About
I am an Australian and graduate of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. At age 12 I received the highest pass in Australia in my Australia Music Exams Board (AMEB) piano exam. From there, at age 12, I was entered in 3 local Eisteddfods in my home town, 12 years and under, a Junior Championship (16 years and under), and an Open Championship (open age), and won all three categories. I then went on to the Sydney Eisteddfods winning many first prizes. I was asked by several Professors of Music from the Sydney Conservatorium to move to Sydney to further my studies at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, which I did at 15. Eventually I travelled to the United States and Europe to possibly continue my studies, and was accepted into the Juilliard Music School.
I have performed at the Sydney Conservatorium in concerts as well as at the Shell Folkloric Music Festival at the Sydney Opera House on invitation of the Mayor of Sydney. After studying in New York I moved to Los Angeles and began teaching piano privately in people's homes where my work and name have grown exponentially.
My clients have included the families of Matthew Weiner (writer/creator of the tv series Mad Men), Jenji Kohan (wrter/creator of the tv series Weeds and Orange is the New Black), Doug Ellen (wrter/creator of the tv series and movie Entourage), Gendy Tartakovsky (creator/animator of the Hotel Transylvania movies).
My success has been in starting new or current piano students and having them learn extremely quickly and gaining a passion for learning and practicing. As an accomplished pianist, along with my passion to play, I have found this inspires my students to want to learn even more and strive to achieve a greater ability.
Piano is my love and my passion since childhood. I look forward to speaking with new clients wishing to learn, to discuss any questions you may have about learning piano.
Cheers, John
Highlights
Payment methods
Specialties
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Student has instrument
Interested musical styles
Reviews
Roy L.
Adrienne M.
Jacob T.
Alecia
Grace A.
BP M.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I visit the homes of new students and meet with them and see what level they are at. I play to show them all the different levels of pieces they could commence with. Most importantly I play many pieces to let the student choose what they would enjoy learning, as I think this is one of the most important aspects of teaching.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
- Graduate of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music
- Juilliard accepted
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Depending on whether I go to the clients home (my preference) and the distance, or they come to mine.
How did you get started teaching?
I started here in Los Angeles after leaving Juilliard in New York to reside in LA. I friend introduced my to a client of his looking for a piano teacher, and it has been word of mouth ever since.
What types of students have you worked with?
All ages, and from beginners to advanced.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
The Hollywood Bowl is my go to place all summer every year, the home of the LA Philharmonic, and other concerts.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
To know it is not difficult to learn, and that it is not an issue for me if they learn slowly and don't think they have the capacity, as I have the patience and succes to take them to a level of playing they will certainly enjoy.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
They should should have an instrument to practice on, as I teach very quickly, and it would not be wise to take lessons without having an instrument to practice with. There are many affordable options and I can help them with making those choices.