Music lessons. Whether it is piano, guitar, drums, violin, singing, all can be challenging to learn, require dedicated practice and can be incredibly rewarding. Music lessons have been proved to improve children’s academic results, memory, social and emotional wellbeing and can help them think more creatively, better equipping them for life. And they are FUN! But did you know that it is also possible to build a successful career using music?

Coming up to our 20 Year Celebration, if feels like a good time to see what some of our ex-students are currently doing – using their talent and love of music to make a living. Amongst other successes, we can list a Music Studio owner and producer, a Music Therapist, a Music Teacher and an ARIA award nominated guitarist. Check out what they had to say and start thinking about where music could take you…

David Bleus – Recording Studio owner, producer and musician

Dave took guitar lessons at Maxx for a few years and on one occasion was even lucky enough to be taught by Ben Finn when his regular tutor was off sick.

Dave told us he "started learning guitar at Maxx so I could join a band at school. I joined that band and it went on to paly some really exciting shows around Australia."

Dave has played in several bands over the years. A highlight for him was "Opening at the Gaelic Theatre for a band called Helmet back in 2006 (or thereabouts). They were a massive influence on me and to have that opportunity was a really big deal to me. Also touring with Dead Letter Circus and opening for them to a packed Metro Theatre in Sydney was also a big thing for me."

These days, Dave owns a studio in Windsor called Studio Bleus., which is a recording and rehearsal studio. "Being a studio owner and operator has always been my dream, so to finally achieve that is my rewards. Now I get to work with bands every day, helping them to create the best possible sound they can."

When asked if he had to get any special training or qualifications to achieve this goal, he replied that he "studied Music, Audio and Small Business Management but getting practical experience in recording studios and live sound has helped me equally as much."

Any advice for musicians out there? Just get involved! Meet people, make friends with people that challenge you and believe in yourself.

Matt Gravolin - ARIA Award nominated musician

Matt was a student at Maxx Music for 13 years. learning guitar and vocals with us. And it paid off!

Since graduating from Maxx Music, Matt has been guitar and vocalist for Hellions, a punk band formed in 2013. In 2016, their album "Opera Oblivion" was nominated for an ARIA award for Best Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Album.

Speaking about how Maxx Music has affected his life he said "Music has shown me more of the world than I had ever thought was possible for me, and none of what I’ve seen would have been possible without the knowledge afforded to me by Maxx Music, Ben and the staff."

Lauren Chase - Singer/songwriter and music student

Singer/songwriter Lauren Chase studied at Maxx Music for 7 years learning vocals, guitar and piano.

She describes her time at Maxx Music as "Such a positive experience. Ben Finn’s support and encouragement has meant a lot and the teachers were great mentors, especially my first guitar teacher, Matt Jones."

Since then, Lauren has used the skills and experience she learned with us as "a lead singer and songwriter with the band INDECISION" who she has been with for nearly 2 years. They perform regularly at Manning Bar and

LazyBones Lounge.

When Lauren isn't performing she is studying a Bachelor of Music (Songwriting) at JMC Academy. "I've had my songs workshopped and critiqued

by Berklee College of Music professors, including Pat Pattison." Very excitingly, in November Lauren will be travelling to the Netherlands to represent JMC Academy at the International Writers Camp at the Conservatorium Haarlem.

Caleb Osborne - Music Teacher and Musician

Caleb learned bass guitar and vocals with Maxx Music for 5 years before becoming one of our own music tutors. Of his time with us he says

"My time at Maxx allowed me to pursue my passion and meet so many cool peeps with that same love."

Now in a blackened death metal band called Alchemy, Caleb is using his skills as a live musician. " We’re only new and working on establishing good ties and connections within the Sydney music/metal community"

As a music tutor for Maxx Music, he is able to share and pass on his skill and passion for music. "There's nothing better than that AHHHH moment and the resultant smile that appears on peoples faces when they’ve just understood something really cool and are obviously enjoying themselves."

There are so many ways in which music can help you in your future life - building confidence, creativity and a strong work ethic - that no matter what career you choose to pursue, music lessons will help you. In the meantime, have fun, rock out and don't forget to practice!!

Find out more about Music Lessons with Maxx Music and discover where music can take you!

Find out more about our 20 Years Showcase

Chloe Hulewicz Instrument: Piano and flute

Chloe is one of our most qualified teachers at Maxx Music; she helps students prepare for their practical and musicianship exams. She is currently completing her PHD in Composition at Western Sydney University.

1. How long have you been teaching at Maxx Music?

Just under five years.

2. When was the first time you realised you wanted to play music?

I’m not sure, to be honest. My parents put me into piano lessons at the age of five and since then, I’ve been inseparable.

3. Favourite gig you’ve played/ Favourite gig you’ve been to?

As a teenager, I was part of an orchestra that performed at the Opera House on a regular basis and when I was seventeen, as our final piece we performed “In Caelum Fero" by Adiemus. From what I remember, it was quite a challenging piece and we had been frantically working on nailing these challenging rhythms in time as an orchestra as well as with the choir, so everyone was quite nervous about the performance. When we did play it, something had ignited within each performer, as we played with passion and confidence all the way to the final note. When the conductor cut us off, our sound still resonated within the hall, there was a second of silence and then the audience went wild with a standing ovation. Playing flute, I was fortunate to be in the front row and got to experience the audience’s reaction in full which was so spectacular that almost ten years later, I can still feel the rush of emotions I felt that night.

My favourite concert I have been too would have to be a series of salon performances I attended during my stay in Poland last year. Whilst very small and intimate, these performances solely focused on the piano and gave homepage to Polish composer, Frederic Chopin. Never have I been exposed to such talent in several pianists’ who were able to express Chopin’s suffering through beautiful lyricism with the underlying dramatic harmonic colour provided through the accompaniment; their fingers gracefully danced on the keys with passion and dignity. It truly was an inspiring experience that not only educated me, but more importantly, allowed my passion for the piano to grow deeper; it was like falling in love all over again.

4. What’s your favourite piece of music?

This is a tough question! One of my favourite pieces based on aural perception, would have to be the second movement of Chopin’s piano Concerto in F minor. Even though Chopin is not well-known for his orchestrations, this movement comprises of beauty, passion and sadness. The sweet lyricism provided by the woodwind, with the underlying tremolos heard in the strings, combined with the delicacy of the piano, is just a matched made in heaven for my musical palette.

5. Why do you think people should come and learn at Maxx Music?

At Maxx Music, there are opportunities to not only work with highly proficient teachers of diverse practices on a one-to-one system, but also to experience the wealth of knowledge that other teachers offer through collaborative environments. Exposure to a variety of teachers and playing with students of similar skill-sets through bands or ensemble work, is an asset that can greatly contribute to your musical learning and it’s a fun way of meeting like-minded musicians who share the same passion!

Evie Horton Instrument: Piano, Vocals, Violin

Evie is one of our most enthusiastic teachers, and has a great rapport with her students.

1. How long have you been teaching at Maxx Music?

I’ll be celebrating my 5 year anniversary very soon! I started while I was studying at university, but ended up dropping out to make this into a career.

2. When was the first time you realised you wanted to play music?

I’ve been obsessed with music for as long as I can remember! From singing into hairbrushes and having concerts for my family an friends, to learning to play piano on a tiny little toy piano with only 7 keys! (I won’t accept “my piano is too small” as an excuse not to practice!)

3. Favourite gig you’ve played / Weirdest gig you’ve been to?

My favourite “gig” was actually as an accompanist playing piano for a choir of two hundred people to an audience of three thousand. I made a mistake in my piano solo which was mortifying! However, I kept on going and ended up winning an award for best accompanist - whoever said mistakes were a bad thing?

The weirdest gig I ever went to was definitely a Marilyn Manson concert. I don’t think I need to say anything more!

4. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given related to music?

Music has so many incredible benefits, but to summarise some of the advice I’ve been given, it is this: that music, as a creative tool, and in all its forms (listening, playing, practicing, creating, studying, however you use it) is an amazing way to keep your mental health balanced.

5. Why do you think people should come and learn at Maxx Music?

Our music school caters to so many types of musicians - different ages, skill levels, genres and styles, from kindergarten through to university, so many different instruments, improvisation, theory, exams, composition, electronics, workshops, and if I keep going I’ll never stop writing! Our teachers are multi skilled, real world musicians, who practice hard and have a passion not only for teaching, but for learning more about music themselves.

Adam is our in store repairer at Castle Hill, and takes great care and interest in repairing the customers' instruments. He also plays keyboard and has been a teacher with us.

piano player, I applied for a teaching position at Maxx Music and taught for two terms. I was already quite friendly with the boss as I am in a band with his son, so I was approached to do guitar and instrument repairs as the technician at the time was moving on to another job. The rest is history.

2. Favourite Gig you’ve played/ Favourite Gig you’ve been to?

Favourite gig that I’ve played would have to have been my 21st birthday which doubled as a small music festival with a bunch of sick bands. It’s a great thing to have so many talented friends who love music as much as I do. My favourite gig that I’ve attended would have to be Primus earlier this year. It was truly wild and Les Claypool is a prodigy.

3. Tell us how it works when someone comes in for repairs?

Generally when someone brings in an instrument for repair, I make sure to ask as many questions as I can, so that we can reach a result that the customer is happy with. It’s a satisfying feeling when someone gets their guitar back and their face lights up with excitement.

4. What’s the coolest instrument you repaired?

It would be very difficult to pick just one. I love any vintage instruments that come through, especially an obscure brand or something with an interesting story behind it.

5. What’s some advice you’d give people about looking after their guitars?

Maintain your guitar to a standard that you’re happy with, but don’t be afraid to let it develop character. Your guitar is going to get scratches, it’s going to rust, it’s going to change. Nothing lasts forever so enjoy it whilst you can and get the most out of it.

Ben Moir Instrument: Guitar and Bass

Ben is the bass player for Sydney band Hurst, who is just about to put their new EP out July 13th! Check out their Facebook here :)

I first discovered Phil and Tommy, the Emmanuel Brothers when I was still at school.

I remember seeing them play at the Teachers Club in Surry Hills, where they would perform sitting on two kitchen chairs placed at the front of a small stark stage. No big amps, no flashy lighting.. just two brothers and their guitars. They were incredible.

It was easy to say they were incredible, but it wasn’t until you actually saw them play that it became apparent just how incredible they were. As a budding young guitar player, I could only imagine that one day I could play like that.. but I also had a niggling feeling that what I was witnessing was beyond the capabilities of a mere mortal like myself.

It wasn’t just the playing, they were also great showmen. The two of them bouncing off each other like only brothers can.

And then there was Goldrush.. probably the greatest country rock band to grace the stages of Australian pubs, featuring Phil on lead guitar, and Tommy on drums (go figure that one!). I recall one particularly big night out (with a fake ID) at the Vicar of Wakefield hotel in Dural, watching Phil tear it up with his Blonde Telecaster, trading licks with the banjo player and sly looks with Tommy. At one point Tommy jumps of the kit and plays half the solo that Phil is in the middle of, on the same guitar Phil’s playing...while he’s still playing it! It was beyond belief.

A little later, I’m working for what was then the biggest Guitar shop(s) in Sydney, Venue Music. I came to know Phil through his brief association with Peavey amplifiers, which he confessed to me, and anybody who asked him, were not his amp of choice, but merely a commercial relationship. It’s good to know that money can’t buy everything.

I worked with brother Tommy as a sound engineer. Later on at my own gigs, people would often tell me I had the best acoustic guitar sound they had heard. That’s was because I had learnt from the best. Nobody took more care than the Emmanuels when it came to ensuring that their guitars had the best tone and earth shaking bottom end. A sound check with Tommy could often take over an hour.

I asked him to show me how they had mastered their notorious right hand technique, where they split rhythm from melody on each hand. He told me it would be easier showing me how to put toothpaste back in the tube.

What an absolute loss it is, to know we will never see Phil and Tommy together again. What a loss it must be for Tommy, losing his lifelong duo partner, his wingman, his brother.

The Australian Music Industry is a poorer place without Phil Emmanuel.

Chris "Funky" Medina Instrument: Guitar and Bass

Funky has been at Maxx for a fair while and he is the go to guitar teacher.Click here to go to our lessons page. He has played in a fair few bands but currently plays guitar in the popular Seattle Sound, who gig regularly around Sydney. Check out their Facebook here!

Takamine G20 Acoustic Guitar

While there can be no better feeling than to shred on a great sounding electric, sometimes it can be good to kick back with your acoustic. Takamine has the guitar to help you do that. Again, it's not something that’ll break your budget, but is very worthwhile. These guitars come with solid cedar tops, which greatly improves the sound of the guitar. The G20 series comes in two different body types, so you can choose what feels right for you. Its worth mentioning at this point that the list of notable players who use Takamine is quite extensive. It includes a wide range of musicians from Bruce Springsteen to Bon Jovi, to the late Glenn Frey. Come and see why they endorse Takamine, and check this guitar out.

J&D Luthiers ‘LP’ Style Electric Guitar

It doesn’t take much guitar knowledge to realise that the Les Paul is one of the most influential guitars. Guitar players such as Jimmy Page, Joey Santiago (The Pixies), Slash and Warren Haynes (Allman Brothers) are rarely seen without them. But it can certainly be off putting to discover that you need to empty your bank account to follow in their direction. However, J&D Luthiers have a better option for you. At $499 RRP, the price is a far cry from what you’d be expected to pay for a Les Paul. They clearly have designed it to replicate the original LP, so how does it stand up?

The truth is that it plays very well. The neck is easily playable, showing that there’s not always truth to those “cheaper guitars don’t play well” rumours. The body itself is lightweight, much lighter than a traditional LP. This is good news too; making it much easier to transport, or even to carry to school. The pickups have a pleasing amount of power as well, transitioning easily from a Joan Jett rhythm crunch to a Rhandy Rhoads wailing lead. Overall, this guitar has a variety of great tones going for it, its easily playable even by beginners, and it’ll fit well into your budget.

Come into the store and have a play of these guitars that are reasonably priced, of the highest quality and accessible for everyone.

So, yet another school holidays coming to an end. We have had a blast at Maxx Music!

These holidays we made singing our focus. We had two full day music workshops - Sing Like Little Mix and a Musical Theatre workshop. We were seriously impressed with the amount of talent we saw over these two days and everyone worked super hard - in the case of Little Mix, even continuing to practice throughout their lunch break!

Whilst 9.30am-3pm sounds like a long time, we assure you it isn't, and what the groups managed to achieve in this amount of time was amazing. As always, our workshops were as much about the process as the end result. For us, we wanted everyone taking part to enjoy the day and to take something new away from it. Whether this was experiencing harmony singing for the first time, learning a new dance move or just making new friends, we aimed to create an environment where all of these things were possible. The sharing of what we had been doing at the end of the day was exactly that - not a performance, but sharing the joy and hard work with friends and family so that they could experience a little bit of what had been achieved. Check out the slide shows below to see for yourself.

Next school holidays we'll be creating some new bands, so make sure you keep an eye out for this. Info coming soon.

Sing Like Little Mix

Musical Theatre Workshop

At Maxx Music we believe that EVERYONE can sing! Singing is good for the soul, makes you happy, can improve your physical fitness and can help you feel and express all of those pent up emotions. You don't need anything other than yourself and you don't get an instrument more portable than your voice! Not only that, but did you know that recent research has shown that singing is a great way to meet new friends because it helps people bond quickly with each other.

Maybe you want to sing on Broadway or be a contestant on The Voice? Maybe you just want to sing for fun. Check out our different singing opportunities here.

Ana Moir

I grew up in a multicultural household and was exposed to many different types of music from a young age. I started singing and performing as a child at my local church, although it wasn’t until I was about fifteen and started getting formal vocal coaching that it became more than a hobby. After finishing high school, I attended the Australian Institute of Music (AIM) and completed a BMus in Contemporary Performance. It was during these formative years at AIM that I become very passionate about songwriting and performance. It wasn’t long before my band, Hurst, was formed, and we began gigging around Australia - which we continue to today.

Hurst

Hurst is a rock band that started in 2014. The band has released an EP and four singles, each one ambushing airwaves and scoring airplay across Triple J, Triple M, and various community networks. “Rattle Kids” is their latest release and has been featured on Triple J’s Home and Hosed program and captured the attention of multiple international music blogs and Hype Machine.

The band has shared stages with the likes of Kingswood and FUEL (USA), and are set to release another EP mid-2018.

You can check out their latest single, “Rattle Kids” here: