CREATIVE MUSIC TEACHING SINCE 2014

Music theory, songwriting & composition lessons

Including:

  • Practical music theory for singers and songwriters

  • Creative lyric writing

  • Improvisation, jazz harmony and advanced composition

  • VCE, AMEB and university entrance exam preparation

Vermont / Bentleigh (Melbourne VIC)
Online worldwide

Lessons for students aged 13+

Absolute beginners - advanced

About music theory, songwriting & composition lessons with me

My music theory, songwriting and composition lessons sit at the heart of my teaching — they support and connect everything from instrumental technique to creative expression.

Whether you're a singer-songwriter who can hear the music but struggles to play it, or an experienced player ready to explore jazz harmony, arranging, or more adventurous composition, these lessons help bridge the gap between your ideas and your instrument.

What you can study

Lessons are flexible and student-led, with no fixed method books — just music that feels meaningful to you. You can bring in songs you love, or even your own original music.

We’ll work toward your own goals and interests, and I will provide professional worksheets, handouts, and homework tasks, plus helpful recommendations for books and apps.

You can focus on any combination of these skills to suit your goals:

    • Creative lyric writing

    • Writing melodies and chord progressions

    • Developing song structure and finishing ideas

    • Arranging for solo performance or small ensembles

    • Recording and producing music at home (GarageBand, Logic, etc.)

    • Preparing for studio recording sessions

    • Overcoming creative blocks and building regular habits

    • Understanding chords, keys and harmony

    • Reading lead sheets, tablature or notated music

    • Creating chord charts of original or cover songs

    • Communicating your ideas clearly to bandmates and accompanists

    • Jazz harmony, modes and extended chords

    • Writing and arranging for voice or instruments

    • Exploring unusual time signatures and modulations

    • Notating music (Sibelius, MuseScore, etc.)

    • Improvisation for singers and instrumentalists

    • Playing by ear

    • Interval, chord and scale recognition

    • Transcribing chords and melodies

    • Preparing for VCE, AMEB and university entrance exams

Who lessons are for

Teens · Adults

Beginner to advanced levels

You might be:

  • A singer-songwriter who knows a few chords but wants more tools — to get unstuck, understand theory in a hands-on way, and express your ideas without needing someone else to “translate” them.

  • A singer or lyricist who usually collaborates with instrumentalists, now wanting to compose your own music and lead a band with confidence.

  • An instrumentalist curious about lyric writing, unsure how to begin but ready to give it a go.

  • A songwriter or lyricist looking for practical tools to spark new ideas, explore poetic language, and write lyrics that feel unmistakably your own.

  • A self-taught or “by-ear” musician ready to fill in some theory gaps, discover new sounds, or explore jazz harmony and improvisation in a grounded, creative way.

  • A pop, folk or rock musician keen to experiment with more adventurous harmony, rhythm and song forms.

  • A classically trained player or composer curious about improvisation, songwriting, or contemporary music-making outside the classical world.

  • A VCE or AMEB music student preparing for theory and aural exams, looking for support beyond what school offers.

  • A university music applicant preparing for entrance exams in theory, aural skills, or composition — including support developing your composition folio.

Lesson options and pricing

In-person music lessons in Melbourne, Australia

  • Vermont / Bentleigh

    (servicing students in Blackburn, Mitcham, Burwood, Glen Waverly, Mount Waverly, Bentleigh East, Brighton, McKinnon, Carnegie, Ormond and Moorabbin)

Online music lessons

  • Across Australia and internationally

You can choose between ongoing weekly lessons or single 90-minute masterclasses.

Ongoing lessons

Suitable for beginner - advanced students

  • Ages 8–12: $75 AUD (€50 / £42 / $55 USD) / 45 minutes

  • Ages 13+: $90 AUD (€58 / £50 / $66 USD) / 60 minutes

Lessons are prepaid every 10 weeks or at the beginning of the school term. Casual lessons are also available at a different rate — see the weekly lessons page for details.

Ongoing lessons are one-on-one, weekly lessons for students who want steady support and structured progress in their music learning. They give us the chance to build trust, explore your goals at a sustainable pace, and develop your skills over time.

Masterclasses

Suitable for intermediate - advanced students

  • $165 AUD (€105 / £90 / $110 USD) / 90 minutes

Masterclasses are one-on-one, intensive sessions for musicians who don’t need weekly lessons but want focused, expert guidance on a specific challenge or area they’re keen to explore.

“her breadth of knowledge has helped me to work towards any goal I’ve bought to her, whether it relates to technique, music theory or performance. I think every singer would have something to gain from lessons with Erica and would highly recommend her!”
— Megan K, singing / guitar / songwriting student
“I ALWAYS love my weekly lessons with Erica. Every lesson she peels back new layers of learning and ah-ha moments”
— Natasha, ukulele & singing student

About me

Bachelor of Music (Honours) - Victorian College of the Arts

Before I studied music formally, I found it frustrating not being able to realise my ideas — especially as a singer who didn’t “speak the language” of theory. I worked hard to change that, and now this is my favourite part of teaching: helping students feel confident, empowered, and creatively free.

I’ve taught many songwriting workshops, completed long-term creative challenges like a song-a-day project, and was nominated for a Music Victoria Award for my 2021 album Enamel. I also love working with students on advanced theory, jazz harmony and composition — there's always more to explore.

Enquire about music lessons

FAQs | testimonials | Booking terms

If you’re interested in lessons, please get in touch — I’d love to hear what you’re working on or hoping to explore, and I’ll get back to you with current availability and next steps.

You can book a free online consultation below, or send an email enquiry.

Book a free 30 minute consultation

Online (via Google Meet)

This is a relaxed, friendly chat where we can talk about your musical goals and interests, get to know each other a bit, and I can answer any questions you have about lessons and scheduling.

Practice Space podcast

Practice Space is my free video podcast for musicians and music students. Each episode offers practical tips, thoughtful insights, and guided meditations to help you approach your instrument with joy, curiosity, and confidence. Overcome procrastination, stay curious, and bring more creativity into your daily practice.

Designed like a meditation app, the videos invite you to settle in for a few minutes of gentle chat and a guided meditation — then begin your practice.

I encourage my students to use the podcast for ongoing motivation and to maintain our connection beyond scheduled lessons.

You can browse or search the full Practice Space archives anytime to find episodes that match your current practice goals or mood.