What we teach

Lessons

Perth Music Academy runs one-to-one piano and violin lessons every week, plus a group KiddyKeys class for children aged 4 and 5. New students can start at any time of the year. Lessons come in 30, 45 and 60 minute lengths, and your teacher will recommend the right length as your child progresses.

One-to-one

Piano

Six of our eight teachers specialise in piano.

Piano is the heart of the academy. Lessons are one-to-one and weekly, from absolute beginner through to diploma level. Each lesson is built around your child and covers technique, repertoire, theory, sight-reading, aural skills, a little improvisation and some music history, so your child grows into a well-rounded musician rather than someone who can only play one piece.

  • 30 minutes Beginner to Grade 4
  • 45 minutes Beginner to Grade 6
  • 60 minutes Beginner to Grade 8

See the full piano fee schedule

One-to-one

Violin

Taught by Kateryna Melnichenko.

Violin is taught by Kateryna Melnichenko, who holds a Bachelor and Master of Music in violin performance and pedagogy from Donetsk State Music Academy and has performed across Europe. Lessons are one-to-one and weekly, beginner to advanced, and like piano they cover technique, repertoire, theory, sight-reading and aural skills.

  • 30 minutes Beginner to Grade 4
  • 45 minutes Beginner to Grade 6
  • 60 minutes Beginner to Grade 8

See the full violin fee schedule

Ages 4-5

KiddyKeys, music for little ones

We believe the love of music starts early. KiddyKeys is a modern, engaging group class that introduces musical skills and concepts to preschoolers and gets them ready for private lessons. It is all done in the name of fun.

When and how much

Saturdays, 9:30 to 10:05 am.

$232 for 8 classes per term, which works out to about $29 a class.

You can read more about the KiddyKeys program at kiddykeys.com.

In a term of KiddyKeys, children work on:

  • Rhythm and movement to develop fine and gross motor skills
  • Recognising notes and note values, the music staff and the piano keys
  • Counting exercises that help with numbers and early maths
  • Memory skills through repeated music terminology
  • Creativity through improvisation, composition and exploring the keyboard
  • Working together in a group
  • Hand-eye coordination with rhythm instruments and the keyboard
  • Listening skills
  • The music alphabet, colours and shapes through worksheet activities
  • Music story time about composers and musical ideas
  • Everyday life lessons that build self-worth

KiddyKeys is built on a simple idea: every child is a star, and our job is to help them see it in themselves and in the people around them.

Every lesson

Every lesson, the full picture

Whatever your child's instrument or grade, each lesson covers more than the next piece. The goal is a well-rounded, independent musician, whether your child is heading for exams or playing for the joy of it.

  • Technique
  • Repertoire
  • Theory of music
  • Sight-reading
  • Aural skills
  • Basic improvisation
  • Music history and appreciation

Beyond lessons

Chances to perform

Once a year every student plays in our recital, a friendly, non-competitive family afternoon that is a real confidence-builder (usually in Term 3). Through the year we also run casual performance sessions, and once a year a Music Camp during the school holidays.

When a student is ready, their teacher may suggest a practical AMEB exam or an Eisteddfod. Some children thrive on a goal like that; others do better without the added pressure, so the decision is always made together with you. Music theory is part of study too, and students who are ready are encouraged to sit theory exams.

Get started

Not sure where your child fits?

Tell us their age and what they would like to play, and we will recommend a teacher, a lesson length and a starting point.

Book a trial lesson See the fees