Teacher Profiles

Staff Profiles

Steven Lavis - Principal DMC Studios - Clarinet / Alto Saxophone / Oboe

Steve received his Bachelor of Music (Honours, first class) in 2002 from the University of Newcastle, Faculty of Music, studying oboe with Linda Walsh. During his studies he performed extensively in Newcastle and the Hunter Valley.

Professionally, Steven has performed with ensembles such as the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs, Wollongong Symphony Orchestra and was a founding member of Hunter Sinfonia. Steven also regularly performs chamber music and solo recitals, having performed with such artists as Loreli Dowling, Paul Goodchild, Rosalind Halton, Elizabeth Holowell, Deborah Lander, Anthea Scott-Mitchell, Anne O'Hearn, Margery Smith and Linda Walsh.

Steven has also established himself as a sought after teacher and ensemble director, having lectured at the University of Newcastle, taught at the Upper Hunter Conservatorium of Music (where he was the head of Wind and Brass and Band Program Co-ordinator) and at various schools in the Hunter Valley. He has tutored at and co-ordinated various workshops, camps and masterclasses including the Country Schools Band Camp (D.E.T. Tamworth), Scone Shire Youth Music Camp and the Newcastle Conservatorium’s Bandlink Program.

Steven has also studied and attended workshops with educators such as Bruce Pearson, Jerry Nowak, James Kortum and Diana Doherty and has been awarded a Graduate Diploma of Education (Secondary Music) at the University of New England.

Steve teaches up to the following grades:

Oboe Grade 8+, Clarinet Grade 8 & Saxophone Grade 8

Brass & Woodwind

Lucia Bichara - Clarinet & Saxophone

Lucia has been playing the saxophone and clarinet from the age of 11. As a specialist sax teacher, Lucia has extensive teaching experience and enjoys teaching anyone from beginners to mature adults.
She has established herself as a sought after tutor in the Hills District, this is due to her total commitment and love of teaching. Lucia constantly strives to get the most from her students by implementing effective strategies so they reach their full potential. Lucia has completed an Associate Diploma of Contemporary Music from The Australian Institute of Music in 1998. She is also a registered tutor of AMEB (Australian Music Examination Board). Lucia has tutored and co-ordinated various workshops, camps and master classes for several schools and music institutions. These include both Private and Public schools in the Hills District.
Lucia is a proud mother of two young children. She truly enjoys the challenges and constant surprises that her young students bring to lessons each week.

Lucia teaches up to the following grades:

Saxophone Grade 8 & Clarinet Grade 5

Daniel Masman - Clarinet & Saxophone

Daniel Masman is a woodwind and brass teacher who completed his Bachelor of Arts Music Degree in 2000 at the University of Western Sydney in 2000. He has been teaching music for the past 12 years and is the Musical Director of the Western Region State Schools Big Band.

Daniel teaches up to the following grades:

Saxophone Grade 7, Clarinet Grade 6, Trumpet Grade 4, Trombone Grade 4 & Flute Grade 4

Sharon Borrough - Flute / Piccolo

Sharon has been playing the flute since she was 14 years old, Since she first heard the glorious sounds of the flute she has always been passionate about learning and playing the instrument and passing her knowledge on to other. She attended the NSW Conservatorium of Music and studied with Geoffrey Collins and Neil Flottman.

Sharon was a principal flute for 10 years with Hornsby Concert Band who were National and State concert band champions numerous times. Following this, she was with Jersey Street Wind Ensemble where she played piccolo and principal flute. She currently plays with Macquarie Towns Orchestra at Windsor where she has been principal flute since 2006. Sharon has been teaching both private lessons and at local schools for several years.

Sharon teaches up to grade 5 Flute

Tony Gardner - Flute / Clarinet / Oboe / Saxophone

(Photo)

Tony is a pianist and a woodwind player with a wealth of experience which ranges from Band Directorship at numerous schools in greater Sydney, to touring on the Canadian / U.S Jazz circuit and even touring and recording with the Wiggles. He formed the Yamaha Concert Band and more recently became a consultant for the Australian Film and Sound Archives in Canberra.

Tony has always had a passion for music as well as teaching and truly enjoys seeing his students flourish from young beginners to proficient musicians. He has prepared many students for AMEB and HSC exams and takes pride in the achievments of the many school bands that he has directed at both a primary and secondary level.

As a performing musician, Tony still plays as part of the jazz trio "Tony Gardners Swing Society" and has a passion for recording, finding it as an excellent learning tool. Tony still works as a session artist at AFTRS and in live TV performances at ABC studios.

Emma Hosogoe - Saxophone / Flute / Clarinet

Emma started her music career playing piano at the early age of 5 and soon found the sax at 10, she went on working tirelessly to complete AMEB A.Mus level on sax in 2005. Currently Emma is doing 2nd year of Music Education at Sydney Conservatorium of Music and is teaching 2 full days at DMC. Emma always wants to make her lessons lots of fun and as a result her students achieve excellent exam results are always so excited to come back to her next lesson.

Emma teaches up to the following grades:

Saxophone Grade 8, Clarinet Grade 6, Flute Grade 4 & Piano Grade 3.

Kurt Mikolajczyk - All Woodwind & Theory

Kurt has been tutoring students in woodwind since 2006 and has been successfully taking students through AMEB exams since he started! He is a motivated teacher who has a great knack of keeping his students entertained and enthused about playing their instrument. He also has a fantastic depth of knowledge to pass on, which extends right into theory and music craft. Kurt has spent a lot of his own time developing himself as a teacher by working with other teachers and with all age groups and lesson types to become the very well rounded teacher that he is! Kurt has studied at the Sydney Conservatorium and played in many bands around Sydney in some of the major music venues.

Geoff Wilson - French Horn / Trumpet / Lower Brass

Geoff studied trombone with Reg Bishop and Victor Grieve at Newcastle Conservatorium and with Maurice Newton (RAN and Elizabethan Trust Orchestra). Studied conducting with Frank Rugers, David Barg and Jerry Nowak.

Geoff's playing experience covers many musical styles and includes Brass and Concert Bands, Symphony Orchestras, Brass Ensembles, Woodwind Ensembles, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Commercial Television and Solo Performance.

Geoff has extensive teaching experience including 5 years on Country Area Program for the Education Department, 10 years as Artistic Director and Brass and Woodwind Tutor at Young Regional Conservatorium and 2 years on Central Coast Band Program. Currently he teaches school band programs in 7 schools on the Central Coast and Sydney, a studio of private students in Sydney and a guitar studio on the Central Coast.

John Ciccarelli - Brass & Woodwind

John first learnt Trombone as part of the Army Band, Sydney where he attended the Conservatorium of Music for formal lessons. He completed 8th Grade AMEB during his studies at the Con. He has since played in many Big Bands, Small Ensembles and Rock & Roll Bands, performing throughout Australia and abroad. John is a registered AMEB tutor and is proficient on many instruments, including Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, Guitar & Bass Guitar. He currently works full time running school band programs as well as his private teaching here at Dural Music.

John teaches up to the following grades:

Trombone Grade 8, Trumpet Grade 5, Euphonium Grade 4, Flute Grade 4, Saxophone Grade 4

Nick Ciccerelli - Brass

Nick, as well as being an accomplished trumpet player, is also proficient on the drums and clarinet, having recently completed his AMEB grade 4 clarinet exam.

In 2004 and 2009 he represented Australia at the Montreux jazz festival in Switzerland

and the Jazz a Vienne festival in France, under the direction of Rory Thomas.

Nick is currently preparing for his AMEB 8th grade trumpet exam, after which he will look to further his studies in music .

Daniel Moore - Brass / Bass

Daniel has been a full time music teacher in Port Macquarie for the last 4 years. In that time has conducted and run many school band programs, and taught privately. He has recently been teaching in the Sydney area for the last 7 months.

Daniel is a registered AMEB Tutor and has put many students though AMEB practical exams, getting outstanding results. He has also put many students through Eisteddfods.

He has been lucky enough to study with some of the finest musicians in the country including James Morrison, Scott Kinmont (Sydney Symphony Orchestra), Dan Barnett (professional Sydney Jazz Trombonist) and ha s been mentored by Ron Barry one of Sydney’s finest professional musicians of the 70s-90s.

Daniel has played in many bands including Concert Band, Brass Band, Orchestra, and now performs with 3 professional touring Sydney bands on Trumpet, Trombone, and Bass Guitar.

Daniel teaches up to the following grades:

Trumpet Grade 8, Trombone Grade 8, Euphonium Grade 8 & Beginner - Intermediate Bass Guitar

Violin

Annemarie Mclaren - Violin

Annemarie began playing violin at age 6 and this was soon followed by piano tuition. With excellent results in HSC, Music Extension and in her 8^th grade AMEB examination under the tutorage of a now retired Sydney Symphony violinist, her musical training is thorough.

Private studies have been complimented by involvement in ensembles and musicals throughout high school and beyond. Annemarie’s involvement with the Northern Sydney Youth Orchestra, with which she is currently Concert Master, has been particularly extensive. With this orchestra she travelled to Vienna in 2007, taking part in the Summa Cum Laude International Youth Music Festival, as well as taking part of a tour in country NSW in 2009. Annemarie is also a member of the Sydney University Symphony Orchestra where she is currently studying.

Annemarie has been teaching violin at a school in the Hills district for the past three years.

Piano / Keyboards

Georgia Carpani - Piano

A classically trained pianist since the age of seven, Georgia has a Master of Music specialising in composition, her thesis explored the use of music in documentary film. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Music and English from Chatham College in Pittsburgh USA, where several of her original instrumental ensembles were performed by members of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Georgia tutors high school music composition students, helping them prepare their final HSC works. She has written the music for TV community service announcements as well as several student film projects, which have screened at a number of film festivals around the world, winning several awards. Georgia's original solo piano work 5 Pieces has played on ABC Classic FM as well as community radio stations around the country.

Georgia teaches up to grade 8 piano

Dianne Johnston - Piano

Dianne began teaching AMEB music when she left school in 1969 when she began teaching students at various catholic institutions.

After a change in career and then having her first child she began teaching privately once again in 1989. In May 1995, she commenced as Music Specialist at the Assumption Primary School where she spent 7 years teaching private students and music curriculum as well as Director of school choirs. In 2002, Dianne took up the part time position as Music Teacher at St.Patrick's Catholic School in Fremantle as well as at Mandurah Catholic College in Mandurah, Western Australia. During these years, her own private studio at home expanded rapidly where she taught AMEB Piano and Piano for Leisure as well as AMEB Theory and Musicianship.

In 2007 after a move to Sydney from Western Australia where Dianne commenced teaching piano at Dural Music Centre!

Dianne considers herself to be a totally committed teacher and demands a high standard from all her students and constantly strives to see every student she teaches to reach their full potential and develop a love for music.

Dianne teaches up to the following grades:

Grade 8 Piano for Leisure, Grade 6 for Classical Piano & 5th Grade AMEB Theory

Ben McAlpin - Piano

Ben has been playing piano since the age of 6, and completed a performance diploma with the associated board of the royal schools of music in 2005. He has also completed grade 6 musicianship and achieved a band 6 in HSC music. Ben also plays the guitar and saxophone and has been involved in jazz, rock and funk bands. Ben has been teaching Piano since 2004 to a range of students from early ages to adults.

Alex Evangelidis - Piano

Alex's love of music started at an early age, when she discovered her gift of playing the piano by ear. Eager to learn more she began formal training in classical music, developing a love for the Baroque period. Progressing through her AMEB exams she went on to study music performance for her HSC. Alex has since studied and performed at the International Conservatorium of Music. She is currently in preparation to receive her Teacher of Music Diploma and continues to play for enjoyment taking a special interest in composition and music written for film.

Alex has shared her enthusiasm for music with students of all ages for over 4 years. She creates a nurturing environment for students to grow as musicians in both theory and practice.

Alex teaches up to the following grades:

Grade 5 for AMEB Piano & Grade 5 for Piano for Leisure

Guitar & Bass

Julian Child - Guitar & Bass

Julian completed a Certificate in Music (Honours) at the Australian Institute of Music, as well as a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Contemporary Music at Southern Cross Uni. After this, Julian travelled the world working with various Lounge & Bar bands in both Hotels and on Cruise Ships. He currently plays with several Sydney bands, including the Elvis Young show, The New Generation, One Hit Wonders, The Anthill Mob, Kikstar and Playtime.

Cameron Henderson - Guitar & Bass

Cameron is currently in third year at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, studying a Bachelor of Music in classical guitar performance for which he is on a merit scholarship. Known for his versatility across genres Cameron has had extensive performance experience in musical theatre shows, rock bands, jazz bands, big bands and classical ensembles. He gigs regularly across Sydney in chamber music ensembles including guitar/cello and guitar duo. He is a regular pit musician in musical theatre shows across Sydney, recent shows including Grease, Back to the 80s at Zenith Theatre in Chatswood. He also gigs regularly with his original roots rock band Crooked Sunrise who are currently recording their debut E.P. and negotiating a contract with a record label. Cameron is also experienced in session work appearing on various recordings for other artists and films. Cameron teaches all guitar styles including popular, rock, jazz, classical, flamenco, fingerstyle, slide and bass. In 2008 he worked with Owen Nelson to develop an introduction to guitar program for year 5 students at The Hills Grammar School, which has had great results. He also conducts ensembles and does private tuition at The Hills Grammar School.

Cameron teaches Classical Guitar to a professional level and Jazz, Blues and Rock to semi professional level

Sam Newton - Guitar & Bass

A prominent Singer/Songwriter on the Sydney live Acoustic scene, Electric guitarist for Folk-Rock band Mother's Own, and classical guitarist studying Music and Education at UNSW; Sam Newton is a diverse, passionate teacher, composer and performer.
Having already taught hundreds of students privately for more than 5 years, Sam's experience is one of exponential growth which feeds off the satisfaction gained through a sharing of Music and Guitar alike.
He has worked with numerous acts such as Leroy Lee, James Edgar Francis, Chris Gillespie and more recently, Josh Shuberth (drummer for Josh Pyke) whom he is using for the recording of his Debut CD with the help of reknowned producer Melvin Tree.
Sam is open to all styles and genres, with specialization in composition/songwriting and acoustic/vocal performance.

Nick Alias - Guitar & Bass

Nicholas Alias is a musician and teacher of guitar and songwriting. His main musical genre is acoustic fingerstyle guitar. He has recorded two albums- Sound from the Pavement recorded in 1998, and Glorious Woman in 2004. Some of his influences are Pink Floyd, Queen, Paul Simon, Alex De Grassi and Phillip Glass. He currently works as a music therapist for people with disabilities, teaches guitar from his home studio and at the Dural Music Centre and Lorien Novalis Steiner School, and runs School Of Rock songwriting and recording workshops. Nick h as performed at; Woodford Folk festival, National Folk Festival, St Albans Folk festival, Newtown festival, Marrickville festival, Bondi Festival Of The Winds, Peats Ridge Festival & Ironfest. Music from Sound From The Pavement has been played in Radio National and 2SER, used in the documentary film Consulting The Elders and the play The Request Of Spring by award winning writer/director Duong Le Quy, and has been played at such diverse venues as the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games and the Qantas in-flight music service. Nicholas has been a finalist in three national songwriting competitions.

Julia Wellington - Guitar

Julia has been teaching at Dural Music Centre for just over a year and for 8 years at Blake’s Music Centre and privately. She has been performing professionally for 10 years with agent backing, performing in clubs, pubs, contests etc. This was mostly her solo work along with some also duo work.
Beginners will learn the basics of guitar. Starting with easy chords and simple songs then advancing to tablature some lead and/or classical followed by barre-chords. This will depend on the student's needs.
Julia teaches a range of styles including classics, rock, pop, blues, country, some jazz and your latest top 20. She enjoys encouraging students to eventually sing when they play guitar with confidence.
Julia started playing guitar at 12yrs old and received extensive training by professional tutors for 8yrs. She has also had vocal training by a prominent stage show teacher for many years. Julia started performing at 18 in a band called Cut Rock. She then joined a duo The Uncut Gems. She then lived and performed solo in the Whitsundays for 3yrs before returning to the Hawkesbury and continuing her career and producing 3 cds. Julia writes her own music as well as performing popular covers. Her ability to sing and play guitar drives her to teach others to obtain confidence in their performance on stage.

Dave Russell - Guitar & Bass

Dave holds a B.Arts and a Masters of Music (performance). He has been playing guitar professionally for the last 10 years, and in that time has toured internationally, just this year spending 2 months in China, performing in all the major cities. He has also taught hundreds of students in that time, many going on to achieve excellent results in AMEB contemporary and classical music exams as well as uni and HSC performances. Dave has also performed with many recognisable names, most recently Rob Mills and Daniel Raso (both of Australian idol fame). As much as Dave loves performing, teaching also forms a large part of his professional work, and he tries to tailor lessons to suit all students, whether they be forging a career in the music industry or just doing it for fun.

Daniel Maher - Guitar

Dan works as a freelance guitarist for recordings, accompaniments and mainly musical theatre. Being a versatile player, he is influenced by many styles including: rock, jazz, blues, pop, and funk. You can find Dan working as a pit musician in musical theatre productions all across Sydney - a few of his credits include Children Of Eden, The Wedding Singer and High School Musical 2 – Live On Stage. He has also filled the guitar chair in the Australian Army Reserve Band for some of their biggest gigs; and he hopes to study at the Sydney Conservatorium next year.

Harry Brewster-Jones - Guitar

Harry has had more than 10 years of playing under his belt and more than 4 years as a teacher. Harry has featured in various musical ensembles, duo's and bands, currently playing with The Inner City Creeps and The Pilomotor Reflex. Harry has also had years of experience playing in cover acts working in cafes, restaurants, pubs and outdoor events. Influences include, Rock, Metal, Pop, Jazz, Funk and Blues. Currently studying a diploma of Sound Production & Audio Engineering, Harry has also done study at the Conservatorium Open academy for Jazz guitar, harmony, theory and will be looking to study music full time at university in 2012.

Harry manages to find a great balance of fun and serious learning in his teaching style and really enjoys seeing his students improve every week!

Ben Crofts - Guitar

From studying music at a young age, Ben has recently completed his Diploma Of Music as well as frequenting the Sydney live music scene. He fronts the Sydney band 'Claire' which has seen him perform along side artists such as Art vs Science, Dead Letter Circus, Bag Raiders and Regurgitator.
He began playing piano at the age of 5 and has since picked up saxophone, singing, bass and guitar. Aside from performing, he is a passionate teacher who strives to get the best out of all of his students. He has just recently joined the Dural Music team (2011) but has been teaching out of his home for a number of years.

Drums / Percussion

Tim Parsons - Drums & Percussion

Tim has recently completed a Bachelor of Music, as well as having over 6 years teaching experience. As a sought after performer, Tim has performed extensively throughout Australia. He currently plays in two originals bands, frequently tutors at school workshops, and teaches privately in Dural.

Tim also teaches students on the ins and outs of using the computer software Ableton and Reason for writing and producing beats.

Jeremy Godwin - Drums

Jeremy has achieved an Associate Diploma in Contemporary Music from the Australian Institute of Music. As well as tutoring drums & percussion full time, he has played in covers shows such as the Bon Jovi Show, the Screaming Jets and the Baby Animals Show. Jeremy has also played throughout Sydney as a session musician in several recording studios.

Vocals

Neille Williams - Vocals

Encouraged by her jazz pianist father from a young age, Neille played a variety of instruments before settling on her true passion-singing! She graduated from the Sydney Conservatorium in the early 90’s & gained professional experience backing musicians such as Jon English & performing support gigs for Natalie Bassingthwaite’s band. An opportunity to travel abroad saw Neille perform regularly on cruise ships & hotels all over the globe for a number of years before returning to the Sydney scene.
Neille covers a wide variety of styles from pop & rock through to jazz, soul, R&B & musical theatre. With an emphasis on developing good vocal technique & a great musical ear, Neille hopes to educate & motivate all of her singing students to develop & embrace their true singing voice & share it with the world!