Piano, Guitar and Singing lessons in Coburg North
Acoustic and Electric guitar lessons
Whether you want to learn acoustic guitar like Ed Sheeran, play electric like Jimi Hendrix, or pursue classical or flamenco guitar, our teachers can get you playing the music you want to learn. We cater to beginners of all ages, can help intermediate students diversify their skills, and for more experienced players our tertiary educated teachers can bring your playing to the next level with technical know-how and real-world experience. We believe in structuring our guitar lessons on strong theoretical foundations so that students of all levels can confidently learn and explore the music they love..
Our curriculum: although all students have different goals and aspirations, we have various studio-wide term challenges and activities that we encourage all of our students to participate in. Some examples include composition (writing, scoring and recording a piece), music of the world, duets, ten-piece challenge and many more. All students experience elements of theory, improvisation, performance and composition.
We usually start our younger players on a nylon string acoustic (3/4 size) and focus primarily on getting the kids interested and enthusiastic about music and creativity. We encourage them to learn and play the songs they like, as well working through a suitable method book for their age. While we realize the importance of the formal aspects of music education, we feel the most important aspect for younger learners is making music fun, as it is and should be!
We supplement the formal music aspects with a range of other activities, like board games, iPad instructional apps and games, composing, learning duets, clapping/rhythm activities and regular improvisation - where teacher and student work together to create an original song on the spot. While there is no official starting age, kids that have basic counting, left/right and reasonable fine-motor skills can get started using our ¾ size acoustic guitar. We don’t generally accept students younger than 5, but it really is down to the child.
This is a great age to be learning music, as their passion really develops, and by encouraging them to learn what they love about music, they are motivated like never before. Instead of having to learn ‘boring old music’ they can be learning the songs they identify with, bringing a true relevance to their musical education. Motivation is the key to success, and there is nothing more satisfying (and motivating) for a student than playing one of their favorite songs themselves.
It’s also the time to start diversifying their guitar playing. It might be trying a different style, changing between acoustic/electric, song writing and composing, continuing or starting exams, and maybe even experimenting with effects and pedals.
Beginners Our teachers can help you avoid the common pitfalls faced by many self-taught guitarists. We'll make sure your posture and technique are correct, and show you how to properly work on the skills you need to make the music you love. While we do encourage you to learn to read music and immerse yourself in the theory of great music, it isn't necessary to get you playing your favourite songs. And no, it really isn't too late too get started. We learn our whole lives - music is no different
Experienced players If you already play guitar, but would like advice on a particular skill or help with a tricky solo, our teachers can help. It could be technical know-how, advanced exam prep, aural training, chord theory,help with song writing, getting your head around some new gear –all of our teachers are highly trainined and are currently active in music scene. scene.
Please visit our FAQ section below to find out more information.
Our teachers have a wealth of teaching experience, specialising in composition and improvisation with both jazz and classical backgrounds. All of our teachers are formally educated, have industry experience and teach multiple styles.
We screen our teachers to ensure not just flawless theoretical knowledge, but a real understanding and appreciation of music; they have the ability to really listen and hear music – enabling them to transcribe and teach anything you’d like to learn.
They are all talented and practising musicians, and above all, have the ability to transmit those abilities to others.
BMus in Jazz Jazz Guitar
Queensland Conservatorium
Masters of Teaching
Ongoing
Current Victorian Working With Children Check
Alex took up the guitar at 7 years old, soon after discovering rock music, and has been an avid player ever since. He completed an Advanced Diploma of Jazz guitar in 2007, followed by a Bachelor of Music at the Queensland Conservatorium in 2010, majoring in Jazz Guitar
He is currently teaching guitar, music theory, aural skills, transcription skills and ensemble practices at Victoria University, and plays guitar in a number of Melbourne bands. He has gigged across Australia in a variety of acts, played as a session musician and taught at primary, secondary and tertiary levels. Although guitar is his primary instrument, he also professionally plays mandolin and drums.
We understand the value and importance of live performance, and encourage our students to perform at every available opportunity. Not only does it provide a great motivation both before and after the ‘gig’, it builds confidence, consolidates practice and above all is a great experience. Ask any musician – nothing beats the feeling after a live performance!
We hold two recitals per year: a mid-year winter recital, an end-of-year Summer Duets recital (they’re more like a parties) where all of our younger students perform for fellow students, family and friends, showcasing their talents with songs they’ve learnt and/or composed throughout the year. You can see pictures of our latest recital here. For our more mature students, we hold ‘wine and cheese’ nights at the studio every term, where our adult students can meet others in a friendly atmosphere, all the while getting an interesting and varied concert. Always a relaxing, constructive and fun evening!
While we don’t force or pressure our students to take exams, we certainly encourage them. Exams cover most aspects of musical education, and provide both structure and deadlines. Whether the student wants to take exams or not, we teach all of the aspects examined, such as sight-reading, performing, aural skills and theory. The decision to take exams or not is down to the student – on one hand they can be rewarding and beneficial for those who work well with the exam structure, for others they are overly stressful and can end up turning students off music altogether. We find that the majority of students lie somewhere in the middle.
Our teachers can help students prepare for AMEB, ANZCA and VCE exams. Our students currently have a 100% success rate.
Exams are scheduled throughout the year; it is necessary to book in advance, before the closing dates. If you’d like to organise exams please talk to your teacher and we’ll arrange the booking for you.
Enrolment at Allegra Music is based on an 11-month school year (Feb-Dec), with 40 weekly lessons per year, divided into 4 terms.
The annual fee is based upon the VMTA recommended hourly rate of $78.00. You have three options for fee payments: per annum, per term or in monthly instalments. Whichever you choose, the total cost is the same, as outlined below.
Please note: All lessons are paid in advance, and are non-refundable.
The 2019 rates listed below all include GST.
| 30 Minute Lesson | 45 Minute Lesson | 60 Minute Lesson | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual | $1716 | $2574 | $3432 |
| Per Term | $429 | $643.50 | $858 |
| Monthly (Feb-Dec) | $156 | $234 | $312 |
* Due to school holidays, some months/terms have more lessons than others. Please click here to view our term dates
A 5% discount applies when 2 members of a family are enrolled. For 3 or more family members, a 10% discount applies (does not apply to annual studio fee).
There is an annual non-refundable studio fee of $30 per student to cover enrolment in online theory and practice courses, teaching materials and printing costs.
Preferred payment method is via direct deposit; however, we do accept cash if required. Invoices are issued either two weeks before the 1st of the month, or two weeks before the 1st day of term. Payment is due within 14 days.
29th January to 1st April
(9 weeks)
23rd April to 1st July
(10 weeks)
15th July to 22nd September
(10 weeks)
5th October to 20th December
(11 weeks)
The studio operates as normal on public holidays that fall within the term.
We ask that you to adhere to the following studio policies:
If you can’t make your lesson you have three choices:
We understand that kids (and adults!) get sick sometimes and have to stay home from school. If this happens, please text, call or email before 9am (8am on weekends) on the day of the lesson and we will schedule a make-up lesson. Alternatively if you’re not that sick, we can do a Skype lesson. It goes without saying that if you’re too sick for school/work, you’re too sick for a lesson (don’t share those germs around!).
Your lesson time is reserved for you each week, so please arrive on time. Lessons always start and end at the scheduled times.
Students are expected to fulfill all homework and practice requirements. A goal of 5 days per week is optimal. As a rough guide, for very young students 5-10 minutes of supervised practice per day. For older children and adults, at least 20-30 minutes per day is recommended. Please see the FAQ section for more details.
For younger students, the parent/guardian needs to ensure students are keeping up with their piano practice.
Apart from the benefits of learning and appreciating music so that it feels ‘natural’, children also benefit in a number of other areas. A quick web search will show numerous studies, but as a quick sum up taken from the Dept. of Education NSW:
The benefits of playing a musical instrument are outlined in the below short (4:44) TED video, for people in general, not just children.
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