What lesson times are available?
I currently have limited places available for new students at the following times:
Australian students: Weekdays 6 - 9pm AEST/AEDT
European students: Weekdays 9 - 11am and 4 - 7pm CET/CEST
Email me for my current weekly availability.
Can I book casually?
Casual 90 minute masterclasses are available for intermediate+ level students. If you are a beginner I suggest you start with weekly 50 minute lessons, which are booked and paid in 4 week blocks.
If you aren’t sure which type of lessons would be best for please schedule a free consultation and we can chat about options.
Can I book fortnightly lessons?
I have limited availability for ongoing fortnightly lessons, please contact me if this is your preference and I will do my best to fit you into my timetable. Alternatively you can book casual masterclasses on a timetable that suits you.
Can I cancel or reschedule my lesson?
Lessons cannot be cancelled, but you can reschedule the time or date online up to 24 hours before the lesson begins. You will receive an email reminder 48 hours before your booking with a link to reschedule the lesson if required. Each lesson can be rescheduled once, if you can’t make the rescheduled lesson time it will be forfeited.
What if I can't give 24 hours notice to reschedule my lesson?
If you miss a lesson due to illness or a last minute emergency you may rebook a new time over the next 7 days, subject to my availability.
Do you offer a trial lesson?
I offer a free 30 minute consultation for all new students.
What do I need for Zoom lessons?
A computer or tablet is best, and you will need a one with a built in camera or external webcam. You should also use headphones where possible, and you will need a good internet connection.
Can I pay in a currency other than AUD?
My online bookings are set up to only accept AUD, however you are able to pay for lessons in EUR, GPB, USD and other major currencies by bank transfer with no international transaction fees. I have set rates for the currencies I regularly receive, so your ongoing lesson cost will be the same regardless of the current exchange rate. Please email me with your preferred currency for more details and current pricing.
How many lessons do I need to reach my goal?
This entirely depends on your own personal circumstances. If you are a beginner I suggest making an initial commitment to 6 - 12 months of study of weekly lessons. Advanced students may find they have enough guidance to continue working on their own after 1 - 2 months of lessons, or prefer to book less frequent intensive masterclasses.
Can I work on more than one instrument?
Absolutely! Many of my students are working on singing alongside guitar or ukulele, and you can choose to start with one instrument and add others as you progress.
Can I learn songwriting if I don't play an instrument?
It is possible, however, you will find it easier if you are able to play an accompanying instrument at a basic level or can use software like GarageBand or Band In A Box. We can include guitar, ukulele, keyboard or computer production skills as part of your songwriting lessons.
Do you teach adult beginners?
Absolutely, definitely, yes! Many of my students started as adult beginners with little or no previous music training and are now confident enough to play in bands, join choirs, write their own songs, or simply lead sing-a-longs with their kids. I strongly believe that with dedication and the right guidance anyone can learn to play, sing, write and enjoy music regardless of age.
Do you teach advanced students / professionals?
I work with many advanced level students on filling gaps in their music knowledge. This includes professional instrumentalists wanting to improve their singing, professional singers wanting to learn to accompany themselves or improve their music theory, classically trained musicians exploring contemporary genres and improvisation, and skilled musicians who want to learn to write or arrange their own music.
Do I need to be able to read music?
Reading traditional music is not necessary for all students, and is certainly not a requirement for beginning lessons. I performed for many years with limited reading skills, however I do know from my own personal experience that finally learning to write and read notated music accelerated my progress as both a performer and composer. We will discuss your particular goals and, if appropriate, introduce music reading slowly and deliberately so that it feels like a natural part of lessons (and not the tedious slog you may remember from primary school recorder or keyboard classes!).
Are your music theory lessons complicated?
I work very hard to make music theory enjoyable, accessible and relevant to the material you are learning, particularly for singers, singer-songwriters and self-taught instrumentalists who have learned primarily by ear. I began performing as a singer with little music theory knowledge, and know first hand how frustrating and complicated music theory can be when not taught sensitively. I am also aware how insecure many singers and self-taught musicians feel when working with other musicians, so I want to help you best express your musical intentions and get the most out of the musicians you work with. Many of my students come to me specifically for my music theory lessons, and I really do pride myself on my ability to simplify concepts and provide practical, realistic examples and exercises.
Do you teach advanced music theory, jazz harmony and improvisation?
Absolutely! I studied theory and improvisation to a high level at university and in my own private practice, and have extensive experience breaking down complex concepts for my students. I work with many students on advanced theoretical concepts, especially self-taught musicians and singers who are great at playing by ear but want to advance their playing, composing and improvising.
Can you help me with my writer’s block?
I have an extensive archive of tools, tricks, exercises and ideas to help you through tricky creative periods and provide ongoing inspiration. You might like to start with these articles I wrote about my experience writing a song a day for a year:
What should I send you before my masterclass?
I request a short outline of what you would like to work on - for example, you might want to learn about 7th chord theory or how to put together a vocal warmup routine, request feedback on a composition or arrangement, or get some ideas about where to go next with a half finished song. You can also send recordings, videos of performances, sheet music and other things you have been working on. I review the materials in advance and put together tailored feedback and exercises, which we will discuss in the 90 minute Zoom session.