VIVA TEACHERS
Andreana hails from a prestigious lineage of Jazz musicians, with both her father and mother being esteemed performers and educators in Europe. Displaying prodigious talent, she embarked on her musical journey at the tender age of 3, mastering the piano. She went on to achieve a Bachelor of Music in Classical Piano, and then immersing herself in the world of Jazz and Contemporary genres, where she excelled and earned a coveted diploma in Jazz Studies. With an impressive teaching career spanning over 15 years, Andreana's expertise extends far beyond being a skilled performer; she is a versatile pianist, a captivating singer, and a visionary composer. Her musical prowess is showcased through her captivating performances as an integral member of a highly acclaimed trio in Melbourne. Notably, Andreana's exceptional guidance has propelled her students to achieve remarkable results in various music examinations. Furthermore, she has demonstrated her exceptional leadership abilities by conducting big bands and school ensembles. Recognised for her warm and amiable demeanour, Andreana's genuine care and unwavering dedication to each student's growth have garnered her immense popularity as an esteemed teacher at Viva.
Felicity is a highly accomplished musician who has been passionate about music since childhood. She completed her Associate Diploma of Music at the young age of 16 and went on to complete a Bachelor of Music (Classical Performance) at Monash University, where she honed her skills and developed a deep appreciation for musicality, tone, and expression.
As a music teacher, Felicity shares her love of music with her students. She believes that music is not only a beautiful art form but also a means of self-expression and connecting with others. Felicity is committed to helping her students develop their musical skills, whether they are learning for leisure or pursuing formal exams like AMEB.
In addition to teaching, Felicity is also an accomplished composer. She enjoys adapting various genres of music for piano and tailoring her compositions to suit the interests and abilities of her students. By doing so, she inspires her students and helps them develop a highly polished sound for exams or pleasure.
Felicity is a dedicated and passionate musician who is committed to sharing her love of music with others. Whether teaching or composing, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to everything she does, and we are honoured to have her as part of the Viva teaching team.
ANDREANA
piano/composition/singing
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FELICITY
piano/accompaniment
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Tom has a Bachelor of Music Performance (Degree with Honours) from the University of Melbourne/VCA. He has been teaching students for many years from beginner to VCE level. He has taught students at the highly acclaimed Mac. Robertson Girls High School, taking students in classical guitar and also in several after school programs teaching both contemporary, jazz and improvisation on both electric and acoustic guitar. Tom’s lessons are tailored to the individual student, with each having a consistent plan including instrumental technique and repertoire and a dose of fun. He enjoys helping students express their creativity by giving them exercises to help refine their technique and encouraging them to explore repertoire that inspires them.
Tom is also a working musician and songwriter. He is involved in a jazz trio that has recently released an EP of original works and he plays weekly at Brunswick Green on Sydney Road. Tom’s main focus as a teacher is to help students develop a relationship with their instrument, where they are inspired to practice and be creative.
Giovanni studied musical pedagogy and classical guitar, obtaining a Master of Music from the Conservatory of Music and Theatre in Rostock, Germany. He later pursued further studies at the Liceu Conservatory of Barcelona in Spain, which included the study of flamenco guitar.
In 2009, he recorded his first album with the Duo Encuentro, and the following year began touring throughout Peru, Lima, and Germany. His second album, entitled Duo Matizes, received great acclaim throughout Europe and continued his passion for South American rhythms and Spanish flamenco music as pop music.
Giovanni is a highly experienced music teacher, specialising in guitar, ukulele, electric guitar, bass, and beginner piano. He has taught in many prestigious schools around the globe, including the Johannes-Brahms Music Conservatory and the Bergstedt Music Academy in Hamburg, Germany.
Since moving to Melbourne in 2018, Giovanni has been teaching in various private schools, preparing students for AMEB exams, concerts, and competitions. He continues to regularly perform throughout Melbourne with various instrumentalists and his guitar duo, Son Candela.
Giovanni's love of music is infectious and he is a welcome addition to the Viva teaching team.
Brianna Ekberg is a versatile singer and teacher, proficient in classical, jazz, and musical theatre genres. Her musical journey began at a young age, and she obtained a Bachelor of Music with honours from the University of Melbourne's Conservatory of Music.
During her time at the university, she had the privilege of participating in an esteemed internship with the renowned Melbourne Recital Centre's Learning and Access department. This invaluable experience allowed her to further refine her skills and develop a profound understanding of the transformative power of music in education and accessibility.
Brianna actively volunteers with the Geelong Youth Choir, nurturing and inspiring young talents to reach their full potential. Additionally, she generously lends her enchanting voice to Geelong Rotary fundraising events, using her musical prowess to make a positive impact and contribute to meaningful causes.
Brianna has guided students through the classical and musical theatre AMEB exam process and excels at preparing them for concerts and competitions.
Her ultimate aspiration is to share the boundless joys of music with as many people as possible. We are excited to have Brianna's enthusiastic, friendly, and warm teaching style as part of the Viva teaching team.
GIOVANNI
guitar/ukulele/piano/VCE
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BRIANNA
singing/piano
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Dr. Nessyah Buder Gallagher holds degrees in music performance and music education from Northwestern University, ethnomusicology from the University of Miami, and saxophone performance from Shenandoah Conservatory. She has studied with renowned saxophonists Fred Hemke, Dale Underwood, and Timothy Roberts. In 2016, she co-founded Re-Joyce!, an all-women's music collective that performed as part of the Rosh Chodesh Society's Art and Soul course in August 2018. Dr. Gallagher has been involved in various jazz, classical, and contemporary music ensembles, including the Northbrook Symphony Orchestra, Fairfax Wind Symphony, Doahnamics Saxophone Quartet, Melbourne Saxophone Ensemble, 100SAX, and the Equilibrium Saxophone Quartet. She has also participated in music competitions, festivals, clinics, and masterclasses, such as the International Saxophone Symposium in Washington, D.C., and the North American Saxophone Alliance quartet competition. Dr. Gallagher has conducted the Phi Mu Alpha Community Jazz Band, served as a marching band clinician, adjudicated sectionals and all-district band, directed saxophone ensembles, and taught various classes and private students in saxophone, music theory, music history, composition, clarinet, recorder, piano, voice, flute, trumpet, and guitar. During her time at Northwestern, she served as the Artistic Director of the Northwestern University Saxophone Ensemble. Currently, Dr. Gallagher is pursuing a PhD in musicology at the University of Melbourne, focusing on the history of the concert saxophone in Australia.
Nessyah is highly regarded by her students, and we are privileged to have such a skilled musician and teacher as part of the Viva teaching team.
NESSYAH
piano/singing/guitar/ukulele/clarinet/saxophone/flute/trumpet
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Sala is a highly skilled musician with over 25 years of experience playing the drums and guitar. He holds a holds a master's degree in Philosophy of Art and Music from Tehran University and has received a Certificate III in Education Support from Bendigo TAFE in 2022.
Sala has taught drums, percussion, guitar, and music history for over 11 years, including 7 years at music schools across Tehran and 4 years teaching in high schools and primary schools throughout Victoria.
As a performer, Sala has played in various bands of different styles such as jazz, pop, rock, reggae, Latin, and metal, and has played at many prestigious venues and festivals throughout Australia over the past decade, including the Melbourne International Jazz Festival, Newport Jazz Festival, Port Fairy Jazz Festival, Australian State Festival, and Fringe Music Festival.
Sala is a highly qualified and skilled musician and educator who can inspire and teach students of all ages and backgrounds. In addition to drum teaching, Sala also teaches guitar, making him a versatile and valuable addition to any music education program. Viva School of Music is excited to have him as part of the Viva teaching team.
SALA
drums/guitar/composition
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Pat is a Melbourne-based drummer and percussionist currently completing a Bachelor of Music at Monash University. He has performed at a variety of venues throughout the city, including Government House, The Jazzlab, The Paris Cat Jazz Club, and the Wesley Anne.
Raised in a musically-rich environment, Pat began playing his musical endeavours by playing the piano and was exposed to a broad spectrum of music genres, from doom and heavy metal to baroque and contemporary classical music. His introduction percussion/drums and onto jazz began in secondary school, and his education under Australian luminaries like Dave Beck and Darryn Farrugia expanded his knowledge to funk, Brazilian, Cuban, and modern jazz, while maintaining his passion for classic rock and pop music.
As a warm, caring, and engaging teacher, Pat is capable of teaching a variety of styles and guiding students through the AMEB rock school system and VCE. He is committed to sharing his love of music with anyone eager to learn, holding the belief that everyone should have the opportunity to learn and enjoy playing music. We're thrilled to have Pat as part of the Viva teaching team.
PATRICK
drums/piano
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Finn Cooney is a versatile and accomplished musician with an extensive background in classical music. His experience spans multiple performances with prestigious institutions such as the Chamber Philharmonie of Cologne, the Australian International Opera Orchestra, the Lyric Opera Company, and the Asko Schoenberg Ensemble. He has also taken part in hundreds of chamber recitals, both domestically and internationally. Finn holds an honours degree (distinction grade) from the University of Tasmania and a Masters Degree in Music from the Conservatorium Van Amsterdam. With over 10 years of teaching experience, he has educated students of all ages in violin, viola, piano, and guitar. He has successfully taken students through the AMEB system, preparing them for concerts, auditions, scholarships, and VCE. As a passionate educator and performer, Finn is thrilled to join the Viva School of Music. He is dedicated to helping students and parents achieve their goals, whether it be mastering an instrument, excelling in exams, or pursuing a career in music. With his extensive knowledge and expertise, Finn is a welcomed addition to the Viva School of Music Teaching Team.
FINN
violin/viola/piano/guitar/music production
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Valeriya is a highly skilled pianist from Baku, Azerbaijan, with a degree in piano performance from the Baku Musical Academy, studying under the guidance of M. Rostropovich.
With her expert knowledge of diverse repertoire including Classical, Pop, Modern Jazz, and Arabic music, she is a versatile teacher and performer.
Valeriya has been teaching piano for the past five years in Dubai to both children and adults, using a variety of curriculums in her teaching, including the Alfred/Faber series for the preparatory phase and ABRSM or AMEB for the higher grades.
Originally based in the UAE, Valeriya recently moved to Melbourne in 2023, and her respected position in the music community continues to inspire new generations of musicians with her talents and expertise.
We are thrilled to have Valeriya as part of the Viva teaching team, knowing that her passion for music and dedication to her craft will make her a valuable asset to our community.
VALERIYA
piano
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Tynan is an accomplished percussion musician with a wealth of teaching experience. He possesses a remarkable ability to connect with his students and inspire them to excel in their drumming journey. Tynan's warm and friendly demeanour creates a supportive and encouraging learning environment, fostering growth and development for students of all levels.
Throughout his career, Tynan has guided numerous students to success in various endeavours, including competitions, scholarships, auditions, and AMEB exams. His expertise and dedication have proven invaluable in helping students achieve their musical goals. Tynan's teaching style emphasises a strong foundation, technical proficiency, and musical expression.
Currently pursuing a Bachelor in Education at Monash University, Tynan continues to expand his knowledge and refine his teaching skills. His commitment to ongoing professional development ensures that his students receive the highest quality instruction.
Whether you are a beginner seeking a solid musical foundation or an advanced player looking to refine your skills, Tynan is a teacher who can guide you on your musical journey with expertise, passion, and enthusiasm.
We are excited to have him part of the Viva teaching team.
TYNAN
drumkit
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Timo is a renowned professional musician and vocal coach from Berlin, Germany. He started his musical journey by learning the guitar, then progressed to the piano, and eventually focused on developing his singing skills. After graduating from the Jazz Institute Berlin, Timo dedicated four years to immersing himself in the world of music, refining his abilities and expertise as a musician.
Although Timo has a deep passion for performing and singing, he discovered a profound sense of fulfilment in sharing his knowledge and passion with others, particularly in teaching individuals how to unlock their full potential as musicians.
Prior to his arrival in Australia in 2023, Timo taught at various institutions in Germany. He has successfully prepared students for AMEB exams, competitions, and scholarships, and is highly regarded as a teacher at Viva. With his relaxed energy, warmth, and enthusiasm, Timo is a valuable addition to the Viva teaching team.
TIMO
piano/singing/guitar/ukulele/composition
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Camila is an exceptional Colombian violinist with a a Bachelor's Degree in Music Teaching from the Industrial University of Santander in Colombia. She holds an impressive educational background, having completed a Master of Teaching (Secondary) at Australian Catholic University in Melbourne and a Diploma in Methodology for Teaching Violin and Viola from the Autonomous University of Bucaramanga, Colombia.
Camilla performs as a member of Mariachi Los Romanticos, a renowned ensemble based in Melbourne. Prior to her time in Australia, Camila showcased her skills as a violin tutti with the prestigious UNAB Symphonic Orchestra in Colombia, playing both classical and Andean folk music.
Her teaching style is warm and friendly, creating a nurturing environment for her students to learn and grow. She has successfully guided her students through the AMEB examinations and has prepared them for concerts, competitions, and scholarships.
Camila's dedication to teaching and her exceptional musical abilities make her an invaluable asset to the Viva teaching team.
CAMILLA
violin/piano/guitar
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