Music Lessons Melbourne
The Michael Avery School of Music is a boutique Melbourne music school specialising in piano, guitar, singing, violin and drumkit lessons for adults and kids.
Located just 15 minutes from the Melbourne CBD in Malvern, we offer music lessons and courses in jazz, contemporary and classical styles, taught by a young team of friendly, tertiary-qualified teachers.
Our School
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.
MICHAEL AVERY PRINCIPAL
Michael is the school’s Principal and a classical guitarist. He teaches classical guitar at the school and brings nearly two decades of Alexander Technique experience to how our teachers think about posture, ease and technique at the instrument. When he’s not at the school you’ll find him on a climbing wall.
SANGHOON LEE HEAD OF ADMINISTRATION
Sanghoon keeps the school running like a well-oiled machine, and is your first port of call for anything to do with scheduling, enrolments or invoices. He’s a composer in his own right, a very good baseballer and, like the Principal, spends his spare time climbing.
ASHA CARSLAW-MAHER ADMINISTRATION
Asha is our highly organised administrator. Their friendly demeanour and wealth of experience mean that any question you bring to reception will be handled smoothly and professionally.
SOPHIE MAHER ADMINISTRATION
Sophie is the friendly face you’ll meet on reception. Away from the school she’s completing her honours in Psychology — so she’s very good at making first lessons feel relaxed.
Ponyo
Ponyo is a highly-valued member of the MASoM Admin team, joining us at the school on an ad hoc basis. She is our trusted helper, morale booster and customer service superstar
We offer piano, guitar, singing, violin and drumkit 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 / drumkit / violin
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 / drumkit / violin
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 / drumkit / violin
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 / Wednesday / Thursday / Friday / Saturday
BRIAR WILSON
Briar’s journey commenced at the distinguished Australian College of the Arts, where she immersed herself in the artistry of vocal performance.
Along this journey, she has been fortunate to receive tutelage from renowned musicians of Melbourne’s esteemed musical landscape, including Ella and Jesse Hooper (Killing Heidi), Ainslie Wills, Hailey Kramer (Haych), and Dallas Frasca.
Throughout her career, Briar has had the privilege of performing extensively across various states, both as a solo artist and as part of ensembles.
Over the span of a decade, she has diligently cultivated her vocal prowess, equipping herself to mentor students of all ages with precision and care. In addition to vocal proficiency, Briar is versed in multiple instruments, including bass, guitar, and piano. Furthermore, she has undertaken the creative endeavour of composing and recording her own EP, a testament to her dedication to musical expression.
As a committed educator, Briar is devoted to nurturing the musical talents of her students, guiding them towards their fullest potential. Whether individuals are embarking on their musical journey or seeking to refine their skills, Briar is here to offer guidance and support on their path to musical excellence.
- Instrument voice
- Qualifications BMus, Australian College of the Arts
- Courses jazz / contemporary
- Levels beginner / intermediate / advanced
- Ages children / teenagers / adults
- Availability Tuesday / Wednesday / Thursday
MAX VILLELLA
Max Villella is an Australian guitarist, composer, and improviser. He is well versed in a variety of styles of musical art forms. Performing in a number of ensembles and bands while also composing for film and other musical outlets, he works to celebrate the wealth and diversity of creative Australian musicians. He is deeply versed in Contemporary, Pop, Jazz and Blues styles. Max studied Jazz & Improvisation at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, University of Melbourne.
- Instrument guitar
- Qualifications BMus, Melbourne University
- Courses contemporary / jazz
- Levels beginner / intermediate / advanced
- Ages children / teenagers / adults
- Availability Monday / Wednesday
YOSHIMASA KAWAI
Yoshi studied Jazz and Improvisation at Melbourne University, learning from some of the most respected musicians in the Australian jazz scene.
Alongside jazz, Yoshi is at home in funk, rock, pop and other contemporary styles, and enjoys helping students get inside the sound of the music they love, whatever genre it may be.
He is passionate about improvisation, creativity and making music more enjoyable and welcoming. With a background in tutoring across several fields, including language learning, Yoshi values building strong, supportive connections with his students, and his lessons are shaped around each student’s goals and interests.
- Instrument piano
- Qualifications BMus, Melbourne University
- Courses contemporary / jazz
- Levels beginner / intermediate / advanced
- Ages children / teenagers / adults
- Availability Tuesday
OLIVIA HECTOR
Olivia teaches the full breadth of contemporary voice. She trained in musical theatre and brings that discipline to her teaching, alongside a keen interest in pop, alternative, rock and singer-songwriter styles.
Whether you want to build vocal technique, develop performance skills or get to grips with theory, Olivia works with each student to take on new challenges and conquer them.
Above all, she is passionate about helping students explore their creativity freely and develop their own sound and musical perspective.
- Instrument singing
- Qualifications BMus, Australian Institute of Music
- Courses contemporary / jazz / music theatre
- Levels beginner / intermediate / advanced
- Ages children / teenagers / adults
- Availability Wednesday
DOMINIC CARPENTER
Dominic was born into a family of accomplished musicians and introduced to music from a very young age. He has a strong background in both classical piano and jazz and improvisation, and studied at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School and the University of Melbourne under some of Australia’s finest players.
Dominic loves teaching. He shares his skills and gives clear, constructive feedback in a way that helps students both love music and become skilled musicians.
- Instrument piano
- Qualifications BMus, Victorian College of the Arts
- Courses jazz / contemporary / classical
- Levels beginner / intermediate / advanced
- Ages children / teenagers / adults
- Availability Wednesday
BEN LOFTHOUSE
Ben started guitar at nine and was improvising in blues clubs by eleven. He holds a music performance degree from the Australian College of the Arts, where he majored in guitar and songwriting, and has been teaching guitar (as well as bass and drums) for more than a decade to students of all ages, levels and styles. Outside the school he writes and records with his band Scuff.
Ben is experienced at helping students reach concrete goals, including AMEB examinations, and once guided an initially struggling student to Top Class. He teaches a wide range of styles, from metal, funk and blues to hard rock, pop, reggae and classical, and looks forward to starting the musical journey with new students.
- Instrument guitar
- Qualifications BMus, Australian College of the Arts
- Courses contemporary / jazz / classical
- Levels beginner / intermediate / advanced
- Ages children / teenagers / adults
- Availability Wednesday / Thursday / Saturday
ARTHUR YEUNG
Arthur has fifteen years of piano playing behind him and is at home in classical, pop, jazz and improvisation. He studied at the Victorian College of the Arts and has trained with Paul Williamson, Jamie Oehlers, Tristan Lee and Barney McAll.
He is also a multi-instrumentalist on saxophone, guitar and bass, and loves all things music. Arthur looks forward to supporting his students wherever their musical journey takes them.
- Instrument piano
- Qualifications BMus, Victorian College of the Arts
- Courses jazz / contemporary / classical
- Levels beginner / intermediate / advanced
- Ages children / teenagers / adults
- Availability Friday
LUCA PASCUCCI
Luca studied Jazz and Improvisation at the Victorian College of the Arts, under the guidance of James Sherlock and Peter Petrucci, two of Australia’s foremost guitarists.
Alongside jazz and blues, Luca has a passion for pop, RnB, funk and soul, and is always keen to explore other styles with his students.
He is excellent at unlocking each student’s potential, shaping lessons around their individual ambitions and interests.
- Instrument guitar
- Qualifications BMus, Victorian College of the Arts
- Courses contemporary / jazz
- Levels beginner / intermediate / advanced
- Ages children / teenagers / adults
- Availability Tuesday
TOM FRANKLIN
Tom has known since childhood that he wanted a life in music. He learnt by ear before formal training at school, where he advanced quickly as both a soloist and an ensemble player, studying with pianists Beth Ylvisaker and Gintaute Gataveckaite and winning multiple piano competitions. He took part in the Steinway national online piano competition and was featured in the VCE Season of Excellence, performing Chopin’s Étude Op. 25 No. 11 at the Melbourne Recital Centre. He has since studied with several of Australia’s leading concert pianists, including Tristan Lee at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music.
Away from the piano, Tom runs, paints, plays bass guitar and goes to live shows. He is committed to sharing his skills and to helping people’s lives through music.
- Instrument piano
- Qualifications BMus, Melbourne Conservatorium of Music
- Courses classical / contemporary
- Levels beginner / intermediate / advanced
- Ages children / teenagers / adults
- Availability Monday
JOCK PRYSE JONES
Jock is a graduate of the Victorian College of the Arts and a warm, supportive teacher who is passionate about making singing natural and fun for everyone. His lessons focus on finding your own voice and building confidence step by step, in a relaxed and creative way.
With a background spanning folk, pop, blues and jazz, Jock also brings production software into his lessons. He supports students whether their goal is performance or simply to reconnect with their voice and make singing part of their life.
- Instrument singing
- Qualifications BMus, Victorian College of the Arts
- Courses contemporary / jazz
- Levels beginner / intermediate / advanced
- Ages children / teenagers / adults
- Availability Monday / Tuesday / Thursday
LIAM FEURY
Liam is an experienced drummer with a Bachelor of Music from Box Hill Institute, where he studied with some of Australia’s most respected drum teachers. He loves any and all music, with a particular soft spot for rock and funk.
If a student has a song or a goal to work towards, Liam is always happy to help them get there, and to go beyond what they thought was possible.
- Instrument drumkit
- Qualifications BMus, Box Hill Institute
- Courses contemporary / jazz
- Levels beginner / intermediate / advanced
- Ages children / teenagers / adults
- Availability Monday
SAFFI CAMPBELL WALKER
Saffi is a highly skilled pianist with a strong background in both classical and jazz and improvisation. She studied at the Victorian College of the Arts under leading Australian and international artists, and received the Premier’s Award for Excellence in Music.
Saffi brings a commitment to sharing her skills and a real joy in helping people develop as musicians, to a high standard and with a lifelong love of music.
- Instrument piano
- Qualifications BMus, Victorian College of the Arts
- Courses jazz / contemporary / classical
- Levels beginner / intermediate / advanced
- Ages children / teenagers / adults
- Availability Monday
THEIA NG
Theia holds a Bachelor of Music Performance from the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music and has trained with many esteemed classical piano teachers. Growing up in Sydney, she competed in numerous eisteddfods, placing second in the NSW Piano State Finals of the Oz Schools Instrumental Championships.
Theia is patient and encouraging, and focuses on building strong technique, musicality and confidence, whether students are learning for enjoyment or preparing for AMEB exams, auditions or performances. She aims to foster a real love of music in every student.
- Instrument piano
- Qualifications BMus, Melbourne Conservatorium of Music
- Courses classical / contemporary
- Levels beginner / intermediate / advanced
- Ages children / teenagers / adults
- Availability Saturday
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 Four 2026:
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 weekly on Wednesdays at the school.
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.
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.
End of year Recitals:
An opportunity for students to showcase their performances to friends and family in a captivating venue. Sunday, November 29th, 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.
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 2026, our end of year concert will be held on Sunday November 29th at the Abbotsford Convent Oratory Hall. 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 $15 discount to family members who enrol in more than one class per week:
30-minute lesson: $50
45-minute lesson: $70
60-minute lesson: $90
Lesson prices for classical guitar lessons 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, 2026 (10 weeks)
Tues, Jan 27 – Thu, April 2
Term 2, 2026 (10 weeks)
Mon, Apr 20 – Sat, Jun 27
Term 3, 2026 (10 weeks)
Mon, Jul 13 – Sat, Sep 19
Term 4, 2026 (11 weeks)
Mon, Oct 5 – Sat, Dec 19
Please be aware that our school will be closed on the following days:
Labour Day
Mon, Mar 9, 2026
ANZAC Day
Fri, Apr 25, 2026
King’s Birthday
Mon, Jun 8, 2026
Melbourne Cup Day
Tue, Nov 3, 2026
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 are 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.
To make an enquiry (and book a complimentary 30 minute lesson), click below:
To instantly book your first lesson using our online booking system click below:
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.
There is an abundance of free parking on the surrounding streets and in the car parks off Gordon Grove.
We are 250 metres from Malvern Station on the Frankston line. Trains run frequently and the CBD is only fifteen minutes away.
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)