Nick Dabbs has been teaching, directing and performing in numerous ensembles and schools for over 25 years. He is a former member of Melbourne 90’s and 00’s band Dallas Crane and has performed in many venues and festivals over the journey. He completed his Bachelor of Music from the ACU in Melbourne in 1998 and his Graduate Diploma of Education from ECU in Perth in 2002. He has been a music teacher at Newman College in Churchlands as well as Director of Music at Catholic Ladies College in Melbourne and Mercy College in Koondoola. He was also a touring conductor with the Australian Youth Choir tour of Great Britain in 2002. Since 2009 he, along with his wife, Therese, has been a Director of Keyed Up Music and still teaches classroom and instrumental music at St Emilies CPS, Canning Vale and St Paul’s CPS, Mt Lawley.
My name is Zac, and I'm a drumkit and percussion performer. I have been playing contemporary drum kit since I was nine years old and did not start classical percussion till, I was 15 years old at Churchlands Senior High School and have been doing music all together for 9 years. I have performed percussion solo pieces and ensemble pieces at WAAPA and through percussion programs hosted at WAAPA. I have also played in the percussion ensemble Defying Gravity Ensemble founded by Tim White at WAAPA for a year. I'm currently studying my two diploma degrees and Bachelor of Music degree at WAAPA to be able to perform and teach music full time. In high school, I also achieved two certificates Cert II and Cert III in the music industry and currently I'm underway of graduating my diploma degree of music performance at WAAPA leading into bachelor's degree of music. I'm also a part of a band called Rodney starfish and have been playing with them for 1 year now.
Dan Harper has had the pleasure, honour and privilege to have been a working drummer and drum teacher for the past 15 years. He has worked and currently works at a variety of different private schools and privately owned music business’s as well as Keyed Up Music. He has a Bachelor of Music majoring in Contemporary Performance from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts and is also a proud endorsee of Yamaha Drums Australia. Teaching is more than a job to him, it’s his passion and lifeblood. He hopes to inspire and have the best time possible with all his students.
Raul Bellgard is a former rock-metal guitarist, best known for his work with the Indian heavy metal band Artillerie. With two decades of passionate guitar playing, his intricate contributions to the albums New Offensive and Eradefiled earned him a nomination for Best Metal Guitarist by Rolling Stone India in 2011. He has established a reputation for his intense live performances and songwriting. Coming from a family of professional musicians, Raul now teaches at various schools, sharing his expertise through a step-by-step, interactive approach that guides students from foundational skills to technical creativity. His philosophy for students is simple: "Play hard, practice harder, and never stop evolving."
Dion is a seasoned professional bassist and dedicated music educator with many years of experience. Based in Perth, Western Australia. Currently in his final year of his Bachelor of Music Performance degree at West Australia Academy of Performing Arts specialising in bass guitar. Dion has performed across various genres and collaborated with local Perth artists, showcasing his exceptional skill and versatility. As a passionate teacher, he tailors his lessons to each student’s needs, emphasizing both technical mastery and musical expression. His patient, personalized approach helps students—from beginners to advanced musicians—discover their unique skills and creative abilities to help achieve their full potential.
Jairus is an up-and-coming multi-talented musician and has graduated from WAAPA in 2022 studying for a Bachelor of Contemporary Music. He was taught to play a guitar by his father at age 11 and began teaching himself to play bass at age 15, providing him with more musical experience specialising in both instruments. He has been heavily involved in the music scene performing with other artists including Sabrina Ives and Alyssa Dalao and is now currently playing in a band St. Tragedy. He enjoys both teaching and helping students to develop their skills and ability to play. He is currently teaching at City Beach Primary School alongside Keyed Up Music and will continue to share his experience, passion and love in playing music.
Aaron Caldwell is a prolific saxophonist, arranger and composer. WAAPA trained and with eight years of playing experience, he has a wealth of knowledge on all things saxophone and woodwinds. He has had two years of prior teaching experience with private students, school students and group lessons and is a competent flautist also.
Natalia Sabirova is a graduate of the Kyrgyz National Conservatory in piano class and am a Chamber Orchestra performer, accompanist, teacher (piano) specialising in Instrumental Performance.
Teaching experience of more than 20 years. Prior to Australia, I had experience working in schools and children's educational music groups as a music teacher and concertmaster. I also have experience working with students of the vocal-choral and conducting Faculty of the Kyrgyz National Institute of Arts. In Australia, I currently work at the Morley School of Music as a piano teacher. The musical and pedagogical goal is an individual approach to the student's personality, the development of musical and pianistic qualities, the education of creative initiative and a conscious attitude to work.
Despite the lack of an early start to musical life, Shem D’Castro has found himself passionately invested in his violin studies at the WAAPA, where he has had the privilege of studying under the West Australian Symphony Orchestra’s Principal Second Violinist Zak Rowntree, as well as WASO Assistant Concertmaster Semra Lee, ex-Australian string quartet violist, Sally Boud, and Darwin Symphony Orchestra chief conductor Jon Tooby.
Shem finds great enjoyment and fulfilment in being able to make a positive impact to the musical lives of a newer generation through his teaching work.
Taimane Gayton began learning violin in primary school before switching to piano and voice at age 13. She received her Grade 5 Music Theory, Grade 7 Piano, and Certificate of Music Teaching Australia (CTMusA) from the Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB). Taimane has over 20 years of music teaching experience, as well as extensive experience tutoring literacy and numeracy. She teaches with a focus on guiding students to become independent musicians while inspiring a love of music and lifelong learning.
Vania is a Perth based pianist who started their musical journey at the age of 7. She is currently studying classical piano at Western Australia Academy of Arts. Although she is mainly trained in Western classical music, her true passion lies in cultural/world music such as Latin American, Middle Eastern and Japaneses music. She also has experience playing in both a contemporary and jazz setting. However outside of solo repertoire you can find her accompanying multiple musical instruments and voice. Such as recently being featured on WAAPA'S guitar convert called ‘News from Nowhere: Classic guitar concert’.
Phornchita first started learning keyboard before switching to the guitar at age 10 after her sister started learning it and has continued with the guitar ever since. She developed a passion for classical guitar and performance, playing in showcases, busking in markets and playing on RTRfm a couple of times throughout high school. In 2023, she graduated from the University of Western Australia with a Bachelor of Music (Classical guitar performance) and has developed a love for teaching guitar to others. Besides the classical guitar, Phornchita has enjoyed exploring other instruments like bass, violin and mandolin and loves playing acoustic guitar with her church’s worship team.
Branka is a primary school music teacher with more than 25 years of experience. She holds a Bachelor of Music Education, Graduate Diploma of Education (Early Childhood Studies), and is a registered member of WACOT. She has considerable experience in teaching music, piano, piano accordion, guitar, music theory, solffeggio and conducting choirs in different educational settings, here in Perth and overseas, which has equipped me with a broad range of skills. She is an enthusiastic and energetic educator with a passion for helping students reach their musical goals and excel in their studies.
Rhiannon Bouwhuis is a multi-talented singer, songwriter and musician. She is currently in her final year of studying a Bachelor of Music majoring in Contemporary Voice at WAAPA. Rhiannon has been playing guitar since she was 9 years old and had the privilege of being taught by Mr Nick Dabbs, Director at Keyed Up Music. She is now fortunate to have the opportunity to pass on her musical skills and knowledge as a Keyed Up Music teacher. Rhiannon loves to share her passion for music through performing and teaching, and looks forward to living out this dream full-time after completing her music degree.
Apart from being able to assist eager learners in their love of music, I have been blessed to have some of the nicest, most well-behaved participants at Keyed Up Music anyone could wish for.
I began my work last century and gained my qualifications from Trinity College (London) & ECU. I'm classically trained and have an Orff Schulewerk background. I was a presenter at the 2007 ASME Conference for Music Teachers, wrote content for First Steps (ECU), and directed the opera "Cavalaria Rusticana" for Opera Piccola. I won many awards for music and research. My published books of compositions are titled Sure as the Beat (SATB music for the classroom), 40 Orff Tunes for the classroom, The Sacred Heart Oratorio, The Belladonna Rhapsody (for orchestra), The 3 States of Caterina, and 20 Piano Pieces for Children (Opus One), among my other published bags of tricks.
As the philosopher Nietzsche once wrote: "Without music, life would be a mistake.".
Joe Bryer: Keyboard
Joe Bryer has studied piano pedagogy with Alice Carrad and Stephen Dornan at UWA and Mt Lawley Academy of Performing Arts. Head of Music at International Schools in Jakarta, Indonesia, Delhi, India, Bangkok, Thailand, and Mandalay, Myanmar. Completed a Bachelor of Arts (Ed) and AmusA (Performance & Theory). The instruments Joe teaches are: pianoforte, keyboard, flute, violin, cello, trumpet, clarinet, saxophone, and percussion.
Francisco has a Bachelor of Music from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts and is currently studying a Masters of Teaching at Edith Cowan University, has been teaching drums for over 10 years and performing for over 20 years. He plays regularly in original bands and as a freelance drummer and or percussionist.
Tom Grice: Keyboard
Tom graduated from the University of Western Australia in 2021, earning a Bachelor of Music (Piano Performance), with an emphasis on studio teaching in his final year. Currently, he is studying at Edith Cowan University, in a Master of Teaching course to be a classroom music teacher, as well as undertaking some additional study in lower secondary maths.
Tom began playing the piano when he was eight and is of the attitude that perseverance is a crucial element of pianistic success; recognising that accomplished piano playing requires consistent effort. With this said, he additionally believes that playing the piano is a consistent source of joy and believes that the range of expressions the piano is capable of producing is nearly endless.
His approach in the piano studio is to try and gauge each student’s personal abilities and understand what strengths and interests a student possesses. Tom is additionally a strong believer in knowledge of music theory; maintaining that the language of music dictates the composition of all pieces, and having a working knowledge of how chords and intervals relates enables a stronger sense of connection to music.
Joseph Harris started his musical journey when he taught himself how to play 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star' by ear from a young age. His extensive musical pursuits developed into a passion for songwriting and musical composition, and he would go on to study a Bachelor of Music at WAAPA, majoring in Composition and Musical Technology. Whilst he was unable to complete the 4-year course due to the disruptive introduction of COVID lockdowns and the decision to take up alternate opportunities, he nevertheless maintains a strong connection to the instrument that gave him his roots, and continues to play in church groups and at weddings and funerals.
Joseph initially never saw himself becoming a teacher, but was converted to the idea by Nick Dabbs, founder of Keyed Up Music, who revealed the heart of teaching being about the relationship and passing on a love of the subject - an idea Joseph has since become very passionate about. Joseph currently teaches keyboard at Jolimont Primary School, Kapinara Primary School, and Poynter Primary School.
Isabella Nguyen is a passionate and versatile multi-instrumental music teacher whose love for music and art knows no bounds. With a deep-seated connection to the world of sound since the age of 5, Isabella has dedicated her life to learning and sharing the joy and beauty of music and art with her students. She believes that music has the power to transform lives and strives to instill that belief in each of her students. With patience, encouragement, and a deep understanding of music theory, she nurtures her students' talents and helps them realize their full potential. Her teaching style is engaging, inspiring, and tailored to the unique needs and aspirations of each individual.
Outside of teaching, Isabella also plays the clarinet, sings, and is part of the South Perth Lion's Community Swing band, playing the keys. Isabella also dances as part of the Waacking Community in Perth, and is highly engaged with the creative community of WA as an independent creative producer. Isabella has completed her BA in Music at UWA, and has completed her A.Mus AMEB Diploma for piano studies. Isabella hopes to be an all-rounded musician and teacher, who has roots in classical music, and expanding to contemporary and jazz music.
Megan is passionate about passing on her love for music and singing and has taught music and performance since she was in high school. She attained a Diploma of Music Industry from WAAPA in 2020 and is now in the process of finishing her third year of a Bachelor of Music from WAAPA. She has been active in the Perth music scene over the last few years performing in original bands as a lead singer and backing vocalist in music venues across Perth. Megan started her vocal training in classical music at a very young age, giving her a solid foundation in traditional singing technique. Around the age of 14 she started training in Musical Theatre and contemporary music which has given her more confidence as a performer and now gives her the ability to teach many different techniques and styles of music.
Max has an undeniable passion for music and over 5 years experience teaching guitar and bass. He has a Diploma of Music Industry and a Bachelor of Music from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. Max is an active member of the Perth music scene playing in corporate and event cover bands. He is also passionate about original music, and has recorded numerous records with bands such as Moth, Camomile Queen, and Finn Pearson, who won the WAM award for best folk song (“Hard To Find”) in 2022.
Philip is a versatile and creative guitarist with over 10 years of professional experience. Having graduated from WAAPA in 2017 with a Bachelor's degree in Jazz Performance with Honours, Philip has played in a variety of ensembles and settings in genres ranging from jazz to funk to original rock music. As an educator, Philip is passionate and energetic in teaching the ins and outs of the guitar and helping students find their own unique voice on the instrument, wherever their musical interests may lie.
Angela Shaw is a student at the University of Western Australia and has been playing piano since the age of 7. She has completed the Grade 7 AMEB Piano for Leisure exam, and Grade 2 in Theory. Outside of teaching, she enjoys reading and trying out new tunes on both the piano and classical guitar! Angela is currently teaching a stellar bunch of students at West Balcatta Primary.
Ben Lazzaro is a versatile contemporary guitarist and music tutor based in Perth. With 14 years of performance experience, Ben has cultivated skills across a wide array of musical genres, including blues, rock, funk, fusion, soul, folk, and modern R&B. He has enjoyed 6 years in Perth’s professional music scene, having shared the stage with many local musicians and artists. In 2021 Ben completed a bachelor’s degree in contemporary guitar through the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, receiving multiple awards, including the Royal Over-Seas League Contemporary Music prize. In 2022 Ben embarked on a European tour with Perth folk/rock artist Toby Beard, playing 13 shows over 3 weeks in 5 different countries. Some of Ben's favourite places to play include Skagen Festival in Denmark, Bridgetown Blues Festival, Perth Concert Hall, the Rosemont Hotel, and the P&O Pacific Explorer cruise liner. Some other artists Ben has played alongside/supported with other bands, include Daryl Braithwaite, Lime Cordiale, Sancisco, Kingswood, Jordan Anthony, Chloe Schofield and Madoc Plane.
Rain Nguyen is a Vietnamese musician currently living in Perth. He has been playing the piano for over 10 years, is classically trained on the piano and has a passion for both playing and teaching. He is both passionate about his music and helping to provide his students with the love to music. He also plays the Vietnamese monochord or the 'đàn bầu', which is a one stringed instrument that creates beautiful and heart wrenching sounds you'll ever hear. He is also classically trained on the violin.
Kirsten Quinlivan’s studies have taken her to become a music teacher for high school, something she has wanted to do due to her love of music and wanting to spread that love to others. Kirsten loves getting together with friends and family to play music and if a band is ever needed, she’s there. She also enjoys playing music at her local church.
She loves playing the piano, singing, and dabbling with various other instruments, providing her with an understanding of various genres, especially on different instruments. She looks forward to encouraging the love of music with the students at Keyed Up Music.
Brett has been playing music in bands and a good stint of deejaying too for about 24 years. But even before then, he remembers as a kid and teenager always 'air drumming' and banging out beats on pretty much anything and everything, which he still does to this day. He hears rhythms everywhere in the world, from the metronomic chugga-chugga of a train ride, the pitta-patter of rain on a tin roof to the unorthodox rhythms of bird song. My brain speaks music.
He has always been inclined to the rhythm section of the band and have played bass and drums in bands of various genres: rock, dub, reggae, punk, grunge and metal.
He has been honing his skills as a drummer with his studio project Cactus Galactic as well as recording, programming, and mixing drum track to work with and share. He is always learning, and this will be the case to my end of his days. He loves all good music in many genres and have a particular passionate obsession with rock and heavy metal.
As well as drumming, Brett runs his own record label, recording studio, mixing, and mastering professions services.
James has been playing guitar for 16 years and is a passionate rock and roll enthusiast.
James has played with a variety of original and cover groups including The Carnaby’s, Holographic Moon Society and The Journey. He has played at events like WAMfest and The Contemporary Music Performance from WAPPA.
James enjoys involving students in the learning process and adapting lessons to suite their individual needs. James teaches practical music skills that develop students in various musical styles and genres. James’ definition of a great lesson is one where the student is engaged and immersed with the music.
After graduating from WAAPA, Christopher spent several years on contract in the middle east, playing extensively in Dubai, Oman, Qatar and several years on the American 5th fleet Naval base in Bahrain. He has lived and played extensively throughout Asia, most recently holding post as head percussion tutor at the New International School of Thailand in Bangkok, a United Nations school. He has also recorded and toured extensively, most recently with the Gabriel Lynch band and festival dates with award winning Thai producer Bruno Brugano. Chris is a proud endorsee of Echoslap Percussion Asia.
He has been playing the guitar for 15 years years now and completed a Bachelor of Contemporary Music from WAAPA in 2021. He has played in various original and cover bands over the years, one of which opened for Spacey Jane and has also performed at notable local venues including Perth Concert Hall . He is currently teach at Woodlands and Poynter Primary with Keyed Up Music.
From a young age Daniel Johnston grew up playing music in the church, and went on to study Jazz at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA). He has taught music since 2006 and performed in a variety of originals and covers bands around Perth. Currently Daniel teaches guitar at St Emilie’s Catholic Primary School, Anzac Terrace Primary School, and the Christian Home School Support Group in Lesmurdie.
Hannah started immersing herself in the joys of music at 6 years old. From violin lessons to singing Annie to performing throughout her schooling years as a pianist and vocalist, Hannah thrives off her passion for music. She has completed Grade 6 of the AMEB Piano for Leisure and continues to learn piano at university. There, she is studying a Bachelor of Education (Secondary), majoring in Music at Edith Cowan University and WAAPA. Hannah has experience in contemporary and classical music and has been teaching piano for 6 years. She has performed in ensembles, small bands and as a soloist. Her goal, when teaching, is to inspire the youth of today with music, so that they can create a better tomorrow.
Callum Woodward has been playing guitar for over 13 years but has been in love with music since long before. Having studied music at ATAR, TAFE and University level since 2011, he recently graduated from Edith Cowan University with a Bachelor of Arts (Education Studies). With a background in contemporary music, Callum has continued to explore a myriad of different styles and techniques on the guitar from classical to hard rock, using his time studying at West Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) to help broaden his horizons. He is currently teaching guitar at Mother Teresa Catholic College, St Vincent's School, Salvado Catholic College, St Emilie’s Catholic Primary School and Infant Jesus Primary School.
Outside of teaching and music, Callum finds joy in video games, tabletop games, movies and reading.
My name is Anna! I'm 21 and have been singing and playing guitar ever since I can remember!, I started of as a classical guitarist in primary school and worked my way through the ameb exams then decided to focus on voice for ATAR to lead me into WAPPA where I now study contemporary voice. I love to share my love of music with others through gigs and teaching, I have a real passion for teaching young kids and have been teaching for the past 6 years. I love to write and record music. You can find me on spotify by searching for Anna Dabbs.
Raya is a university student studying both psychology and music at the University of Western Australia. She has been playing piano since she was 6 years old, currently working towards achieving her grade 6 AMEB, and percussion since beginning of high school. Raya is currently teaching keyboard at Edgewater Primary School and hopes to share her passion and love for music with others.
I owe my musical ability to the Sisters of St Joseph who taught me both theory and practical to year 6 AMEB and 4 theory. They also took us to many Guildford Grammar festivals where we participated and received certificates. I have a Bachelor of Psychology degree and three teenagers who play flute, piano and guitar and I enjoy teaching students and seeing their confidence and abilities grow. Learning to play the piano takes patience, persistence and of course practice!
Meet Joel! Joel is a music student at Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, a local up and coming musician and a Piano teacher. Joel works at St Emilie’s Primary School amongst a few others and has been working for Keyed Up Music since 2018. Studying music at the WAAPA, he applies his knowledge learnt at university to his work and his musical career, having performed in bands, rapping as an MC, producing music, singing and song writing, frequently collaborating with local artists as well organising events and local gigs. Joel takes pleasure in teaching children and takes pride in learning classroom.
Rhys is multi-instrumentalist that has been teaching with us since late 2017. He has taught both guitar and drums at a variety of schools and has completed a Diploma in Music through North Metropolitan Tafe in Leederville. Since moving to the west coast, from NSW, he has been in multiple gigging bands around Perth performing on stage either behind the drum kit, with his bass slung over his shoulder or out the front with a microphone.
Rhys is currently studying a Bachelor of Contemporary Music at WAAPA, majoring in voice, and teaches guitar at Glengarry Primary School and drums at Lansdale Christian School and Woodlands Primary School.
Mark is classically trained in AMEB piano (8th grade prac 5th grade theory) and has worked as an accompanist for dance at WAAPA; He is an experienced performer in classical, swing, jazz and blues, ragtime, Latin American and has performed in numerous bands and as a soloist for restaurants, clubs and theatre performances. Mark currently teaches keyboard at Poynter Primary School and St Paul's School.
Mark is an experienced pianist, loving music his whole life. He has both qualified in AMEB Grade 8 Piano and AMEB Grade 4 Theory, specialising in classical music at high school. He has experience also both in trumpet and trombone, playing in both Jazz and Concert Bands during high school.
He also specialises in worship in piano, guitar and vocals, and is one of his favourite things to do. He has been part of the worship team at Saving Grace Church. He loves to teach children and teaches at Emmanuel Christian Community School and at Woodlands Primary School.
Angelo's musical career developed from an early age with a keen interest in guitar, and with this passion for playing guitar has led to teaching. With over 30 years experience Angelo's styles range from classical, jazz, blues and rock.
He is an excellent guitarist who loves writing his own music and Angelo can also play keyboards, bass and harmonica. Angelo has performed as a soloist as well as in quartets to 6 piece bands. His experience as a guitarist has seen him play intimate venues to concert sized crowds.
Angelo has been teaching at Lake Gwelup Primary School with Keyed Up Music for 6 years. In his spare time enjoys woodworking and listening to his favourite musicians.
Skye is a professional acoustic and electric guitar and bass player. He has been teaching both instruments for over 10 years. His qualifications include a Diploma in both Contemporary Music and Audio Engineering.
With over 25 years of guitar playing experience, plus 10+ years of bass, he has also found the time to dabble in drums and piano. His areas of expertise include music theory, song writing and improvised jamming. He has been playing in original Perth bands for over 17 years and is currently playing bass and guitar in Perth rock trio Aurora.
Skye currently teaches at Our Lady’s Assumption Primary, South Padbury Primary and privately in his home studio. He feels that teaching music is the best and most rewarding job in the world.
Outside of playing instruments Skye has a keen interest in collecting vinyl, skateboarding and restoring his vintage motorcycle & car.
Bailey Hester is a contemporary multi-instrumentalist and music teacher. While studying at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, he achieved his Diploma of Music Industry, as well as studying a Bachelor of Music and a Bachelor of Education. For almost a decade, he has amassed an extensive range of experience in performance, recording, teaching and composition. He currently teaches guitar with Keyed Up Music at Brabham Primary School and Holy Rosary School. Bailey also enjoys reading, admiring visual and performing arts, as well as composing original music in his spare time.
Norberto Flamenco started out a music student at Newman college which helped him nurture his growing interest in music. He was already playing piano at church leading choirs and starting bands to play with after school which led him to study 4 years of jazz piano at WAAPA. He now teaches piano full time and leads his own band called Vib3 which has plays all around Perth and various festivals when the opportunities arise.
Although Norberto never sat exams (such as AMEB), he has a wealth of knowledge in performance and practice methods and takes great pride in building up his students confidence so that they take great pride in their playing just as his teachers instilled it upon him.
He currently teaches at Lake Gwelup Primary School, Landsdale Christian School, Our Lady's Assumption School and St Augustine's School.
Fifi Winata is currently teaching at Our Lady's Assumption, St John's, and Whitford Catholic PS. She has completed B Mus at UWA and Grad Dip Ed at ECU. Fifi plays both classical guitar and piano. She likes composing, listening to music and travelling.