal ability.

Audrey teaches at both our Weston and Belconnen studios.

String Teachers

Chris Ramazani

Chris Ramazani

Cello

Chris began learning the cello in 2009 when he was nine years old, learning from local teachers in his hometown of Armidale, a country town in northern New South Wales. Throughout primary and high school, he participated in local orchestras and live performances such as with the Armidale Youth Orchestra and the Armidale Symphony Orchestra. He completed his Grade 8 AMEB exam in Cello Performance and Grade 5 Music Theory exam in 2017, and in May 2018, while studying for his HSC, won the New England String Championship (Open) during the annual Armidale Eisteddfod.

In 2020, Chris relocated to Canberra to study at the Canberra Institute of Technology, where he obtained a Diploma of Music Industry (Performance). In 2021, he began studying a Bachelor of Music at the Australian National University’s School of Music, and will graduate in July 2024. Rather than pursuing cello performance, he chose to major in Composition for Film & Video Games and Music Technology, for which he is very passionate about.

In 2024, Chris commenced teaching at CMT. He welcomes all, musical background or not, to learn the art of making music through the cello. He also welcomes all parents and guardians who wish to actively observe and participate in their child’s lesson.

Outside of musical endeavours, Chris enjoys going on long walks, exercising at the gym, and reading. He also has perfect pitch, and can name all 197 countries in the world.

Robert White

Robert White

Strings

Robert began playing violin at the age of 6 followed by viola at the age of 14. He is currently in his final year studying a double degree in Music Performance and Science at the ANU, where he has studied viola with Tor Frømyhr, Kirsten Williams, and John Ma. Robert has performed in ensembles including the ANU Orchestra and Chamber Orchesta, and with the Canberra Choral Society under the direction of harpsichordist Erin Helyard, as well as in various chamber groups at functions and events around Canberra. As part of his university studies, he has also completed an independent research project on beginner level violin pedagogical methods.

Robert strives to make lessons fun and engaging, while also ensuring the development of a strong technical foundation. He enjoys working with students to help them develop strategies to overcome challenges in their playing. Lessons with Robert often also include singing, listening activities, and music theory games to help students develop their musical ability in an enjoyable way.

Brad Tham

Brad Tham

Violin

Brad is a recent graduate from the ANU, holding a Bachelor of Music and a Bachelor of Science. Brad has appeared in the music scene around Canberra in events that have included Canberra Sinfonia, Canberra Bach Ensemble, Musica da Camera, Qwire, as well as the Canberra International Music Festival (CIMF). Hailing from the Central Coast in NSW, Brad has a wealth of knowledge and experience across many different styles of music including Early Music and folk and wishes to continue exploring more genres. He was invited to the Parliament House to play for the Minister of Education as part of an effort to improve musical education in schools and later played again for the Minister of Arts to advocate for an improvement of the facilities of the Central Coast Conservatorium. As a soloist, Brad has played major concertos in front of the ANU Orchestra, Musica da Camera, as well as the Symphony Central Coast.

As well as solo experience, Brad also has extensive experience working in and with orchestras and chamber music ensembles. Brad has held several Concertmaster positions including those in Sydney Youth Orchestras, ANU Orchestra, ANU Chamber Orchestra, and his hometown youth orchestra. Currently, he sits in first violin in the Canberra Symphony Orchestra. He has also workshopped with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and the London Symphony Orchestra. In 2018, Brad was asked to play alongside Foreigner in their 40th anniversary Australian tour. Brad was a Wesley Music Scholar between 2021 and 2024 and through the program’s support, co-founded the Ellery String Quartet which is in its fourth year of running. Notable performances include appearances at the National Folk Festival (2024, 2025), CIMF (2021, 2024, 2025), as well as a concert under the stars atop Mount Stromlo.

When it comes to teaching, Brad believes that everyone has the ability to play and enjoy music and wishes to bring that enjoyment out of every student by making lessons fun and interesting. He will always try to encourage students to try new things and not be afraid to make mistakes.

Brad is currently teaching at our Weston studios.

Helena Victoria

Piano and Violin

One of the things Helena likes best about teaching music is the variety of work. She might start her day helping a tiny little person to read middle C for the first time, half an hour later she might be discussing with a mature student how they can realise the finer points of phrasing in their Beethoven sonata. 

 

She began learning the piano when she was 4. When she was 8, her family moved to Australia where she discovered she wasn’t very good at sport, so she took up learning the violin so she could join a student orchestra and make some friends. She still loves playing in orchestras and bands regularly. She began teaching music part time in 1999 when she was studying music at UWA, and continued working part time teaching music while studying for a B.A with Honours at the ANU.

 

When her daughter was born in 2007, music pedagogy went from being an interesting part-time job that also allowed her time to compose and perform, to gradually becoming the secondary focus of her life, (alongside her daughter) so she could give her the best start in life. In her 1st ten years of studying music, her daughter has gone from a beginner violin and piano student, to preparing for her 8th grade violin exam and playing in the Canberra Youth Orchestra, and still playing the piano for leisure. Her other students are at various stages, on similar pathways to their own measures of success and fulfillment. Her years of experience in teaching music seem to fly by, and add up quickly, perhaps because she stills enjoy her job –  time flies when one is having fun! 

In addition to English, Helena is able to teach in German.

Helena is currently teaching at our Weston studio.

Brass Teachers

Caitlyn Bool

Caitlyn Bool

Brass

Caitlyn is currently studying a Bachelor of Education in Secondary Music at the University of New England with a goal of becoming a classroom music teacher and professional musician. After working in the IT Industry for the last 20 years, she has now left IT to follow her lifelong passion of playing, teaching music and being involved in the various aspects of the music industry.

Caitlyn has been playing Trombone for over 35 years and has enjoyed playing in numerous bands across a variety of styles. In her earlier years he performed in concert bands, jazz bands and orchestras as well as playing in the Queensland Youth Orchestra’s Wind Ensemble, Jazz band and the Second Youth Orchestra.

She has continued to play in various community bands throughout Queensland and New South Wales including the South Bank Marching band, Brisbane Symphonic Band, BSB Swing and Stringybark Jazz Band. She also played in the pit for many musicals in Brisbane and some professional musicals at the Gold Coast Arts Centre. The highlight of these would be playing for Sweeney Todd with Rob Guest.

Since moving to Canberra in 2012, she has continued playing in various community bands and pit bands for musicals with the Queanbeyan Players. She is currently playing with the Blamey Street and Connexion Big Bands.

 

Caitlyn is currently teaching at our Belconnen, Weston, and Fyshwick studios.

Jackson Boyd

Jackson Boyd

Trumpet

Jackson is a multi-instrumentalist with a focus on the trumpet and bugle. He started learning the trumpet in the Garran Primary School Band and currently performs in a range of orchestral and jazz music ensembles including the ANU Orchestra, Canberra Youth Orchestra, and Sonus Big Band. In 2023, Jackson was named as one of the five fellows in the inaugural Canberra Symphony Orchestra Kingsland Fellowship Program. The fellows were chosen from a highly competitive audition process for their outstanding musicianship and eagerness to make a significant contribution to the artistic community of Canberra.
Since 2018, Jackson has played the Last Post at the Australian War Memorial on a regular basis. He also volunteers his bugling services for funerals around Canberra.

Currently, Jackson is studying a Bachelor of Science majoring in Chemistry and Earth Science at the Australian National University.

Jackson is currently teaching at our Belconnen, Fyshwick, and Weston studios

Woodwind Teachers

Izzy Douglass

Izzy Douglass

Flute

Izzy’s musical journey commenced at the age of 5, when she began learning the descant recorder under the guidance of her grandmother. Her passion for music blossomed further when she joined her primary school orchestra, and by year 5, she eagerly picked up the flute.

Izzy became an integral part of her hometown’s vibrant music scene in Armidale, winning the New England Wind Championships for four consecutive years. She was also awarded the highly competitive and prestigious Musical Excellence Scholarship to attend Presbyterian Ladies College (PLC) Armidale, where she pursued a rigorous musical education alongside her high school curriculum. Throughout this period, Izzy was an esteemed flute player in the Armidale Youth Orchestra (AYO), PLC’s Jazz ensemble and the Armidale Youth Wind Ensemble (AYWE). In recognition of her musical potential, Izzy was awarded the Endangered Instruments scholarship by the New England Conservatorium of Music in 2020.

Transitioning to years 11 and 12, Izzy gained admission to Newtown High School of the Performing Arts, where she completed her HSC. Currently, while pursuing a degree in Social Work, Izzy continues to play and enjoy music, particularly duets with CMT’s brass teacher, Jackson. With experience in teaching flute and recorder students as young as 8 years old and expertise in AMEB exam preparation, she warmly welcomes players of all ages and proficiency levels

Luka Ruwette

Luka Ruwette

Flute

Originally from the Netherlands, Luka has been immersed in the world of music from the age of five. Beginning with the recorder and piano, Luka has since progressed to the flute and is currently studying a combined double degree of Music Performance (flute) and Medical Science at the Australian National University.

Luka has had a vast range of performance opportunities, including having played first flute in James McCusker’s Orchestra and Canberra Youth Orchestra (CSO), as well as playing with the Domstad Jeugdorkest, The Utrecht Jeugdorkest and with ANU orchestra. He has also performed for the Hungarian Ambassador at his residence and has opened for a CSO concert at Government House.

Luka successfully completed his Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB) Associate of Music Australia (AMusA) in 2019 and his grade five AMEB Theory of Music Exam.
In 2020, he received two scholarships for his musical excellence, including the ACT Flute Society Scholarship, and the Leonard & Margaret Doman Scholarship.

Luka has been teaching for many years. He started as a tennis coach and has been a music teacher since 2016.
Luka strives to make his lessons as enjoyable as they are constructive, and tailors every lesson to each individual student to best suit them and their strengths. He believes that music is a passion that can be found in every student and that, when guided with the proper enthusiasm and skill, this passion will lead to a love for music that will forever be present.

Along with English, Luka is comfortable teaching in Dutch.

 

Luka is currently teaching at our Belconnen studio.

Pax Ramadan

Pax Ramadan

Clarinet and Saxophone

Born in Canberra, Pax began their musical journey at the age of three on piano before taking up the clarinet and saxophone at age ten. They studied under leading Canberra woodwind educator Benn Sutcliffe, developing a strong technical and musical foundation. From 2016 to 2023, Pax participated in the Instrumental Music Program (IMP) on saxophone, earning first-chair positions in audition bands for five consecutive years. During their time in IMP, they also held the first-chair position in the IMP Jazz Band in the year they participated. They were awarded the BSSS Recognition of Excellence for an Individual Course Area for their studies in jazz music at Canberra College. Pax has completed the AMEB Certificate of Performance in classical saxophone with honours and has also completed the AMEB Grade 4 Theory examination. Between 2021 and 2023, Pax was part of the ANU Open School of Music Jazz Program. In their final jazz ensemble, the group was awarded the Outstanding Jazz Ensemble prize. As a performer, they have gigged at a variety of venues, including performing at the Limelight Opening Ceremonies in both 2022 and 2023.
As a teacher, Pax focuses on the fundamental building blocks of strong saxophone technique while fostering a relaxed and supportive learning environment. Passionate about jazz education, Pax welcomes students of all ages and abilities.
Pax is currently studying a Bachelor of Secondary Education in the Arts at the University of Canberra.

Helena Maher

Clarinet and Saxophone

Helena began playing the clarinet at the age of 10. She has completed a Bachelor’s Degree with first class Honours in Classical Music Performance at the Elder Conservatorium of Music in Adelaide, South Australia, majoring on clarinet. While doing so, she studied under the tutelage of Dean Newcomb, principal clarinet of the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra. Helena has recently completed a Masters of Secondary Teaching at the University of Canberra.

Helena is also an experienced saxophone player, having performed on the instrument in a number of settings. She has performed on both clarinet and saxophone in musicals, community wind and symphony orchestras, and chamber ensembles. Helena believes strongly in providing a positive and fun learning experience while encouraging students to improve technically. She enjoys getting to know her students in order to provide the best learning environment for each person. She is excited to help her students achieve their goals with their music.

Helena is currently teaching at our Weston and Belconnen studios.

Drum Teachers

Dave Sheville

Dave Sheville

Drums

Dave started drumming at the age of 10 and performing in bands at the age of 16. He has been teaching for 31 years and performing in bands locally and nationally and has also performed internationally. Dave has also published his own drumming textbook titled “500 Grooves” which would be a fantastic resource for all students. He has decades of teaching, performance knowledge and experience to share.

Gus Campbell

Gus Campbell

Drums

Gus is currently studying a Bachelor of Jazz Performance at the Australian National University and is currently in his third year. He has been playing drums in schools and in bands since primary school and has been his passion ever since.

Gus’ musical interests range from Rock, Jazz, Funk, Heavy Metal, Pop, Latin, and anything in between, and has a wide array of genres under his belt. He has performed in school concert bands and jazz bands as well as being part of the Ginninderra Wind Orchestra for many years, not to mention the many rock bands still continuing to this day.

Gus’ teaching involves finding where the student’s passion lies and helping them where they want to go. Using reading, music theory, and technique as a strong foundation to help them on their way.

 

Gus is currently teaching at our Belconnen, Weston, and Fyshwick studios.

Mark Levers

Drums

Mark Levers has had a broad and varied career as a drummer so far in the music industry. With command over a broad array of genres, experience as a studio and live performer, and having toured internationally, the core of his practice and teaching methodology is to master the simple as the foundation for playing.

Able to cater to all skills, ages and advantages/disadvantages, Mark will ensure that you leave the room each time feeling you have progressed further.

Mark currently teaching at our Belconnen, Fyshwick, and Weston studios.

Matt Tennant

Drums

Matt Tennant has been an instrumental tutor for Drum Kit at CMT for the past 10 years. Matt graduated with a Diploma of Music Performance and Composition in 2007, and has since been tutoring full time with a roster of over 50 students a week. Matt is currently working in local rock bands TONK and Escape Syndrome, as well as a number of private function and wedding groups/duos. Matt is also a mentor for the CMT Rock Band program, and a sought after session drummer in ACT, NSW and surrounding regions.

Matt is currently teaching at our Belconnen studio.

Taj Dando

Drums

After two years of studying for a diploma of music performance at CIT, I am further pursuing my passion for drums and music at ANU studying for a bachelor of Jazz Performance.

I love all sorts of different music and play styles such as Rock, Funk, Blues, Metal, Jazz, Latin and Afro. I have been in a various bands, one of which won the Southfest battle of the bands in 2022.

I have been playing and learning about drums since I was 11, starting self-taught for a few years then later getting lessons and there are a few things I wish I would have been taught earlier, which I still use to this day to continually improve.

I want to give my students the tools they need to get the fundamentals right, so they can improve constantly and achieve success in whatever musical direction they choose to go.

That being said, I’m happy to cater to younger students who need to be guided in the right direction.

Rory Quirk

Piano and Drums

Rory Quirk is a multi-talented piano teacher whose musical career spans a wide variety of styles. Completing a Bachelor of Music Composition (AIM 2010) and a Bachelor of Secondary Education (UC 2015), Rory is passionate about music education and has been teaching for over 5 years.

Rory’s general teaching philosophy aims to tailor lessons to suit individual needs and goals, while providing a solid grounding in the fundamentals of music. Students are exposed to a variety of repertoire to ensure diversity in their learning.

Rory is currently teaching at our Weston and Fyshwick studios.

Theory & Composition Teachers

Our Music Teachers in Canberra Inspire, Guide, and Convince Pupils to Do Their Best

Our vetted Canberra Music Tuition instructors contribute to their students’ lives by believing in their abilities, even if the kids don’t. They lead their pupils towards understanding their instrument. Also, to behave with integrity - besides understanding that freedom and responsibility go hand in hand - while enjoying what you do. We employ suitably qualified, talented, and passionate music teachers in Canberra to allow every student to grow as a person while learning. We value truthfulness, fairness, dignified behaviour, and respect for those we trust to instil more than how to read musical notations on a page.

Our Teachers in Canberra Provides Instruction in Practical Methods, Music Theory, and Playing Your Instrument

We provide on-site information on our teachers to give parents and prospective students insight into the qualities they offer. These include being skilled musicians, the ability to motivate young minds, instilling an appreciation of music, and preparing those students who wish to do practicals and exams.

  • You can rely on our music teachers to implement instruction and lessons that provide a firm grounding in the rudiments of music. They do so while tailoring your child’s training to their needs, abilities, and goals.
  • We build relationships with our students while teaching them classical and general music styles, theory, and practical performance.
  • Our collaborative, adaptive CMT singing teachers in and around Canberra mentor beginner to advanced pupils at our professionally equipped studios in Fyshwick. Weston, and Belconnen. So too, at approximately 15 New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory schools during class and after school hours.
  • From them, your child of five years and older will learn good breath support, how to increase their vocal range, project their voice, and develop the facility to sing with ease and clarity. Our patient, empathetic coaches will help enhance their voice quality and guide them to interpreting songs and singing expressively.
  • We can help if you’re looking for a guitar teacher in Canberra who listens, communicates well and offers value in real-world learning and best practices. Instructors with those qualities tend to instil a lifelong love of learning in their students.
  • Many of our in-school pupils join the school band, string, or guitar ensembles, where they learn to rehearse and collaborate with others who share their interests, make new friends, and develop their skills.

Not all students want to do exams. For those who do, we offer extra lessons, mock exams with other teachers, and mini concerts - no matter which instrument your budding musician plays - as part of their six-to-nine-month exam preparation period.

Enrolled CMT Students Benefit From Premium Online Content

Our city’s most comprehensive independent music educator engages excellent music teachers in Canberra and has served Australian Capital Territory schools since 1996. Choose between our in-school, online, and in-studio options where kids delight in learning because they love it.

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