Private Tuition - Instrumental, Vocal and Performing Arts

I began learning piano from the age of 4 and continue to fall in love with the art of music. I have been teaching piano both in-person and online since 2020 to students of all ages and stages. I am confident in enhancing the student's technical skills, theoretical knowledge and performance flair.

I completed my AMEB (Australian Music Examinations Board) Grade 8 Piano Exam in 2018 with Honours and am in the process of achieving my AMusA (Associate in Music, Australia). I completed my HSC in 2020 and received a Band 6 in Music (performance, composition, aural skills, and theory). I was ranked 1st in my school for Music and other subjects. I am very passionate about empowering young people to achieve wonderful things through amazing opportunities and experiences. 

When I am not teaching piano, I study Medicine at UNSW's Rural Clinical School in Port Macquarie and am also working on a short film project which is very close to my heart.

Find out more on Antonia's website.

Contact: a.amato@scas.nsw.edu.au

Sarah Butler has a Bachelor of Music at Auckland University and spent 12 years in the UK where she gained a Masters with Distinctions in performance at Trinity College of Music in London. She then freelanced with the Royal Opera House Orchestra, English National Ballet, London Concert Orchestra, BBC Scottish Symphony, Scottish Opera, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the New Queens Hall Orchestra, before moving back to New Zealand in 2004 where she was appointed Associate Principal Trumpet with the Christchurch Symphony. She was then appointed Associate Principal Trumpet of the Auckland Philharmonia in mid-2009.

In late 2009, Sarah accepted the position of Principal Trumpet with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra – making history in the process as the first female Principal Trumpet of a Symphony Orchestra in Australasia. Sarah left the company in 2019 and travelled to Bangkok, Hobart and Melbourne to perform and give masterclasses in her role as a Bach Artist.  

Sarah is a passionate educator and was the Trumpet Lecturer and Head of Brass at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, Griffith University.

Contact: s.butler@scas.nsw.edu.au

Teaching and educating children is my passion. I have the following qualifications: Diploma of Teaching, (Australian Catholic University), Bachelor of Education (Australian Catholic University), Masters in Education (University of New England), Australian Music Education Board (AMEB) Trained and Qualified. As a teacher in schools, my experience has included K-6 Classroom teacher  (23 years), K-9 Music Classroom teacher (10 years), and Private Piano Tutor (23 years). 

As a piano tutor, I prefer to expose students to many musical styles as they learn.  However, I understand that music appreciation is purely individual and I always allow for student choice. Some of the styles taught include Jazz, Blues, Ragtime, Pop, Classical, Movie Theme, Musical Theatre, Rock, Electro Dance, and Calypso. I teach students who wish to learn purely for the pleasure of playing, for AMEB Grade examinations, for HSC Music, or for performance purposes.

Contact: t.cox@scas.nsw.edu.au

Natasha Florence began violin at the tender age of five and she always had her heart set on a career in music. Her passion for performing goes beyond boundaries and stereotypes, encompassing Baroque and Classical to Jazz and Celtic, and everything in between.

Natasha is constantly challenging herself to explore new ways of approaching performance, bending the rules and blurring the lines between the classical and contemporary musical worlds. Achieving her A.MusA Diploma on violin at a young age, followed by a Bachelor’s Degree at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music and First Class Honours at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, Natasha has built a career performing in orchestras and ensembles on stages ranging from the Melbourne Recital Centre and Hamer Hall to the Paris Cat Jazz Club, while featuring as a guest violinist at the Melba Spiegeltent, Max Watts, The Glasshouse and countless other stages across Europe and the UK on multiple international tours. Her violin playing has featured on internationally released studio albums and on an award-winning film soundtrack. In addition, Natasha is in demand as a violin and viola teacher, being recognised by the success of her students with her innovative and forward-thinking approach to playing and teaching. Natasha is thrilled to be able to share her musical expertise and passions with students at St Columba.

Contact: n.florence@scas.nsw.edu.au
Website:  https://thestringschool.business.site

I have been teaching Piano, Keyboard and Theory in the area for the past 26 years. My objective is to support students in developing their musical skills.  Preparing them for AMEB Exams, Theory Exams, Eisteddfods and for HSC Exams.

Each class consists of Skill Development, Technical Exploration and Performance Skills. 

Contact: k.gill@scas.nsw.edu.au

Anne began playing Suzuki Violin age 6 and the then also French Horn age 8. She was a member of the Burwood Police Citizens Boys Club Band from 1979-1990 under the baton of Dennis Williams the Conductor of the NSW Police Band. Anne was a member of the NSW Youth Band in 1986 under the baton of Captain Frank Rugers of the 2nd Military District Army Band. Anne held the position of Early Childhood Music Educator for the Conservatorium Mid North Coast, producing, and facilitating the program at The Glasshouse 2011-2014. She was Conductor and tutor for St Joseph’s Primary School Taree concert band 2012-2014. Anne was employed by Blue Gum 2 Music Teaching resources as a tutor for their Primary School band program within most of the schools in Port Macquarie 2008-2012. Anne is a graduate of The Jerry Nowak Conducting School in both 2009 and 2010. She is the Musical Director of the Adult Instrumental Learning Program; Blue Notes ensemble; Understanding Written Music; and is currently the head Musical Director with Port Macquarie Hastings Municipal Band at the Mac Adams music centre. 

Anne has been a player with Port Macquarie Hastings Municipal band since 2006 and is currently playing 1st F Horn. She holds a BoN (2017), Ad. Dip in Jazz (2009), Cert IV TAE (2011), Conducting School graduate certificates 2009 & 2010.

Contact: a.geoghegan@scas.nsw.edu.au

I have a background as an Occupational Therapist, and began learning cello 19 years ago, as an adult. Along-side learning cello, I discovered the joy of playing viola as well, and I play both instruments in local ensembles in the region. I have a great passion for starting, encouraging and developing young orchestral string players, especially in regional areas where there are often not as many teachers and services. I encourage students to experience a broad range of musical styles, prepare students for AMEB exams, as well as help them gain confidence as an ensemble player.

I co-founded several ensembles in the area: Macleay Music Ensemble, an adult orchestral ensemble in Kempsey; Coastal Strings, a community ensemble for young Orchestral Strings players in Port Macquarie; and the Mid North Coast Youth Orchestra, a symphonic orchestra for high school players of orchestral instruments.

I have also initiated and run many music workshops in the area over the last 20 years, all part of helping a young player’s progress to excellence.

Contact: m.lee@scas.nsw.edu.au

Shelalagh (Sha) McGovern is passionate about aerial and circus arts. She founded Aerialize - Sydney Aerial Theatre in 1998 and was the Director until 2008. She is an aerial instructor and ex-performer with over 15 years of experience and a background in gymnastics. She trained in aerial & circus skills with Circus Oz, Flying Fruit Fly Circus, Legs on the Wall and Circus Space, London. Some of her aerial highlights include performing with Les Comediens on the Sydney Opera House forecourt, the Flying Lotahs in Singapore 2002 and in the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games Opening Ceremony.

Sha has directed aerial segments for the Schools Spectacular and Sydney Youth Olympics Opening Ceremony, as well as many Aerialize productions. In 2008, Sha produced  ‘Walking on Air’, an aerial-rock performance for the Studio, Sydney Opera House and from 1998-2012, she taught aerials for Aerialize, Australian Theatre for Young People, the Wiggles, Hi-5 and many schools and TAFEs. She currently teaches Circus & Aerial skills at St Columba Anglican School to children in Port Macquarie, NSW. Shelalagh has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of NSW, a graduate certificate in Arts Administration from UTS.

AERIAL CLASSES in Lyra, Silks and Trapeze
MONDAY: 4:15-5:15pm
THURSDAY: 5.00pm to 6.00pm

 Aerial classes require strength, focus and commitment. Parents of students who are interested, please email Sha for further details.

Contact: s.mcgovern@scas.nsw.edu.au

Lachie is a passionate woodwind musician specialising in contemporary music performance, ranging from jazz, funk and soul right through to pop music. Lachie has a degree in Contemporary Music Performance from the Australian Institute of Music in Melbourne, under the tutelage of Daryl McKenzie (Hey Hey It's Saturday MD). Lachie has spent much of his music career performing with some of the best contemporary musicians in Melbourne's vibrant music scene, performing with multiple ensembles at a range of venues, from small jazz clubs to large music festivals. From 2018 to 2020, Lachie worked around the Caribbean as a cruise ship musician, garnering much performance experience. He is involved in multiple local ensembles around Port Macquarie and the Mid North Coast, including Sinfonia and the Black Magic Big Band. He enjoys teaching students of any level, from beginners learning fundamentals to more advanced students looking to explore concepts such as improvisation and extended technique. A classically trained Clarinetist and Saxophonist, Lachie has a particular focus on tone production as well as the most important aspect of music: to have fun!

Contact: l.mowat@scas.nsw.edu.au

Amanda O'Brien is a dedicated and enthusiastic teacher and performer who has inspired hundreds of children to discover their passion for music. With a warm and engaging teaching style, she fosters enthusiasm in her students as they learn to play various musical instruments. Beyond the classroom, Amanda is an active member of multiple local bands and performance groups, where she thrives on collaboration and creativity. Her commitment to music extends to the community, as she passionately encourages young people to get involved and explore their own musical journeys. Amanda believes that every child has the potential to shine, and she loves helping them find their unique voice through the power of music.

Contact: a.obrien@scas.nsw.edu.au

My profession is that of instrumental teacher; primarily violin, as well as viola. I attained accreditation as a violin teacher having studied at the Suzuki Talent Education Institute in Japan. More recently, I completed the requirements for a Bachelor of Music degree. I participate in Teacher Training and Professional Development programs annually to maintain my abilities as both a teacher and a violinist, as well as to gain insight into various methodologies and broader musical concepts.

I have been a peripatetic string tutor at SCAS since the School commenced. As well as teaching students privately during school hours, I have been engaged as a tutor in the weekly Year 3 String classes, as well as director of the Primary String Ensemble. My approach to each student entails teaching correct posture, developing listening skills (pitch, tone, rhythm), reading of notation, and fostering students' curiosity and interest. Engaging in the learning of a musical instrument stimulates the mind as well as stirring emotions. The discipline of regularly playing the instrument is enhanced through selecting a repertoire that establishes good technique and is methodical. I have come to recognise that each student proceeds at their own pace, assisted by encouragement from the teacher, family and peers and personal effort.

Contact: l.priest@scas.nsw.edu.au

I have been teaching piano for 26 years, following a music teaching tradition in my family where my father and grandfather both taught piano, accordion and drums. Originally from Wollongong, in 1995 I completed an A.T.C.L. Diploma (piano teaching) followed by an L.T.C.L Diploma (piano teaching) in 1998. I enjoy teaching all ages and genres, from classical and jazz to modern-day pop songs. My aim is to develop a solid foundation whilst promoting engaging and enjoyable music education. When not teaching, I can be found at the netball courts, or in the maternity ward at the Base Hospital where I work as a casual midwife.

Contact: j.rowling@scas.nsw.edu.au

Josh was born in Port Macquarie and studied in Sydney and Newcastle, being awarded a Bachelor of Music and Grad.DipEd.  Josh taught singing at St Andrew’s Cathedral School in Sydney for 8 years before moving to Germany. While he was in Berlin, Josh sang as a guest in the Chorus of both the Staatsoper Unter den Linden (Berlin State Opera) and the Deutsche Oper, singing under the baton of such conductors as Christian Thielemann and Sir Donald Runnicles. He also worked with the Staatsoper Hannover and Anhaltisches Theater in Dessau. Last year, he sang the role of Papageno/ DIE ZAUBERFLÖTE for the Andreaskirche Kinderchor in Wannsee, and in 2022, he sang the role of Mydas/ DIE SCHÖNE GALATHÉE for the Choriner Opernsommer Eberswalde. In 2021 he debuted as Belcore / L’ELISIR D’AMORE (Der Liebestrank) with the Oper Oder Spree Festival in Brandenburg. Josh’s singing students have been nominated for ENCORE, worked at a professional level with Opera Australia, and gone on to study at tertiary level in both Australia and abroad. Josh is also an experienced Percussionist, having played in a variety of ensembles from Concert Bands, Stage Bands, and Jazz Ensembles. He taught Percussion for many years at schools throughout Sydney, and is now also offering Percussion Lessons at SCAS. Find out more about Josh at www.joshuasalter.com. 

Contact: j.salter@scas.nsw.edu.au

G’day students, parents and teachers, my name is Chris from “V-Rock” and I am a “Guitar Tutor” at SCAS. In brief, I have been teaching guitar for about 21 years and playing in rock bands for about 26 years in numerous countries around the world and as much as I love playing and writing music, where I thrive and I enjoy most is helping my students achieve goals and targets in music they are trying to or never thought they could achieve and have as much fun as possible along the way.

I offer Guitar, Bass Guitar & Drum lessons and also offer a Rock Band programme at my studio here in Port Macquarie where I get students from different schools together and start, run, grow, and mentoring Rock Band sessions covering everything from playing as a band, writing songs, performing and playing gigs. Whether you’re a boy or girl,  if you would like to learn Guitar, Bass or Drums OR if you used to play and would like to start playing again and pick up where you left off please get in contact with me today and let’s get you playing as soon as possible. On a side note, I am also an Approved “Creative Kids Provider”, if you would like more info on this let me know. Hope to see you soon. Cheers.

Contact: c.vieira@scas.nsw.edu.au

Lydia Wills has won numerous awards for her musical skills, including the Peter Rorke Award for the best undergraduate musician in 2001 (USQ). She has also been awarded a Master of Music, a Bachelor of Music (Honours), a Licentiate Diploma of Music Australia, and an Associate Diploma of Music Australia.

In addition to innumerable solo recitals and concerti performances, Lydia has assisted choirs and theatre performance groups as both repetiteur, conductor, and musical director. Currently in high demand as a private music teacher through both schools and her studio, Dots and Stems, her wide-ranging skills include vocal and instrumental accompaniment, composition, and conducting. Lydia has been instrumental in developing and implementing the Catholic Schools' Primary School bands program for several schools in St Agnes Parish since 2020 and is the conductor for the Mid North Coast Youth Orchestra in 2023. 

Contact: l.wills@scas.nsw.edu.au

Troy is a guitar, bass, drum and ukelele teacher from Port Macquarie who specializes in preparing students for stage performance. From Kindergarten through to High School rock

bands, Troy teaches the skills needed to become a performer. A Lismore Music Conservatorium Graduate (AMEB Grade 3), Troy has played in bands from Byron Bay, Port Macquarie, and Sydney. At venues such as Great Northern Byron Bay, Sydney Olympic Stadium, Port Macquarie Panthers, Bago Winery, Cat & Fiddle Balmain, The Steyne

Hotel Manly, Pacific Palms Rec Club and many more. Teaching experience includes school tuition at Wauchope High (Rock Ensemble), Beechwood Primary (one-on-one), Lake Cathie Public (groups and one-on-one), Westport High (vocal/rock ensemble) and here at SCAS. Troy has also run Valley Guitars Music Tuition in Wauchope for six years. This experience gives him the tools to teach people from diverse backgrounds and skill levels. Troy aims to keep lessons fun and relevant whilst providing the theory needed to communicate with other musicians.

Contact: t.white@scas.nsw.edu.au

Michaeli is a passionate and experienced music teacher with a history of leading students to a place of excellence in their musical journeys. She is an active musician with experience in live performances and studio recordings and has a unique set of skills to offer both the classical and contemporary musician.

Michaeli holds a Bachelor of Music Education equipping her with awareness of the need for varied teaching approaches to complement the needs of individual learners.

Michaeli offers Private Tuition at SCAS for Cello, Piano, Electric Bass, Double Bass and Percussion.

Contact: m.witney@scas.nsw.edu.au

Sarah Wynne has 24 years of professional experience in the music industry, performing nationally and internationally, and holds a Bachelor of Music Performance.

Contact: s.wynne@scas.nsw.edu.au