Tuition At Tempe HS

Since graduating with a Bachelor's degree in composition in 2015, I've been actively pursuing my musical passions in Sydney. My performance career has flourished, with regular gigs at renowned venues like The Ivy, Lazybones Lounge and a growing demand for weddings and other special events like Randwick Council's Bastille Day (July 2024) and Spot On Festival (August 2024). I have had the privilege to perform on cruise ships, sailing around the Pacific and the east coast of Australia. 

In addition to my performing endeavours, I've dedicated myself to songwriting and composition. In 2024 I successfully composed, performed, recorded, and released two new classical guitar pieces that are now available on Spotify, alongside two other compositions I released in 2023. My passion for classical guitar has led me to focus on composing original works that blend the rich traditions of classical music with the harmonic and rhythmic flare of jazz and Latin influences. I strive to create music that is both emotionally resonant and technically engaging, exploring themes of nature and the human experience. My piece ‘Wolli Creek Reflections’,  has been published by Bergmann Edition, a publisher based in Denmark, specialising in music for the classical guitar. 

I currently teach at several schools in Sydney, including Tempe High School and Alexandria Park Community School. My teaching experience has imparted me with the skills to compose music for my students, suitable for all levels. 

My musical versatility has extended to various recording projects. I've had the opportunity to contribute my guitar skills to several ABC TV shows, including "Pulse" and the short film "Veov Drive."

Anna Rushmer is a flute player and a multi-disciplinary performing arts practitioner. She graduated the Academy of Music and Performing Arts in 2024 with a Master of Music (Classical Woodwind), and additionally studied contemporary, voice, acting and dance during her time there. Previously she attained a Bachelor of Communication (Social and Political Sciences) from the University of Technology Sydney in 2018 and was awarded a distinction for her Associate diploma in performance from the Trinity College London in 2014.

Anna has run a private flute studio for the last ten years, which she has recently expanded to clarinet, saxophone and occasionally guitar after completing her Master of Music. She is also an academic lecturer at AMPA.

In recent times Anna has returned to focusing her creative energies on her work as a playwright and director. She founded a theatre company named Wren Wants a Top Hat, which specialises in shows that engage with multiple performing disciplines and often explore ethereal elements or engage with the constancy of human experience through music and time. The company’s inaugural production was Undine - featuring Anna's rendition of Reinecke's flute sonata, which premiered as part of Sydney Fringe in 2024.

Professional vocalist, songwriter and music educator with a Bachelor of Music (Jazz Performance: Vocals) from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Experienced in mentoring secondary school students through NSW Department of Education programs, with a strong focus on vocal technique, musicianship, confidence and artistic development. Brings extensive professional performance experience alongside a supportive, student-centred teaching approach. 

As a graduate of the Talent Development project in 2019, Arlo gained deep knowledge of performance techniques and musicianship. Arlo was also a runner-up on The Voice season 10 in 2021, which has given him a thorough understanding of the current music industry and key performance skills to utilise when singing.

Peter Farrar is a graduate of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music with a degree in Jazz Performance.

He is one of Australia’s foremost jazz saxophone stylists, famous for his unmatched sound and the creative beauty of his improvising. Jazz critic John Clare, who describes him as a formidable player, says that “everything he plays is his unmistakably” (Clare, the music trust, 2016). Peter Farrar is a humble giant of Australian jazz and improvised music.

Peter has wide experience in performance from mainstream settings through to cutting-edge contemporary improvised music. He is known for his combination of dazzling technique and sublime tone, and is one of Australia’s most respected saxophonists.

Peter has a passionate interest in teaching and genuine enthusiasm for his students. He is equally adept at coaching young students in school band repertoire, preparing teens for HSC performance and auditions, and inspiring aspiring jazz players through a unique, but effective, improvisation-based approach. He has experience not only as a private teacher, but also tutoring outstanding student ensembles and coordinating exciting mentoring projects for younger musicians.

Peter has performed with leading Australian and international artists including Mike Nock,  Pheeroan AkLaff, Dereb the Ambassador, Dale Gorfinkel, Jim Denley, Wadada Leo Smith and Cor Fuhler. He also works with such groups as Believe, Greasy Chicken Orchestra, and Splinter Orchestra,  .

“Peter Farrar on alto nearly stole the show with his solo on “Lieb”. He has a tone reminiscent of Ornette Coleman and an expeditious array of ideas.” Peter Wockner, Jazz and Beyond 2006.

Peter is a fantastic teacher and a leading player in Australian contemporary music. We are delighted, and lucky, to have him available for you. He is highly recommended!

Sean Valenzuela is a composer, performer, and educator with over a decade of professional experience. He has collaborated with artists including Bruce Cale, Sandy Evans, Julia Jacklin, and The High Rollers Big Band, and led groups like The Baldwins, Jetrio, and Broadland Trio. His performances span Australia and Japan, including at venues like Blue Note Place in Tokyo.

Sean holds a Bachelor of Music (Jazz Performance) with First Class Honours from the Sydney Conservatorium, where he was also awarded runner-up in the Zavod Classical/Jazz Fusion Music Award.

As a teacher, Sean is known for his consistency, warmth, and student-led approach. By focusing on, and fostering each student's interests, he helps learners of all levels grow through improvisation, ear training, and structured study and repertoire—building musical fluency and a sense of long term accomplishment that carries into all areas of life.

James Hauptmann is one of Australia’s most in demand Jazz drummers who also made a name for himself touring and recording with the ARIA award winning indie pop band Bluejuice.  

James is also a member of Bandaluzia who are one of Australia’s most celebrated flamenco ensembles  

James has shared the stage and toured with iconic artists including Vince Jones, Katie Noonan, Ray Thistlethwayte, Ray Beadle, Elana Stone, Pat Powell

James has performed at most major Australian music festivals including Big Day Out ,Main Stage, Splendour in the Grass, Falls Festival, Southbound, Good Vibrations, JJJ One Night Stand, Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Grooving the Moo. 

James has toured internationally through the UK, Indonesia, China and the USA, which included a performance at The Viper room in LA.