
Find a Teacher
Amber Harnisch
Chapman
AREA OF TEACHING SPECIALISATION
Beginner to Advanced, Classical, Contemporary, Improvisation
​
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor of Music (Classical Piano), Diploma of Education (Secondary Music), Master of Music (Music Education) – ongoing
​
ABOUT
Amber’s diverse multi-teacher music studio provides students of all ages and levels with well-rounded and thorough instruction in piano performance, aural, sight-reading, healthful piano technique, composition, improvisation, and theory of music. She believes in preparing and inspiring her pupils to engage with life-long collaborative and creative music making.
​
CONTACT
Arnan Wiesel
Ainslie Art Centre
AREA OF TEACHING SPECIALISATION
Beginner to Advanced and Professional, Classical Piano
​
QUALIFICATIONS
Former Head of Keyboard ANU School of Music, BMus (Curtis Institute of Music Philadelphia USA),
Numerous National and International Masterclasses, Concert Pianist (Solo and Chamber)
​
ABOUT
Arnan was on the faculty of the ANU School of Music 2001-2012, and was former head of keyboard. He was the co-founder and first president of the ACT Keyboard Association. He had an international concert career: performing in major festivals, soloist with orchestras like the Sydney Symphony, finalist - Sydney Piano Competition, adjudicator of international competitions. He has experience teaching all ages (including beginners - young and old), preparing many students for AMEB exams/university level. Arnan brings musical knowledge, technical expertise and experience as a concert pianist to his teaching. He incorporates an understanding of musical language and an ergonomic approach to piano playing in his teaching.
​
CONTACT
Emily Leong
Aranda
AREA OF TEACHING SPECIALISATION
All levels, Performance, Musicianship, Theory
​
QUALIFICATIONS
Master of Music (Performance), Master of Teaching (Secondary), AMusA
​
ABOUT
Emily Leong is an accomplished pianist whose musical expertise spans both classical and contemporary styles. With a rich repertoire that includes musical theatre, choral, orchestral, and chamber music, she is deeply committed to the collaborative spirit of music-making and finds great joy in sharing her knowledge with students of all ages. Emily's teaching philosophy is one that is inclusive and understanding of each student's individual needs and interests. She strives to engage students and finds her training as a classroom teacher helpful in equipping her with sound communication skills and an extensive range of teaching strategies to draw from. Emily's patient and easy-going approach encourages students to gain confidence in making music without compromising technique and theoretical knowledge. Outside of her musical pursuits, you will often find Emily bushwalking, cycling, or enjoying live musical theatre.
​
CONTACT
George Zhao
Canberra
AREA OF TEACHING SPECIALISATION
Adaptive Music Tuition (Neurodivergent Affirming)​
​
QUALIFICATIONS
B.A. (Music), M.Mus., MCMT​
​
ABOUT
George is a Registered Music Therapist (RMT) and an experienced instrumental teacher based in Canberra. Specialising in adaptive music tuition, George combines his clinical background with over 7 years of teaching experience to support students with diverse learning needs. He offers piano and accordion lessons in a neurodivergent affirming environment, ensuring that music education is accessible, engaging, and tailored to each student's strengths. George provides tuition in both English and Mandarin.
​
CONTACT
Hannah Th'ng McDowell
Phillip
AREA OF TEACHING SPECIALISATION
Beginner to Advanced/Tertiary Level, Classical Performance, Theory
​
QUALIFICATIONS
Master of Arts (Performing Arts), Bachelor of Music (First Class Honours), LMusA, AMusA
​
ABOUT
Hannah Th’ng McDowell is a classical pianist, teacher, and researcher who seeks to give her students a technically healthy and musically fulfilling journey. Originally from Perth, where she was lecturer in piano performance and piano pedagogy at Edith Cowan University/WA Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), Hannah is now based in Canberra. She is the recipient of various awards and scholarships and has taught beginners to tertiary level with many of her students winning awards and high distinctions.
​
CONTACT
Lilian Hathorn
Macquarie
AREA OF TEACHING SPECIALISATION
Piano, Theory, All Levels
​
QUALIFICATIONS
BA (Hons) ANU, LTCL, PTCL, AMusA, AAGM Master of Secondary Teaching (in progress), UNE
​
ABOUT
Piano and Theory teacher with 32 years’ experience at Canberra Girls Grammar School, Head of Keyboard since 2018. Highly experienced in supporting children and adults with diverse learning needs. Committed to nurturing musical confidence and progress within a respectful and encouraging learning environment.
​
CONTACT
Phoebe Mu
Woden
AREA OF TEACHING SPECIALISATION
Classical Piano, Beginner Piano, Theory, All Grades, All Ages
​
QUALIFICATIONS
LTCL, LMusA, Bachelor of Music (in progress)
​
ABOUT
Phoebe is a piano tutor offering personalised lessons that balance technique and musical expression. She creates a positive, encouraging space where students can explore music they enjoy, develop confidence, and build skills that support long-term growth at the piano.
​
CONTACT
Rebecca Simon
Conder
AREA OF TEACHING SPECIALISATION
Beginner to Advanced, Theory, Aural, Improvisation
QUALIFICATIONS
AMusA, Associate Degree in Piano (with Distinction)
​
ABOUT
Rebecca’s primary goal is to introduce her students to a lifetime love of music, whilst developing their technical, theoretical and musical skills in a holistic way. She enjoys working with young beginners right through to adults wanting to revisit their childhood musical ambitions or learn a new skill.
​
CONTACT
Vivienne Winther
Curtin
AREA OF TEACHING SPECIALISATION
Piano, Theory, Singing, Vocal/Opera Coaching, Accompaniment​
​
QUALIFICATIONS
AMusA (AMEB Piano Performance), Graduate Diploma of Musicology (ANU School of Music)​
​
ABOUT
Vivienne is a highly experienced teacher who has held teaching positions at Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts and ANU School of Music. She has successfully prepared students for AMEB exams preliminary to diploma level and for HSC/Year 11-12 Music subjects. She enjoys teaching all skill levels, beginner to advanced, and all ages including adults. Vivienne guides students to achieve their individual goals in music-making, tailoring the tuition program to their interests and needs.
​
CONTACT
