Music Lessons Melbourne
The Michael Avery School of Music is a boutique Melbourne music school specialising in piano, guitar and singing lessons adults and kids.
Located just 20 minutes from the Melbourne CBD in Malvern and Hawthorn, we offer music lessons and courses in jazz, contemporary and classical styles, taught by a young team of friendly, tertiary-qualified teachers.
Our philosophy is to provide engaging tuition in a warm and welcoming environment.
Our tertiary-qualified teachers have been hand-picked from leading Australian Universities. Their diverse musical backgrounds ensure that every lesson is an enriching experience.
Our school believes in learning on quality instruments. We provide lessons with state-of-the art equipment including instruments by Yamaha, Kawai, Rhodes and Nord.
We believe the latest technology is an essential addition to the modern classroom. Our teaching studios feature a selection of music software and equipment that is integrated into our classes.
We are able to print a variety of sheet music on demand. Music books required for classes can also be ordered by the school following our teacher recommendations.
We provide a relaxing waiting lounge for you to enjoy at the school that offers complimentary wireless internet, iPad and magazines.
Our complimentary refreshments include a variety of teas, coffee and fresh fruit. A selection of alcoholic beverages are also available for adults.
ASHA CARSLAW-MAHER HEAD OF ADMINISTRATION
Asha is our highly organised Head of Administration that keeps our school running like a well-oiled machine. Their friendly demeanour coupled with their wealth of experience ensures that all of your administrative concerns will be handled smoothly and professionally.
ERIN MERCURIO ADMINISTRATOR
Erin joined the admin team in January 2020, and has helped to keep things running smoothly ever since. You’ll see her friendly face on reception at the Malvern campus, using her years of reception experience to handle any and all administrative concerns!
NICHOLAS VAN DE GARDE
Nick is ever friendly and meticulous administrator at our Hawthorn campus. A whiz at scheduling and always ready for a chat about anything that could assist you. Did we mention he is also currently studying for his PhD? Go Nick!
Ponyo
Ponyo is a highly-valued member of the MASoM Admin team, based at our Hawthorn location on an ad hoc basis. She is our trusted helper, morale booster and customer service superstar
We offer piano, guitar and singing lessons in a variety of styles for kids and adults.
One third of our three hundred students are adults, so don’t be shy to give us a holler.
piano / guitar / voice
teenagers / adults
beginner / intermediate / advanced
This course offers a comprehensive exploration of jazz and blues music. Students learn how to improvise over a jazz standard in both a solo and ensemble setting.
A sound knowledge of harmony, rhythm and feel is emphasised in this stream. Students can then transfer these skills to other musical styles and genres.
This course is recommended for students who have a basic understanding of music fundamentals.
Further topics covered in our jazz course include:
chords + harmony
chord progressions
scales + modes
jazz standards
improvisation
composition
blues
piano / guitar / voice
children / teenagers / adults
beginner / intermediate / advanced
Our contemporary course is tailored to students wanting to learn music from the mid-20th century onwards. From The Beatles to the latest chart songs, we cater to all stylistic preferences.
In this course, students develop a sound understanding of modern music and composition rather than simply reading the dots.
This course also provides students with a smooth transition into the jazz and classical streams.
In this stream we focus on:
chords + harmony
chord progressions
song structure
rhythm + feel
song-writing
piano / guitar / voice
children / teenagers / adults
beginner / intermediate / advanced
More traditional than our jazz and contemporary streams, this course focuses on developing music fundamentals. Lessons emphasise technique, tone, rhythm and melody.
Many young students in this stream commence with tutor books and branch out into other styles as they gain proficiency in their instrument.
In this stream, students have the option of undertaking exams with the Australian Music Examinations Board.
Subjects in our classical stream also include:
classical standards
scales + arpeggios
harmonic analysis
sight-reading
musical form
We offer lessons from a diverse range of young and passionate tertiary-qualified musicians.
Our lessons are tailored to meet each student’s skill level and ambitions. We offer a complimentary introductory lesson to ensure every student is matched with the ideal educator.
SHERI QUIRK – HEAD OF PIANO
Sheri started her musical journey learning classical piano from the age of seven. After completing her AMEB exams, Sheri completed her Bachelor of Popular Music, majoring in Production, Engineering and Songwriting at the Queensland Conservatorium.
Sheri has extensive experience performing, recording and touring with bands throughout Australia, Germany and the UK. She is the lead singer of the alternative band LeBelle, which won the Australian leg of Emergenza and was placed fifth in the world final in Germany. Sheri has played alongside Iggy Pop and Pendulum at the Taubertal Festival in Rothenburg, Germany, as well as recording a full length album with renowned producer Forrester Savell.
Sheri is a friendly, patient and down-to-earth educator. Her experience teaching in schools as well as in the Australian music scene makes her an ideal teacher for those looking to learn fundamentals, classical repertoire and contemporary songs.
- Instrument piano
- Qualifications BMus, Griffith University
- Courses contemporary / classical
- Levels beginner / intermediate / advanced
- Ages children / teenagers / adults
- Availability Tuesday / Friday / Saturday, Malvern Campus Wednesday / Thursday, Hawthorn Campus
Tom Mansfield – Head of Guitar
Tom has been teaching guitar at the school since 2015 after studying Jazz guitar at ANU School of Music in Canberra and Monash University in Melbourne. Since completing his studies, Tom has performed solo and in different groups at venues and festivals throughout Australia, Europe and Japan, most notably with the band 30/70. Tom has also produced and contributed guitar playing to some great recordings, all skills of which he brings to his teaching practice.
Tom has over ten years of tuition experience and takes a student specific approach to teaching guitar theory, technique and repertoire. Tom’s teaching tends to focus on helping students to learn music relevant to them as an individual, and teaching them the necessary skills and knowledge to understand and participate in the music they love. His lessons are friendly and relaxed, with a strong emphasis on goal-driven guidance.
- Instrument guitar
- Qualifications BMus, Monash University
- Courses contemporary / jazz / classical
- Levels beginner / intermediate / advanced
- Ages children / teenagers / adults
- Availability Monday / Tuesday / Wednesday, Malvern Campus Thursday, Hawthorn Campus
CALEB FORTUIN
Since completing his Bachelor of Music (majoring in Voice), Caleb has been teaching heavily – as well as playing in many bands across Melbourne. In 2019, Caleb was nominated in the Generations in Jazz Vocal Scholarship, and was awarded the Future Leaders Jazz Award for Piano. He also performed in the Ubud Village International Jazz Festival in Bali, amongst other notable gigs.
Caleb’s passions are performance and improvisation; and he is always particularly excited to be able to share these aspects of music with his students. He is still able to seamlessly integrate theory and method into his approach, giving a solid foundation to those lofty concepts. As you might have guessed (from his piano award mentioned above), Caleb is also a very accomplished pianist — so our students will no doubt enjoy singing alongside Caleb’s wonderful accompaniment. On top of these passions and skills, Caleb is dedicated to pursuing musical education. He truly loves sharing his musical knowledge with folks of all ages, skill levels and backgrounds.
On a personal note, Caleb is a super-lovely, charming, positive and friendly person!
- Instrument singing
- Qualifications BMus, Sydney University
- Courses contemporary / jazz
- Levels beginner / intermediate / advanced
- Ages children / teenagers / adults
- Availability Tuesday / Friday / Saturday, Malvern Campus Wednesday / Thursday, Hawthorn Campus
EVA REYNE
Eva completed her Bachelor of Music in Jazz and Improvisation at the Victorian College of the Arts in 2019, majoring in Jazz and Contemporary Voice. Whilst there, she was guided by some of Melbourne’s finest vocalists, including Michelle Nicolle, Nina Ferro and Gian Slater, and received both the Bachelor of Music Scholarship and the Marion Thomas Voice Award. In her final year, she helped curate a weekly residency where she performed with various professional musicians across a vast array of musical genres and styles.
Eva released her debut single in 2020 and – as well as having recording and touring experience – she gigs regularly around Melbourne, performing her own music and with various other bands. Eva is extremely passionate about music and singing and is a patient and caring teacher, eager to assist in each students’ individual needs, goals and inspirations, whilst ensuring that each student is excited and passionate about learning all facets of vocal training and vocal health
- Instrument voice
- Qualifications BMus, Victorian College of the Arts
- Courses jazz / contemporary
- Levels beginner / intermediate / advanced
- Ages children / teenagers / adults
- Availability Tuesday / Wednesday, Malvern Campus Monday, Hawthorn Campus
CALEB WILSON
Caleb Wilson is a jazz pianist and composer living and working in Melbourne. He is the leader of the Caleb Wilson Trio, and has received praise for his compositions and arrangements from the likes of Melbourne music legends Peter Knight (Australian Art Orchestra) and Ben Hanlon (Melbourne Symphony Orchestra). Caleb studied at both the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School and the Victorian College of the Arts under the tutelage of Mark Fitzgibbon, Joe O’Connor, Barney McAll, Sam Keevers, Caroline Almonte and Monique DiMattina. During his time there he performed regularly all around Melbourne, at leading jazz clubs such as the Paris Cat Jazz Club, Uptown Jazz Cafe and the Jazzlab, as well as numerous bars and clubs around town. He also appeared with the Caleb Wilson Trio as part of the Heide Musuem of Modern Art’s Heide Summer Festival (2021).
Caleb is also an in-demand, experienced educator, having taught privately since the age of 16 and also working for the Melbourne Piano School. He specialises in teaching jazz and improvisation, but also has extensive experience working with students in classical and contemporary fields as well. Caleb aims to foster a fun and exciting environment around learning the piano and lessons are based around each student’s goals and interests.
- Instrument piano
- Qualifications BMus, Victorian College of the Arts
- Courses jazz / contemporary / classical
- Levels beginner / intermediate / advanced
- Ages children / teenagers / adults
- Availability Wednesday / Saturday, Malvern Campus
SORCHA ALBUQUERQUE
Hailing from Perth, WA, Sorcha graduated from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) in 2013 with a Bachelor of Music (Jazz Guitar.) Sorcha has collaborated and shared the stage with notable musicians such as ARIA award-winning bassist Jonathan Zwartz, James Sherlock, Peter Bernstein, Julien Wilson, Adrian Eagle, and Kaiit among others. Sorcha’s group the ‘Sorcha Albuquerque Quartet’ supported legendary New Orleans pianist Jon Cleary at The Night Cat as part of his 2019 World Tour, and has performed regularly at Melbourne venues Uptown Jazz cafe, Bar303, and Bar Open.
Sorcha’s original compositions have been featured on ABC Jazztrack and ABC release ‘JazzCalls: Best of Australian Jazz’, and she has performed at festivals such as Montreux Jazz Festival, Adelaide Fringe, Sydney Con Jazz Festival, Sydney Women’s Jazz festival, Edinburgh Fringe, and Stonnington Jazz Festival. In 2019 she was the touring guitarist for the Helpmann award-winning musical ‘Barbara and the Camp Dogs’. Sorcha currently divides her time between teaching and working on an upcoming EP due for release in 2021.
- Instrument guitar
- Qualifications BMus, Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts
- Courses contemporary / jazz / classical
- Levels beginner / intermediate / advanced
- Ages children / teenagers / adults
- Availability Thursday, Malvern Campus Tuesday / Wednesday, Hawthorn Campus
MELANIE TAYLOR – HEAD OF SINGING
Melanie Taylor is a fun and engaging educator with a passion for performing, teaching and songwriting. With a Bachelor of Music (Jazz & Contemporary Voice) from Monash University, her stylistic expertise and interests range from folk to funk; jazz to musical theatre. Each lesson is tailored to engage and meet the individual needs of students across all ages and skill levels, providing the framework to achieve musical goals in a fun and supportive environment. Mel’s teaching style provides a rounded understanding of the voice with an emphasis on exploration and the joy of making sound.
As well as being an educator, Mel is an active performer in the Melbourne music scene as an independent singer-songwriter, the front woman for funk collective Headphones Jones, and vocalist in a cappella ensemble Invenio Singers.
- Instrument singing
- Qualifications BMus, Monash University
- Courses contemporary / jazz
- Levels beginner / intermediate / advanced
- Ages children / teenagers / adults
- Availability Wednesday, Hawthorn Campus
PATRICK BRITTON
Patrick Britton studied Jazz and Improvisation through full-provided scholarship at the VCA, under the tutelage of the some of the most proficient and influential individuals in the international music scene.
Patrick is passionate about all aspects of musical study and education and believes music is for everybody and that each person has the capacity to develop musical abilities to a great extent – greater than they can imagine.
He began learning piano at the age of 14 and saxophone at school two years earlier at the age of 12. During his university studies Pat learned from one of the most gifted pianists in Australia, Andrea Keller.
As part of his honours degree Pat composed and arranged a 90 minute suite of music called Thus Spoke Zarathustra, a musical adaptation from the influential book by Friedrich Nietzsche, in the setting of a contemporary big band jazz ensemble.
Pat’s musical knowledge covers the development of jazz in its totality. From improvisation and vocabulary, to theory, to arrangement and composition, to free playing. He also has an immense amount of respect for the cultural implications of jazz and its long history.
- Instrument piano
- Qualifications BMus(honours), Melbourne University
- Courses contemporary / jazz
- Levels beginner / intermediate / advanced
- Ages children / teenagers / adults
- Availability Monday / Tuesday, Hawthorn Campus
MAX VILLELLA
- Instrument guitar
- Qualifications BMus, Melbourne University
- Courses contemporary / jazz
- Levels beginner / intermediate / advanced
- Ages children / teenagers / adults
- Availability Tuesday / Friday / Saturday, Malvern Campus Wednesday / Thursday, Hawthorn Campus
Our school invites students to become part of a thriving musical community.
We believe that there’s more to a student’s development than a weekly lesson. Our workshops, concerts
and gigs are designed to broaden musical knowledge and allow students to meet in a relaxed setting.
Events in term one 2024:
All events are provided free of charge to our students, unless specified as ticketed.
Choir:
Come along to our welcoming and friendly school choir … complete with the added delight of wine and cheese! Join us fortnightly on Wednesdays at the Malvern Campus.
Music Theory Class:
Enrich your musical journey by delving into fundamental music concepts that complement your lessons. Join us fortnightly, Tuesdays via Zoom, to enhance your musical growth.
Improvisation Class:
Unlock your improvisational potential with our engaging and enjoyable workshops, designed to grow your confidence with the fundamentals of improv. (Malvern Campus)
Performance workshop:
Learn the art of confident performance in a group setting, where we’ll share tips and processes to help you shine on stage.
(Malvern Campus)
Midyear Recitals:
An opportunity for students to showcase their performances to friends and family in a captivating venue. Sunday, June 23rd, at the Abbotsford Convent. Please note that this event is ticketed.
Kids Jam!
Under the guidance of multiple teachers at MASoM, our younger students will enjoy the opportunity to rehearse and showcase their talents in group performances.
(Malvern Campus)
Our workshops are open to students of all ages and skill levels. They are held regularly throughout the term and provide students with an opportunity to perform works-in-progress and discuss music theory and history. Further performance opportunities are available to students through our jazz ensemble workshops.
We strongly value performance as part of our curriculum and encourage all students to play at our mid-year and end-of-year concerts. In 2023, our mid-year concert will be held on Sunday June 18th at the Abbotsford convent laundry hall. Our end-of-year concert has also been booked for December at the Abbotsford Convent. All students receive a professional audio and video recording of their performance.
We are very privileged to have some of Melbourne’s finest musicians perform regularly at our school. These performances are a wonderful way for students to experience live music in an intimate setting. Previous guests have included Lior, Ollie McGill, Husky, Luke Howard Trio, Tony Gould, The Grigoryan Brothers, Rob Burke, Steve & Bob Sedergreen and Paul Williamson’s Hammond Combo.
Looking to purchase, move or tune an instrument?
Our school is happy to point you in the right direction for all of your music needs.
We have a very close relationship with Kawai Australia, so if you’re looking to buy a new Kawai piano, best hit us up and we’ll point you in the right direction. You can also reach out to Matt Hales at Melbourne Piano Sales.
ph. (03) 9429 7999
melbournepianosales.com.au.
Phil Sander is our recommended piano tuner and piano technician. Servicing suburbs all over Melbourne, Phil tunes pianos at homes, studios and larger concert halls such as Hamer Hall.
ph. 0401 627 755
Former principal Josh Cohen is still an important friend of the school. We appreciate Josh providing his experience, advice and wisdom. Needless to say, he’s a legend!
You can check out his performances/music at Joshcohenmusic.com.
If you are looking for a space to practice or rehearse, our lovely spaces are available to hire by appointment or arrangement. Our room hire fees start at 40 dollars per hour. You can contact us using our details below.
We offer one-on-one weekly or fortnightly lessons.
All lesson prices are per one-on-one class and are billed in advance each term. Mid-term enrolments are billed on a pro rata basis for the remaining weeks in the term. Lesson prices for our teaching staff (excluding our Principal) are:
30-minute lesson: $65
45-minute lesson: $85
60-minute lesson: $105
We offer a $25 discount to family members who enrol in more than one class per week:
30-minute lesson: $40
45-minute lesson: $60
60-minute lesson: $80
Lesson prices with our Principal Michael Avery are:
30-minute lesson: $85 / $60 discounted
45-minute lesson: $115 / $90 discounted
60-minute lesson: $145 / $120 discounted
Our school aligns with the Victorian state school term calendar. Please note that lessons are exclusively held within these designated dates:
Term 1, 2024 (8 weeks)
Mon, Jan 29 – Thu, Mar 28
Term 2, 2024 (10 weeks)
Mon, Apr 15 – Sat, Jun 29
Term 3, 2024 (9 weeks)
Mon, Jul 15 – Sat, Sep 21
Term 4, 2024 (10 weeks)
Mon, Oct 7 – Sat, Dec 21
Please be aware that our school will be closed on the following days:
Labour Day
Mon, Mar 11, 2024
ANZAC Day
Thu, Apr 25, 2024
King’s Birthday
Mon, Jun 10, 2024
Melbourne Cup Day
Tue, Nov 5, 2024
Our school offers gift vouchers which are available in any combination of lessons.
They are a great gift for someone who has displayed a keen interest towards the piano, guitar or singing. Recipients can choose to undertake jazz, contemporary or classical lessons.
The vouchers are valid for six months from date of issue and may not be redeemed for cash.
We also support local schools, charities and underprivileged students. If you would like our school to donate lessons to a silent auction or school raffle, we would be glad to assist your request.
All enrolments are booked on a term-by-term basis and cannot be transferred to another student.
Our lessons are billed in advance at the beginning of each term with payment due within seven days. Mid-term enrolments are billed for the remaining weeks in the term.
All invoices are sent via email and can be paid via direct deposit, cheque or cash. Payments cannot be refunded once a student has commenced their enrolment, as per Australian Consumer Law.
Our family discount only applies when more than one class is conducted in the same week.
Students are not billed for classes that fall on a public holiday.
We require 24 hours notice for all cancellations.
If you unable to attend the scheduled lesson, we will endeavour to accommodate up to two make-up lessons per term at our discretion.
Make-up lessons cannot be rescheduled and do not roll over into the subsequent term.
In the unlikely event that a teacher cannot attend a lesson, we will either find a suitable relief teacher or organise an alternative time for a make-up lesson.
Keen to get in touch? We’d love to hear from you.
We are always on the lookout for enthusiastic teachers to join our growing Melbourne team. We pride ourselves on delivering outstanding music lessons that make a real difference. If you have a passion for education and hold a tertiary qualification in piano, guitar or voice, send a cover letter and CV to jobs@michaelavery.com.au.
Malvern
We have an abundance of free parking on the surrounding streets and car parks off Gordon Grove.
Hawthorn
Free parking is available everywhere until 4:30pm. After this time, parking is available north of the school along Auburn Rd, Victoria Rd near Auburn station, the south side of Burwood Rd and all surrounding side-streets.
Malvern
Located 250 metres from Malvern Station, trains run frequently and are only fifteen minutes from the CBD. Take the Frankston line.
Hawthorn
We are located only a stone’s throw from Auburn station, which is approximately fifteen minutes by train from the CBD. Catch the Alamein, Belgrave or Lilydale lines.
Malvern
Tram – Melbourne University to Malvern (No. 5)
Tram – Melbourne University to Kew (No. 16)
Tram – Melbourne University to East Brighton (No. 64)
Bus – Kew to Oakleigh Station (No. 624)
Hawthorn
Tram – Melbourne University to Kew (No. 16)
Tram – Docklands to Wattle Park (No. 70)
Tram – Vermont South to Docklands (No. 75)
Bus – Kew to Oakleigh Station (No. 624)