Extra-curricular Activities - Instrumental Music Program
Operating since 2009, the BNPS Instrumental Music Program provides high quality extra-curricular music education. We offer weekly lessons for a variety of instruments and create a fun environment in which students can build a solid foundation for ongoing musical development. Most importantly, we pass on the joy of playing a musical instrument. The program operates within the school facilities and timetable but is administered independently with a small team of highly qualified, dedicated and passionate tutors.
All tutors are multi-instrumentalists with considerable teaching and performing credit.
Simon Lindsay – Program Administration & Guitar/Ukulele/Brass Tutor
Having trained classically on Trumpet since the age of 10, Simon began his teaching career in 2001. He has taught Brass in a variety of Primary Schools and private institutions throughout Melbourne. Since 2004, Simon has incorporated a Pop and Rock focus with Guitar and Ukulele. Simon began music tutoring at BNPS in 2008 and the following year, along with his sister Katherine, took over management and administration of the Instrumental program. He is the primary contact for all guitar, ukulele, trumpet and drum enrolments. Simon brings a wealth of musical knowledge and passion to his teaching. His tutoring style is energetic and caters to the individual needs and abilities of students. Along with his teaching experience Simon holds a Bachelor of Arts (Monash University 2005). His performance credits include regular gigs at Melbourne venues, Wangaratta Jazz Festival, Rock Festivals and the Sydney 2000 Olympics Opening Ceremony.
Erica Tucceri – Woodwind & Piano Tutor
Having trained at the Victorian College of the Arts in both the classical and contemporary music streams, Erica Tucceri holds an Honours Degree in Music Performance, a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Contemporary Music and Improvisation) and has over six years teaching experience, specializing in flute, recorder and keyboard. She currently teaches as part of the Child’s Play Music Program, Sholem Aleichem College alongside a private teaching studio. Erica caters her lessons and materials to the learning needs of each student and keeps lessons fun, lively and engaging with a variety of repertoire to foster student motivation. She focuses on developing key techniques week to week, assisting students in building a structured practice regime to ensure they continue to develop and enjoy their playing.
Liz Watson – Piano Tutor
An experienced and dynamic piano teacher, Liz Watson has been teaching privately in the Bayside area since 2000. She holds a Graduate Diploma in Music (2013) from The University of Melbourne and has had diverse experience as a tutor with the Yamaha Music Education program, in schools and through her private studio. With a strong emphasis on technique and maintaining motivation, Liz provides a vibrant and positive learning experience for each student, setting clear goals for lessons and home practice.
Monika Jonasson – Piano Tutor
A qualified and professional instrumental teacher well acquainted with teaching the AMEB syllabus, both practical and theoretical. Monika has worked closely with primary school-age children through the Yamaha Music School for the past seven years, as a teacher, mentor and manager. Monika has previously taught at Glen Eira College and is currently with St Francis Xavier College. She also runs a private studio in Bentleigh East. Along with the AMEB syllabus, Monika teaches from a range of piano courses and materials with a recent focus on modern music. Composers like Sonny Chua, Elissa Milne, Martha Mier and Christopher Norton, along with educational progressive books like Piano Adventures, Step by Step and Hal Leonard Piano Library are just some of the materials at her disposal.
Joe Hammond – Drum Tutor
Joe began playing drums at age ten and has since played in countless bands, making albums and touring the country. Between teaching his time is spent producing music for notable musicians including Courtney Barnett, Jen Cloher, Tim Rogers and many others in his recording studio “Pots and Pans”. He has worked as a recording engineer, live sound engineer, session drummer, drum technician and has tutored drums for over 15 years. With a wealth of musical knowledge Joe gives students the opportunity to learn a variety of contemporary pieces and traditional written rhythm notation.
Jarrod Brereton – Woodwind & Piano Tutor
Jarrod is a multi-instrumentalist, performer and educator with ten years experience teaching and playing in a wide variety of musical contexts all around the world. He holds a Bachelor of Contemporary Music Performance (Improvisation) from the Victorian College of the Arts and an Associate Diploma in Classical Pianoforte (Honours) from ANZCA. As a performer Jarrod has been around the world playing with bands, DJs and as a freelance session musician. Jarrod has taught students of all ages and ability levels in Melbourne, London and Berlin, maintaining a 100% exam pass rate across international exam boards including VCE. With advanced training in jazz, classical, contemporary and world idioms combined with outstanding communication skills and a genuine passion for music education, Jarrod creates a teaching environment in which every student can achieve their full potential and gain the most out of their musical experience.
Rita Satch – Woodwind, Violin & Piano Tutor
A passionate and inspiring multi-instrumentalist with over 10 years experience as an educator for all ages and skill levels, Rita Satch has a strong emphasis on using creative and engaging techniques to inspire students in achieving their full potential. Rita has recently returned to Melbourne after living in London where she was working on her latest album. As a singer/songwriter some of her notable performances include Glastonbury Festival (UK) and Melbourne International Jazz Festival. Rita provides private one-on-one tuition for piano, woodwind and violin.
Learning an instrument is a great opportunity for your child to extend their skills and enjoy the playing and performance of music at school. Soirees are held every six months and ensembles also perform at school events such as the Fete. See Music Soirees.