Early Childhood

Kym's first day home from hospital as a newborn baby was met with an audition for a drummer for her fathers Rock Band and the music in her household has not stopped since. Her father is an accomplished pianist and singer and it didn't take long for Kym to show interest in the piano herself. Playing by ear at home and learning keyboard in secondary school, Kym also enjoys singing and has often performed as a vocalist. Kym revisited her love of the piano by enrolling in lessons at Forte. It was here that she realised that her real joy came from having fun sharing music with her young son. She believes every child’s life will be enriched by the magical world of music.  

As a child Melanie developed a love and passion for singing and all things musical. She credits her early introduction to music to her father who was a singer , guitarist and performer.  Mel has toured in South Africa,New Zealand, India , South East Asia and Australia. She's recorded radio and television jingles and has also been an early childhood teacher and has worked at local performing arts centres. Mel plays guitar, sings and writes her own material. Currently she is recording her solo album and performs regularly with her bands. As well as being mum to 2 boys! Mels live performance experience, knowledge and passion to bring music to children, sees her teaching at Forte and loving every minute of it.                 

Ellen has been involved in music ever since she was a little girl. She first joined the school choir at the age of 8 and then two years later started learning the piano. Her favorite thing to do is to sit at her piano and create her own songs.
Ellen has completed a certificate 2 in music and believes that without music the world would be dull and boring.

Cortni has always had a passion for everything to do with music and performing, beginning singing lessons here at Forte at the age of 10. She has always loved working with children, teaching toddler dance classes for 4 years before starting high school. Cortni attends John Curtin as a part of the specialist musical theatre course, which involves singing, dance and music theory.

As a part of the Australian Performing Arts Network, Cortni has been lucky enough to perform with stars of the stage including Lucy Durack from Wicked and Todd McKenney. She has also performed on Telethon for the past 4 years as well as being part of the City of Perth Christmas Nativity. Cortni loves sharing her passion for music and helping the kids learn every week.

Lorraine moved to Perth at the age of 5 from Trinidad and Tobago and was very influenced by music from a young age. She used to put on "Christmas shows" with her sister, and her family would have to sit down and watch! 

Lorraine was involved in pantomimes from teenage years with the Caribbean Australian Association and then helped with the music and cast when older.  She loves writing and performing songs and watching others enjoy their love of music by singing. 

Lorraine is currently undertaking private singing lessons with the hope of sitting examinations with AMEB. She has taken part in many solo and group performances at Forte Festivals. She has three kids of her own and enjoys singing and performing as a family.

Lorraine’s goal is to share her passion of music with young kids and be a fun and enthusiastic teacher.

Creativity and interacting with people in a learning and joyful environment, are two things that Penny deeply values and loves!

Growing up in an artistic family that greatly appreciates all things creative and musical has helped foster and harness Penny's musical endeavours and interest - from fronting an imaginary audience whilst belting out ballads on her family karaoke machine to learning to play piano at a young age, teaching piano in her later years and her experiences in musical theatre and acting.

As a part of an ongoing commitment to draw out powers of creativity and musical expression, Penny works with children and teenagers in other programs that encourage these faculties. These activities generally include music and other modes of artistic expression such as painting and singing.

Outside her musical activities, Penny is a professional behavioural therapist and has a degree in Psychology.

Shannon started her musical journey when she was six years old, studying classical guitar. She added piano and singing lessons to the mix and soon discovered that singing was what she wanted to keep doing!  She started studying opera at WAAPA when she was 17 and has performed in several major productions. She also loves choral singing and has toured Germany as well as performed at many wonderful concerts with world-class artists as a member of the WASO chorus.

Shannon admits that while performance is a wonderful and exciting element, her passion is sharing the gift and love of music with others and encouraging a life-long love of learning and enjoyment of all kinds of music. 

Piano Teachers

David began playing the piano by ear at the age of 4. His father was an accomplished singer and guitarist & violinist and has released a number of albums. From an early age David began accompanying his father giving him enormous performance experience and improvisation skills. David studied classical music at WAAPA (Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts) and completed the diploma in music teaching faculty. David has amazing aural and rhythm skills enabling him to play Piano, Guitar, Drums and now Saxophone. Now with 4 children of his own, David is acutely aware of the benefits of learning music at a very early age and is passionate about inspiring others in music for Life. 

For Dorothy, music has been a huge part of every step of her life. Starting piano at 5, she became immersed in the love for music. Growing up, she was known as "that girl who played the piano." Since she first laid eyes on a flute at a young age, she knew that she wanted to learn how to play. She got the opportunity to learn the flute through SIM at age 11, and continued studying the flute throughout high school. In high school, she was actively involved in the music program through multiple choirs, wind orchestras, musicals, children's theater as well as participating in the Scandinavian Music Tour of 2010. After completing her Grade 8 AMEB and WACE music exams with piano as her main instrument, she decided to continue her love of music through teaching.                 

Sharon began playing piano at the age of 12 after she was encouraged by her classmate, Ben, who plays guitar well, to learn a musical instrument so that they can form a band and jam together one day. With hard work, passion and consistent practice, she was able to play piano and other piano accompaniments for various genres of music. Ben formed a band called the Eclipse and Sharon was the pianist for the group. The band has been successful and has performed in various school and public events. She also joined a church choir and she served the church as a pianist which she truly enjoyed. Furthermore, she completed her Grade 7 ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM). Sharon was very passionate with her craft and she continued to do self-directed learning by listening to many well-known piano pieces and trying to memorize them. She hopes to impart her passion for music to the younger generation and wish to cultivate young and talented pianist. 

Naomi started playing piano at the age of 4.she just loved singing,playing piano and creating music.Since then she always wanted to be PIANO TEACHER.Her dream has come true! Naomi finished her music degree in the Osaka Music University and had taught music and piano at Yamaha Music School over 10 years back home in Japan,now enjoying teaching amazing students in Forte Music school! WHAT ONE LIKES,ONE WILL DO WELL!                

Shiny began learning music at 5 years old and started learning piano at age 7 and started learning violin at age 13. She was exposed to Classical music since young even though her parents did not have any music background. Shiny was always encouraged by her teachers to perform in various music concerts and this has lead her to making decision to pursue music as lifetime career. After completed her Grade 8 Piano and Theory ABRSM exam, she decided to further study in music degree and now she holds a Bachelor Degree of Music and Piano Performance of the University of Newcastle. As an experienced teacher, Shiny has remarkable patience to deal with different students with different needs and firing up student’s interest in music.  

Cherie began learning piano at the age of 8. In her school life, she had participated in lot of piano performance including solo as well as being piano accompanist. At the age of 14 and 16, she acquired Grade 8 (ABRSM) and Performer’s Diploma (ATCL at Trinity College London) respectively. Cherie loves being with children and enjoys sharing the joy of music with others; as a result, she decided to study Music Education at the Hong Kong Institute of Education and attained the Bachelor degree over there. 
Since then, she worked as a Primary School Music Teacher in Hong Kong for more than 10 years. Cherie is so passionate about the interaction during the process of teaching music and currently she is enjoying the church life especially being one of the choir conductors and accompanists at the church.
 

Instrumental

Reece began playing the guitar at 12 years of age starting his studies with rock and blues. Whilst learning he spent time playing with multiple bands, mixing with different musicians. For the past 2 years he has been learning classical guitar and is currently recording his first solo record. He has been teaching both electric and acoustic guitar at Forte since 2011 and enjoys working with people of all ages. Reece has a warm and friendly approach to his students and is very encouraging for beginner to intermediate levels.              

Federico started playing classical guitar at the age of 16 and kept on studying classical music for about ten years. Then, thanks to his huge passion about Dire Straits and Mark knopfler, started playing acoustic and electric guitar, trying to develop a personal tecnique. In the same time he started to write his own songs and his own music, and then he realised his first album “Volo nel blu”. Federico has been teaching guitar for several years when he was in Italy and here in Australia he’s going to study “Diploma of music” at TAFE Central Institute in Perth. He believes that music is the most wonderful thing in the world.                  

Ray has been playing guitar and piano since the age of 13. Ray has over 20 years of music industry experience working, performing and recording with artists such as Nicholas Roy (The Voice), Che’Nelle (Capitol Records, EMI). Ray has worked in schools for over 12 years and is a highly competent guitar/bass and keyboard player after completing 7 years at Western Australia Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) and also runs his own professional studio. 2008 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment ( TAA40104) National Corporate Training 2005 Graduate Diploma of Education (Secondary) Edith Cowan University 2004 Bachelor of Music (Creative Technologies) Western Australia Academy of Performing Arts 2001 Associate Degree of Performing Arts (Jazz) Western Australia Academy of Performing Arts 1999 Certificate IV Of Music (Jazz) Western Australia Academy of Performing Arts                 

Alex has been in the music industry close to 30 years. Picking up the guitar at the age of 10, it wasn't long before he had a garage band and rocked the neighbourhood. Studied under Ray Smith at Andrios School of music for over 10 years. He is a jack of all trades and has played in many bands ranging from original, covers, top 40, blues, rock, heavy metal and country and is a session musician for many local artists on guitar and bass. Alex worked for Davis Music in Melbourne managing their store, repairing instruments and running the music school, which he also taught at for 13 years. Through this time he helped a lot of aspiring musicians by helping with their sound, instruments, performance and production of their recordings. Alex went country and toured all along the Eastern States. He co-wrote a country song called 'Mallee Dust' which went to number 5 on the National ABC country charts and has received many awards such as Winner of the Tamworth Songwritting Association Recorded section. Much of his teaching experience has involved turning complete beginners into fine guitarists who can read and write music, write charts, understand music theory, have solid rhythm and lead guitar skills, and great technique. And most of all have the best time playing guitar and rocking out. He finds it extremely satisfying to share his love of and enthusiasm for music with his students and to nurture theirs.                

Rochelle Kronemberg was born into a very musical family. Her mother was a music teacher and the whole family was involved in music in various ways with differing talents. Rochelle began singing at the age of 5, and was soon in the church choir. She learned to play the piano by ear by the time she was 10. When she was 12, Rochelle won the 2002 All Island Award for the best singer in Sri Lanka, and she then won the award for the next 5 consecutive years. At 15 Rochelle received a scholarship to visit, study and perform in the United Kingdom. She has studied under many English and Irish Directors, and completed her studies and received a Licentiate of the London College of Music (LLCM) for teaching from the University of West London. Rochelle's extensive musical talents include Vocal Music, Choral Music, Musical Theatre Speech & Drama.

Andrew's musical journey started when he was 11 years old, learning guitar through the School of Instrumental Music. His love for music grew throughout high school, teaching himself drum kit at 14 and playing in a band setting with schoolmates. At 18 he began to grow interested in DJing after seeing local acts and looked into taking a musical, improvisational approach, incorporating his skills in guitar and drumming. He is currently studying a double degree in contemporary music and education at WAAPA (Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts) and Edith Cowan University. When not at Forte, Andrew can be seen performing in one of his three bands in the Perth club and pub scene.                

Daniel started playing guitar at 14 after he couldn't find an instructor to teach keyboard for the rock genre. Since switching his focus to guitar he has achieved a lot playing in a series of bands and recording music. Daniel is extremely excited about showing others how to make great music and enjoy themselves in their everyday life.

'Every day you put fingers on the fretboard with a positive focus on developing your skills and talents is a day towards musical greatness'

Daniel is currently studying the Music (Performance) at Edith Cowen University at the highly renowned Western Australia Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA).

Nick began playing the drums at the early age of 8 and was playing in front of live audiences at 10. His father has been playing in bands before he was born with Nick attending some of his biggest shows still inside his mothers belly. Nick learnt early on how to improvise and "jam" with other musicians enough to be able to play stand in gigs if they're drummer couldn't attend. His father continuously pushed him to be out of his comfort zone so to build his confidence in the live music scene. He taught himself how to play by listening to music with some basic lessons in theory. 
He has studied at TAFE and has achieved certificates II,II and IV in music performance and has played in numerous bands. He has recently settled to playing for two bands full time with four being the maximum amount of bands/projects he's been a part of at one time. Nick understands what it was like as a young musician and hopes to impart some of his past experience and lessons with others. 

Starting to sing from the tender age of 5, Sharni has always had a passion for music and singing. Having lessons, singing in choirs and ensembles, doing workshops and performing, Sharni takes every opportunity she can to grow and develop within her own musical ability. Attaining a Diploma of Contemporary Music from Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts in 2015, Sharni is now studying a Bachelor of Contemporary Music at the same institution. 
She hopes after completing her Bachelor to enrol in a Diploma of Education. Drawing inspiration from her favourite artists, Sharni sings mostly within the RnB genre with jazz, soul and pop influences. Constantly being inspired by others, Sharni works on radiating her passion and love for music onto others.

Shay could play the piano by ear at the age of 6, and was a keen member of the school choir. With a pure soprano voice and an innate sense of harmony and rhythm, his music teacher in primary school suggested he join the Australian National Children's Choir. At this stage, however, Shay's interests had evolved to more contemporary sound.  At the age of 11 years his mother gave him his first electric guitar, and he started lessons with a private tutor who titled him 'the young Jimmy Hendrix'. His love of music eventually led to him studying music at Leederville TAFE and obtaining his Diploma in Contemporary Music Performance and further qualification in Music/Sound Production. While at TAFE Shay taught himself to play drums, channeling his passion for music into forming and playing in numerous bands while composing music in a number of genres. 

He currently plays drums inNucleust, the band where Shay is the drummer has toured in Indonesia. Music is the central theme of his life and he is very passionate about not only learning but, really enjoying music and sharing this passion with fellow musicians, listeners and learners.

After going to the same primary school and high school as David we have now met up again here. While I was completing a business course at school in year 11 I was approached for a job at Peters Poultry where I worked for 3 years as a junior before moving on. I then worked for J D Milner’s for 9 years before having my first child. I have had many years experience in administration and accounts and even dabbled in party plan. I enjoy working with people and kids so this is the perfect combination. I have two teenage children. I also enjoy all sports.                

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Unit 6 & 7, 2 Batman Road Canning Vale,
Perth, Western Australia 6155