Viola Lessons For Children & Adults That Inspire Bentleigh East, Melbourne

Background

Isobel began learning the viola at age 7 and picked up the violin a few years later at 10. Growing up on the Sunshine Coast, she quickly developed a love for music that led her to become the principal violist of the Sunshine Coast Youth Orchestra’s Symphony Ensemble. Her passion for performing and teaching brought her to Melbourne, where she is now completing her studies at the University of Melbourne Conservatorium of Music.

Experience

Over the years, Isobel has performed in a wide range of ensembles and venues. Some highlights include performing at the Sydney Opera House with the Sunshine Coast Youth Orchestra’s Symphony Ensemble and Chamber Strings group, and at Hamer Hall in Melbourne with the University Symphony Orchestra and Philharmonic.

In addition to her more classical orchestral and chamber experience, Isobel has also worked in contemporary studio settings with composers and artists, recording new music and exploring creative collaborations.

Teaching Approach

Isobel teaches both violin and viola, helping students develop strong foundational technique while also guiding them to discover their own artistic direction and what they wish to express through their music. She tailors her approach to each student’s individual goals, from exam preparation to learning purely for enjoyment. Her lessons focus on combining technical development with creativity and self-expression in a positive, supportive environment where every student can progress at their own pace. Above all, Isobel hopes to inspire a lifelong love of music and help each student find joy and confidence in their playing.

Performance & Inspiration

From large orchestral stages to intimate chamber settings, Isobel’s experience has deepened her appreciation for the many ways music connects people. She brings that same passion into her teaching, helping students find joy and confidence in their playing while understanding the stories behind the music they perform.

Amogh is a versatile and passionate violin soloist, chamber musician and orchestral player with a rich variety of concert experience. He regularly performs with the Melbourne Youth Orchestra, Monash Academy Orchestra, Australasian Orchestra and various community/youth chamber ensembles.
During his fourteen years at Huntingtower School, Amogh was extremely devoted to serving the
music department, which led to him being awarded a bursary scholarship in Year 12 for outstanding commitment. Amogh recently finished a Bachelor of Music at Monash University, where he learnt from Dr. Elizabeth Sellars. He also undertook overseas chamber music and soloist development units in Prato and New York. In 2018, two of his most memorable experiences were accompanying William Barton at the Melbourne Recital Centre and participating in Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. In 2019, Amogh had the pleasure of making his Hamer Hall debut by participating in the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s ‘Symphony in a Day’ project. Although 2020 significantly limited his performance schedule, Amogh recently performed a virtual concert for St Paul’s Cathedral. Furthermore, Amogh was fortunate enough to participate in the Beethoven 3MBS Marathon (held in late February 2020) – this was his radio debut.
On top of Amogh’s extensive performance experience, Amogh has also been a teacher for ten years. During this time, he has taught privately and participated in the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s Pizzicato Effect (through a partnership with Monash University). Amogh is passionate about providing accessible musical education. He has also taught at St.Michael’s Primary and Haileybury.

Having begun his musical journey on the violin at age 6, Harry is a classically trained violinist with more than 15 years of experience. He completed his musical education at the Melbourne University Conservatory of Music, specializing in performance under the tutelage of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra violinist Oksana Thompson and professional solo violist, Wenhong Luo.

Experience

In 2018 as concertmaster of the String Ensemble and Orchestra, Harry graduated St Michael’s Grammar School with the Anne Jones Memorial Prize for Instrumental Music and is currently the recipient of multiple Corinna D’Hage String Scholarships at the University of Melbourne while being a member of the University Symphony Orchestra and multiple Chamber Quartets, playing both Violin and Viola.

Teaching Approach

The end goal for every student is not only the development of technical ability and expression but also to encourage a warm learning environment that fosters a greater love for music and being able to express it through each student’s performance. Whether it be for leisure, or for AMEB exams, each student will reach their desired level of proficiency at their own pace and understand and, most importantly, enjoy what they play.

Professional Musician

Harry has performed orchestral, chamber, and solo work at major concert venues, including Hamer Hall, Melbourne Recital Centre, the NGV, Deakin Edge and Iwaki Auditorium. Experienced in a wide range of repertoire, from 18th-century baroque music, to the romance of Tchaikovsky in the 19th, and through to musical theatre of the present, Harry’s experience in a vast range of musical styles in both solo and collaborative manners has cultivated his love and passion for music as a whole.

Funnelling that passion for music, Harry’s teaching aims to provide an outlet for musical expression supported by a stable technical foundation, facilitated by learning that is informative as it is engaging, making sure each and every student knows what they’re practising and what goals they attain, whether it be technical dexterity, quality of sound, or musical expression.