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Teachers' Profiles
Our team of thirty teachers have outstanding qualifications as both performers and teachers, and have been associated with many prestigious international and national institutions including, Julliard School, New York; the London Opera Centre; the Sydney Conservatorium of Music; Opera Australia, the Australian Institute of Music and the Mozart Academy, Salzburg.
With a wide variety of approaches, philosophies and knowledge our teachers can meet your specific needs to guide your musical journey into the future.
Teachers at a glance.
Click on a teachers name to view their information. Information correct as of 18 February 2011.
Dominique Anderson - Piano, Theory & Krotchet Kids Teacher
BMus(Mus.Ed)(Hons) Sydney Conservatorium of Music; A.Dip.A (ANZCA)
Dominique Anderson has been playing the piano since the age of four. She completed a Bachelor of Music (Music Education) at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, majoring in music education and piano. She also received First Class Honours for her thesis relating to pre-service music teacher identity formation and use of the narrative inquiry methodology in 2009. Dominique was conferred with her Associate Diploma in Classical Voice in 2006 and studied music at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre from the age of two, beginning with the Early Childhood music program and then studying piano, voice, violin and musicianship. She is also completing a Certificate in Languages (Mandarin) at Macquarie University. Dominique currently works as a high school music, humanities and Chinese teacher at St Paul's Grammar School in Cranebrook. She began teaching in the Krotchet Kids program at the PCoM in 2011 and enjoys bringing the joy of learning music to children and adults.
Trevor K. Brown is a fulltime teacher who specialises in voice and brass, particularly the trombone. He is also in demand as an Adjudicator at Eisteddfodeau.
Trevor has a lifetime of musical knowledge, having commenced study at an early age. Trevor has studied at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, obtained a Diploma in Voice, Stage Management, Technical and Theatre Administration from the London Opera Centre and studied the Wagnerian Repertoire under Professor Clement Kaiser-Bremmer in Germany.
Trevor has performed in many bands including military bands, brass ensembles, jazz bands and regional orchestras. He was also a permanent member of Opera Australia for more than ten years and has held the position of Conductor for the N.S.W. Police Choir. Trevor has a particular passion for choral groups, male voice choirs and brass ensembles.
Ruth Coulter - Early Childhood Music
Ruth Coulter is a pianist and a flautist with a wide range of musical experience and a passion for music education. While still at high school she began playing piano for ballet and physical culture classes, and was in demand as an accompanist for exams and eisteddfods. She gained a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Queensland with a double major in Music in 1995. Ruth spent 7 years on the mid-north coast teaching piano, flute, keyboard and music theory. During this time she also played flute in local orchestras, was the accompanist for the Coffs City Choir, assisted local schools with their choirs and HSC performance students, worked as an accompanist for exams and eisteddfods, and began training in Early Childhood Music. Since moving to the Penrith area in 2007 she has also gained a Bachelor of Teaching – Primary (K-6) and works as a casual teacher in the local area.
Saadet Dagistanli - Piano
A.Mus.A, B.Mus., ASCM...(Chamber Music) L.Mus.A Grad Dip.Ed.
Saadet Dagistanli started studying piano at the age of eleven and gained entry to study at the Conservatorium High School where she attained her NSW Higher School Certificate. She continued her tertiary music education at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music - graduating with a Bachelor of Music degree majoring in both performance and accompaniment.
She has been the recipient of many music awards and prizes over the years and has been soloist with both the Sydney Symphony and the Conservatorium Symphony orchestras.
Saadet has over 20 years of teaching experience and has been a member of staff at the following Sydney schools: St Joseph’s College (Hunters Hill), St Ignatius’ College (Riverview), SCECGS Redlands (Cremorne), Marist Sisters College (Woolwich), Manly Selective High School.
Since moving to the Nepean area over a decade ago, Saadet has taught at both St Paul’s Grammar School (Cranebrook) and St Dominic’s College (Kingswood).
Saadet continues to enjoy teaching students ranging in age and ability from Early Childhood through to HSC candidates and mature-age.
Colin Day - Guitar & Bass Guitar
A.Mus.A
Colin Day has been teaching and performing as a guitarist and bassist for over 20 years and has received his A.Mus.A in classical guitar performance from the AMEB. He is a versatile musician working as a solo artist and with a variety of bands, covering all styles of music.
Colin’s main teaching objectives are to make music accessible to everyone through the mediums of guitar and bass. He teaches in a relaxed and friendly manner and provides students a strong foundation to play various styles and to communicate with fellow musicians. Students wishing to complete their grades will be well prepared.
In recent years he has joined with Shakuhachi Master, Brownwyn Kirkpatrick, performing at concerts in the Jenolan Caves and around the upper mountains. He is also part of a guitar duo and continues to work with Jazz ensembles and vocalists. Colin is completing his B.Mus. at the University of New England in Armidale.
Some of Colin’s recordings include: The Water’s Wide (solo guitar), Reflections on the Guitar (South American guitar duets), Downtime (Jazz fusion, playing 5-string and fretless basses) & the CD Forest of Flycatchers with Shakuhachi Master Bronwyn Kirkpatrick.
Bethany Di Natale - Violin
A.Mus.A
Bethany Di Natale started learning the violin and piano from an early age and began teaching both instruments eleven years ago whilst still at high school. She gained her Bachelor degree as a primary school teacher, working in both regular and special needs classrooms, as well as her A.Mus.A in violin performance.
Combining her love of teaching and music, Bethany ran a successful music teaching business in Adelaide, in collaboration with her father, before marrying and moving to Sydney. She was teaching up to 77 students a week, organising eight concerts a year and gaining extensive performance experience as a soloist, in ensembles and as part of an orchestra. She has taught string programs in schools, prepared many violin and piano students for AMEB examinations and specialises in teaching beginners of any age on both instruments.
Matthew Dilosa has enjoyed a professional career spanning over thirty years playing drums both in Australia and overseas for some of the most significant musical theatre productions and artists ever to grace our shores.
Some of the musical theatre productions Matthew has performed with include: Australian premier season of CATS 1985 – 1987 Theatre Royal Sydney, Australian premier season of Les Miserable 1987 – 1989 Theatre Royal Sydney, David Atkins’ Dynamite 1990 – 1991 Footbridge theatre Sydney and national tour, Dancin Dynamite 1991 – 1992 Footbridge theatre and national tour, Davis Atkins’ Hot Shoe Shuffle world premier Hills Centre, Her Majesty’s Theatre Sydney, several national tours of which Matthew was Musical Director for the Perth season, also touring Japan in 1995. World premier of The Boy From Oz 1998- 1999 Her Majesty’s Theatre Sydney, staring Todd McKenney, Chrissy Amphlett.
Other shows included A Chorus Line Her Majesty’s Theatre Sydney, Little Shop of Horrors Enmore Theatre Sydney, Joseph and the Technicolor Dream Coat Her Majesty’s theatre Sydney. On Australia Day in 1989 Matthew played the Arena Spectacular of Les Miserable to an audience of over 100,000 people in Sydney Domain with the Australian Youth Orchestra.
Matthew began teaching back in the early eighties by taking on private students at his home and by 1985 he was teaching both from home and at St Josephs College Hunters Hill. Matthew has also taught at Marist Brothers Lewisham for an extended period of time, and in 1990 began teaching extensively at the Australian Institute of Music in Sydney. By 1992 Matthew had become head of the Drums and Percussion department. During this time he assisted and prepared many year twelve students for their music exams, and others for life as professional musicians.
Matthew’s philosophy is very much in line with PCOM’s motto of “Music For All For Life” He approaches each student as unique individuals and tailors their lessons according to their individual skills and talent.
Michelle Foreman completed her formal vocal training at the Conservatorium of Music, Sydney with a Diploma in Operatic Art. She studied under Maree Ryan, current Head of Vocal Studies and coached with Michael Black, Chorus Master of Opera Australia. After this time she moved to London. Here she appeared with professional companies including London City Opera with whom she toured the United States as Micaela in ‘Carmen’ and as Adele in ‘Die Fledermaus’ at the Queen Elizabeth Hall. Other roles she has performed include Pamina (The Magic Flute), Esmaralda (The Bartered Bride), Rosalinda (Die Fledermaus), Madame Mathieu (Angelique), Laurie (Oklahoma) and Celeste (Sunday in the Park with George). Ms Foreman worked with the London Festival Orchestra. She appeared at high society occasions, performing before audiences including Ex-Prime Minister John Major, Comedian Ronnie Corbett, Arsenal football players and European royalty.
She has also appeared as the soprano soloist in the Sydney Town Hall’s ‘Messiah’, at Sydney Government House Concerts, with the Toccana Australian Flute Quartet and at the Entertainment Centre, she has backed up Rolf Harris. Ms Foreman played Barbara in the Australian premiere of ‘Romance, Romance’ at the Belvoir Street Theatre, Sydney and has performed as a guest artist for NIDA.
After the arrival of her children, teaching has become her main focus.
Since 2006 , she has had a teaching studio at the Blue Mountains Grammar School, Wentworth Falls. Over 25 students are taught weekly with further students on a waiting list until 2012. Students are prepared for eisteddfods, musicals and AMEB exams up to and including AMUS. She is working as a vocal consultant for Penrith City Choir this term.
Naomi Halls is a well regarded teacher and performer with a specialisation in flute. She has lectured in Flute Performance Majors at University of NSW and the University of Western Sydney. She is also an AMEB appointed senior examiner. Her flute students have been awarded Exhibitions and top of the State Award from Trinity College, London and have held the Allan Mullins scholarship.
Naomi is a graduate of the NSW Conservatorium of Music and Macquarie University and has been a member of the NSW Flute Society Committee for several years.
Naomi has performed internationally, appearing on Irish television and participating in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. She has been Principal Flute of the Sydney Youth Orchestra and Penrith Symphony Orchestra. In recent years Naomi has been involved in the popular and jazz spheres, performing as soloist with The Feathered Frog Trio. Her CD, Moon Over The Ruined Castle was released in 1997 and has entered its second print run.
Jennifer Hammond is a highly experienced teacher, performer and conductor, having commenced piano studies at the age of 4. She has been awarded an OAM for her services to music and the AMEB Shield for the best results in grade 7-diplomas 1998.
Jennifer has studied piano at the NSW Conservatorium of Music under the late Frank Hutchens, graduating with a Performer and Teachers’ Diploma. She has also studied at the “Mozartium” Academy in Salzburg, Austria obtaining the highest degree, the “Reifepruefung.”
Jennifer still performs regularly and has made 3 CDs.
Amanda Handel - Piano
MA (Hons. Composition) A.Mus.A., ATCL (T Dip.)
Sydney Conservatorium Accredited
Amanda Handel is a well established composer and performer piano teacher with a special interest in twentieth century and new music. She has extensive teaching experience with a long record of successful students working with the AMEB, HSC and UWS performance syllabi.
Amanda has a Master’s Degree in Composition from the University of Western Sydney where she has also worked as a part-time lecturer and tutor in harmony and counterpoint, analysis and musicology.
Amanda is a fully represented composer with the Australian Music Centre, where her music is catalogued and published under license. Her music is also available commercially through Wirripang Publications. Amanda's work has been featured in national and international festivals and radio broadcasts, and her compositions regularly appear on the concert programs and CD recordings of renowned performers in Australia and abroad.
Rebecca Hilder - Voice
B. Mus.Ed (Sydney Conservatorium of Music)
Dip.Op (Sydney Conservatorium of Music)
Rebecca Hilder is a highly experienced teacher and Soprano performer, with over ten years of teaching experience. She has performed a variety of roles in fully staged productions of traditional operas and new works. Most recently she completed a year with Opera Australia’s OzOpera Schools Company.
Rebecca has worked with international directors such as Moffat Oxenbould, Elke Neidhardt, Cathy Dadd and Constantine Koukias. She has performed in master classes with Richard Bonynge, David Wakeham, Anke Höppner, Andrew Dalton, Barry Ryan, Jane Edwards, Janice Chapman, Nicole Dorigo (Italian and French diction) and Elisabeth Pillgrab (German diction).
Rebecca worked regularly for three years with international director and movement and stagecraft coach Anna Sweeny, and has worked with Australia’s most respected vocal coaches including Michael Black, Andrew Greene, Stephen Mould, Simon Kenway and Sharolyn Kimmorley.
John Hines - Piano
M.Mus, A.D.M.T, Bach. Prim. Edu. Studies
John Hines has been teaching piano and music theory for over 30 years. Active as a composer, he has had works performed by The Sydney Symphony Orchestra as well as other ABC Orchestras and ensembles. With a keen interest in jazz practice and theory, he is active as a jazz pianist for the Hawkesbury Jazz Society.
Mary Jones - Clarinet & Saxophone
B.Mus., A.Mus.A., Grad. Dip. Psych
Mary Jones is a qualified teacher in both clarinet and saxophone. Mary completed her Bachelor of Music at the Univerity of Queensland in 1991 and attained A.Mus.A in both clarinet and singing in 1988 and 1997 respectively. Mary has tutored in clarinet and saxophone in Sydney schools since 1993.
Cameron Kinsey - Guitar
ATCL, BA (Mus)
Cameron Kinsey is an experienced solo acoustic performer and teacher based in the Blue Mountains. He has over twenty years of experience as a professional guitar player in which he has developed a fluid and expressive style. Cameron has a passion for the pure, soothing sound of the guitar and is equally at home playing and teaching classical and modern styles.
He has a degree majoring in music from Monash University in Melbourne and is a registered teacher with the AMEB.
Cathy Laws - Piano & Early Childhood Music
Certificate of Music and Certificate of Completion in Piano. Teaching piano for past 10 years.
Currently teaching at The Joan Sutherland Centre. Also studying singing and have attained Grade 7 level with distinction.
Teaching speciality: Beginner piano students instilling an appreciation of music to include the wider aspects of learning.
Cathy also teaches Early Childhood Music.
Jacinta Mikus - Flute & Piccolo
Jacinta Mikus teaches flute and piccolo and is a scholarship student at the Australian Institute of Music.
Jacinta has also been the recipient of a major talent scholarship from The Julliard School, New York City and has received many other prizes and awards for her talent.
She has performed nationally and internationally in orchestras and bands, including The Lion King on Broadway and Swan Lake with the New York Metropolitan Opera.
Kerrie O'Connor-Brown - Piano & Voice
FTCL, LTCL, ATCL, A.Mus.A. Dip.Op.Art
As a vocalist and pianist, Kerrie has had an extensive career in performing and
teaching, both internationally and locally.
Focussing initially on a career in performance, Kerrie was highly successful in competitions, winning the prestigious Australian Finals of the Alla Scala Competition, which led to her travelling to Italy to perform at La Scala in Milan. She then travelled to England, working with Vida Harford. Upon her return to Sydney, she won the State Finals of the ABC Vocal and Instrumental Competition. Kerrie continued to study not only performance, graduating from the NSW Conservatorium with a Diploma of Operatic Art in 1982, but also teaching and in 1979 was admitted as both an Associate and Licentiate (Teachers) of Trinity College, London, and an Associate of the Australian Music Examinations Board. In 1980 she was accredited as a private music teacher by the NSW Conservatorium of Music, undertaking further studies with Professor Modesti (of Paris) and Ernest Metz (of New York). In 1985, she was admitted as a Fellow of the Trinity College of London.
As a performer, Kerrie was a regular Guest Soloist with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and recording artist with the Australian Broadcasting Commission. She has performed in Master Classes with Gerard Souzay and Geoffrey Parsons, and in 1981 was an Artist-in-Resident for the Sydney International Piano Competition.
Kerrie’s career has encompassed Music Theatre, Opera, Oratorio and Lieder. Along with her husband, the renowned Heldentenor, Trevor Brown, she conducts a busy music studio at the Penrith Conservatorium of Music, housed in the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, where many of their students hold Scholarships, before progressing on to work professionally – some of whom have been featured soloists in the School Spectacular and the Talent and Development Programme.
Kerrie also conducts the group “Young at Heart” - a small group of older women, originally brought together by the Penrith City Council to celebrate Senior’s Week in 2008, and is still performing.
Lyn Phillips - Voice & Theory
L.Mus.A, A Mus.A
Lyn Phillips is a teacher of singing, pianoforte and musicianship and brings with her 25 years of teaching experience. She previously worked at the Clarence Valley Conservatoriium (Grafton) and private teaching (Yamba).
Lyn's singing credentials include L.Mus.A, A.Mus.A (both AMEB) and Performer's Certificate (Trinity). She also has 8th Grade Pianoforte as well as 8th Grade Honours in Musicianship (both AMEB).
Lyn accompanies her students at exams, eisteddfodau and other performances and has directed adult, junior and community choirs as well as a capella groups. She has a keen interest in Baroque sacred vocal music, as well as all Art Song, Music Theatre, Folk, Gospel and Jazz. She shares a birthday with Beethoven (minus a few years) and loves harmony and arranges vocal ensemble music and piano pieces. Lyn is experienced in using music in aged care dementia, palliative and pastoral care.
Finn Pursell - Piano
B.A. (Bard College, NY), M.Mus (UNSW), Ph.D (UNSW),
A.Mus.A
Finn Pursell is a piano teacher specialising in baroque harpsichord repertoire and teaches theory. In New York, Finn has studied piano with German Diez and harpsichord with Dr. Fred Hammond. During this period, he has given recitals as both an accompanist and soloist, including a performance with the American Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Leon Botstein. Since arriving in Sydney in 2000, Finn has completed the MMus and Ph.D. at UNSW, and has done the AMusA in piano performance.
Jessica Randall - Violin, Viola & Harp
Jessica Randall has been playing and performing violin for the past twenty years, and has completed a Diploma of Music with a major in violin performance at the Australian Institute of Music, Sydney.
Jessica performs regularly on violin, viola, cello and harp. She also composes original music for her two main projects, Exlipiika and Tinkershuffle, enjoying a variety of styles including classical, jazz, gypsy and Celtic folk music.
Rotraud Schneider - Violin
Teacher & Performer Diploma, (Staatl. Musikhochschule Munich, Germany)
Soloist Diploma (Lucerne Conservatoire, Switzerland)
Rotraud Schneider is a well established performer and teacher having taught at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre since 1991. Previously she was a lecturer at the Wollongong Conservatorium University from 1982 – 1991.
Rotraud completed her Teacher and Performer Diploma at the Academy of Music in Munich, Germany and her Soloist Diploma at the Conservatorium in Lucerne, Switzerland.
She has extensive performance experience, making her first concert debut in London in 1977. She has followed this with concert tours throughout Europe and Australia, recordings for the BBC, ABC, 2MBS FM, and several CDs for Jade, NEA Music Label and the Anthology of Australian Music on Disc, Canberra School of Music.
Lyn Sibley specializes in teaching speech and drama, with her qualifications including a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Theory and Practice, a Diploma of Education for Drama and English, and an Association Diploma for Speech and Drama. With over twenty years of teaching experience, Lyn has enabled many students to achieve highly in Australian Music Education Board, Trinity College and the Australian Speech Communication Association exams.
Barton Staggs - Guitar
B.Mus. (Hons)
Barton Staggs is an acclaimed composer, sound designer and teacher. Barton began studying classical guitar at age 14 and has actively performed and promoted contemporary Australian guitar music.
Barton holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Performance from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and an Honours degree in composition from the University of Sydney. He has won many awards including the Tait Memorial Trust Scholarship to undertake further studies in composition at the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester.
Barton’s music has been performed by leading performers and ensembles including Ensemble 24, Ensemble Offspring, the Tankstream Quartet, the BBC Philharmonic and other artists. His music has been broadcast by ABC Radio in Australia, BBC Radio 3 in the UK, the National Radio Network of Argentina and Polskie Radio in Poland. He has also been a feature composer at major Australian festivals including at the Next Wave Festival and the Barossa Music Festival. He currently works as a freelance composer/sound designer with the ABC Audio Arts Unit.
Jillian Talbot - Piano
A.Mus.A.
Born and raised in the Blue Mountains, Jillian Talbot A.Mus.A. has been playing the piano since she was four years old.
Jillian was fortunate with her musical education studying with Jenny Hammond OAM, Lily Cowen (Theory), Igor Hmelnitsky, Brian Stanborough, and achieving the Early Childhood Music Certificate with the Yamaha Music Foundation.
Jillian enjoys the many uplifting tonal colors of the piano and likes to relax in her own time either playing or listening to music. More recently, Jillian has provided entertainment for fundraisers, community plays and to add the finishing touch to a special event or occasion.
Piano is Jillian’s passion, as is teaching. However, Jillian also believes learning is a life long journey, so she is continuing her musical education with UWS.
Should you wish to undertake exams or perhaps just enjoy the pleasure of the piano, you will be supported in whatever musical path you desire for either yourself or your child, regardless of age.
Paul Thomson - Voice
Dip. Op. Art Mus. Thtre
NSW Conservatorium of Music
Paul Thomson is a performer, vocal teacher and coach who specialises in classical, music theatre and jazz repertoire. He has been teaching at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre for eleven years and has worked with many HSC vocal students, achieving outstanding results.
As a professional singer Paul has twenty five years of experience, including being a guest soloist for Opera Australia, the Queensland Lyric Opera and overseas companies such as Glyndebourne Festival Opera and New Sadlers Wells Opera in the United Kingdom. Paul has also performed extensively through-out Australia in music theatre and cabaret.
Deborah Wells is a highly experienced singer, performance coach and director, who has a performance career that spans more than 30 years. As a teacher, adjudicator and HSC performance coach Deborah is in great demand, with her has a high degree of versatility having worked in different styles including cabaret, grand opera and pantomime.
Her includes Phantom of the Opera, Evita, Into The Woods, The Secret Garden, Turandot and Aida. Her productions have played at leading venues including the Riverside Theatre, Seymour Centre, Footbridge Theatre and Newtown Theatre.
Since completing a Bachelor Of Creative Arts (Per) Timothy has been working in all aspects of theatre. As an Actor, Singer, Director and coach he has taught internationally in Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre, SIB KL Productions, and the Malaysian school system. His experience includes working with voice, movement, and direction, crossing all styles of singing from classical to Music Theatre.
Theatre credits include Talking With, Hating Alison Ashleigh and Going Nowhere. As a founding member of Cufflink Productions in 2005 the company produced Card Board Box and Popular Mechanicals. The last of which was nominated for a Sydney Theatre Award and had a return season in the Big laugh Comedy Festival.
He recently began teaching Voice (Singing) class for Wesley Institutes’ Drama Department and also taking on other private students.
Penrith Conservatorium of Music
