About Teaching Staff
- Our teachers are a diverse group of musicians and educators each with their own unique background.
- This diversity allows TSA to cater to the variety of needs in every school and provide staff to suit any type of program.
- All our teachers are screened to comply with the appropriate Working With Children legislation and attend regular training and development in child protection, copyright, behaviour management and instrumental pedagogy.
- In addition to our regular teaching staff, TSA draws on a network of freelance and contract musicians and educators to enrich our programs with workshops, camps and masterclasses.
Teaching Staff
Lucia Bichara
Program & Band Director
Lucia is a dynamic and highly driven Band Director with 30 years of experience in music education across numerous primary schools throughout Sydney. She is deeply passionate about imparting knowledge. Known for her vibrant enthusiasm, Lucia focuses on creating an engaging environment where every student can truly enjoy and thrive during their time in the school’s band program. Her teaching philosophy centres on fostering self-confidence and personal growth through the power of music, ensuring that young musicians develop both their creative talents and life skills.
Ben Miesch
Program & Band Director
Ben Miesch is a passionate music educator, conductor and business leader whose dedication to music education has shaped the growth of Teaching Services Australia (TSA). After studying at the prestigious Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Ben went on to turn his passion for music and teaching into a vision of his own, founding TSA from the ground up. What began as a small venture has grown into the thriving organisation it is today, thanks to Bens determination, entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering commitment to providing quality music education opportunities to students and schools. As CEO, conductor, and tutor, Ben continues to play an active role within TSA. He is a much-loved music educator and conductor, known for his approachable nature, enthusiasm and ability to inspire students to reach their potential. His dedication extends beyond his students, with staff also valuing his leadership, support and genuine passion for the work they do. Ben is highly respected by the students, families and staff he works with and takes great pride in creating a positive, inclusive and inspiring environment where both students and educators can thrive.
Damian Butler
Program & Band Director
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Rowen McBride
Program & Band Director
Rowen is a Central Coast based conductor and musician with a passion for music education. Rowen studies at the Conservatorium of Music in Newcastle. He currently directs several Concert, Jazz and Brass bands across the Central Coast and Sydney areas including Primary, secondary and community bands. He enjoys performing as a member of Central Coast Brass. He has led secondary school bands on various international tours and music festivals, regularly conducts in State and national competitions and adjudicates.
Joshua McNulty
Program & Band Director
Graduating from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music in 2015, Joshua is a conductor, composer and educator. Primarily a reed play, he has recently started to dive into the world of brass instruments in addition to his conducting and education work. His studies with Dr John Lynch and Dr Anthony Clarke helped him build a solid foundation in conducting which have grown significantly while working with The Film Harmonia Orchestra (founder and MD), the Macquarie University Symphony Orchestra, the Canaria Scoring Orchestra, the Wellington Players, and the Strathfield Symphony Orchestra. As an educator, Joshua directs numerous school bands across Sydney as well as tutoring many students on their instruments. Joshua has always has a keen interest in music written with a narrative, especially as a composer and is very grateful to have had works premiered by both FilmHarmonia and IWCB.
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Daryl Walton
Program & Band Director
Daryl is an enthusiastic and energetic band director and tutor, and has been running band programs with TSA for over 10 years. Daryl currently teaches at 8 primary schools. Daryl, alongside his son Nic, is a member of the Cafe Latte orchestra that performs a variety of music in regional centres throughout NSW.
Matthew King
Program & Band Director
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Pauline Ainsworth
Program & Band Director
Music has been a part of Pauline's life for over 40 years. She started learning trumpet in her primary school band and followed her passion through University.
During her Music Tertiary studies, Pauline experienced many opportunities in performing, conducting and in teaching. These opportunities allowed Pauline's music journey to grow in many directions and supports her way of teaching today.
As well as teaching, Pauline is also passionate about being involved with community bands. She is currently a member of several bands in Sydney and on the Central Coast, playing different instruments in each.
Pauline's motto - learning a musical instrument is a universal language, life skills are developed and like minded friends are found.
Meredith Hastings
Program & Band Director
Meredith is a professional conductor, saxophonist & violinist with 15 years of experience teaching in both public & private school music programs across the North Shore and Hills area. Meredith works as a music director of both strings and wind bands and has directed many award-winning ensembles across the course of her career. She specialises in primary school programs and brings a wealth of experience across a diverse range of ensembles to her conducting work at TSA. All children should have the opportunity to learn music and it is this philosophy that drives her work. Meredith is forever grateful to have the opportunity every day to teach and inspire students to love music and love band!
Anna Hibbins
Program & Band Director
Anna holds a Bachelor of Music (Performance and Education) and a Graduate Diploma of Education. With 15 years experience, she is a passionate music educator, band director and woodwind specialist who teaches across the full range of concert band instruments. Anna is also an active musician and performs with a Concert Band in the Hills District. Anna is committed to making music enjoyable and accessible for every student. She focuses on Developing confident young musicians, strong ensemble skills and a sense of achievement while inspiring a lifelong love of music and music-making.
Mari Diewald
Program & Band Director
Mari (BMus, Ped, MMus Performance Studies) is a passionate conductor, educator and multi-instrumentalist with extensive knowledge and experience across woodwind and brass instruments. She studies music in Finland, the Netherlands and at the university of Sydney. She is an active musician and currently performs as a solo tenor horn player in a brass band in Western Sydney. As a conductor and educator, Mari brings together her broad instrumental experience, musical knowledge and enthusiasm for working with musicians of all ages and abilities. Her approach is focused on developing confident musicianship, musical expresson and a genuine love of making music together.
Daniel Masman
Program & Band Director
Daniel is a highly experienced band director, tutor, musician and composer with a Bachelor of Arts Music degree from the University of Western Sydney and a Graduate Diploma in Screen Music from the Australian Film Television and Radio School. Looking towards the future, Daniel hopes to journey beyond Earth and be aboard the first pioneering human mission to colonise Mars.
Lexie Miesch
Program & Band Director
Lexie is a passionate music educator, conductor and multi-instrumentalist with a deep love for inspiring the next generation. Her musical journey began as a child in the TSA program, where she first picked up the trumpet. Since then, she has continues to expand her musical knowledge and skills across a range of instruments. With years of experience in musical education and ensemble direction, Lexie is passionate about creating an engaging, supportive and inspiring musical environment for students. in 2023 Lexie took her passion for performance in a different direction, working professionally as a dancer India, This unique experience broadened her perspective as a performer and allowed her to explore moevement, culture and performance from a new perspective. Since returning, Lexie has rekindled her love for music education, combing her experience as a musician, dancer and educator to inspire students both in and beyond the classroom.
Sara Davy
Program & Band Director
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Arthur Webster
Program & Band Director
Arthur is an experienced and versatile musician with a strong banding and orchestral background. Arthur regularly performs with top A Grade bands including Willoughby and Brass Band Newcastle, and is also part of Central Coast Brass. Arthur currently teaches and conducts ensembles with Teaching Services Australia, bringing a wealth of experience and passion.
Maddison O'Connor
Program & Band Director
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Lillian Burke
Program & Band Director
Lillian is an enthusiastic and passionate music tutor who aims to give all students the best learning experience. Every student has theor own way of learning best which is what she aims to find to give each student their own tailored experience. Lillian teaches and plays multiple instruments and is regularly performing at formal and informal events. Her passion for music is something she hopes to pass on to her students.
Nicole Lewis
Program & Band Director
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Wayne Rigby
Program & Band Director
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Dorothy Sercombe
Strings Tutor
Holding a Masters Degree in Violin Performance (UNSW) and a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Music and Education (USyd) as well as AMusA. Dorothy is an experiences violin, viola and piano tutor having studies with tutors here and abroad and teaching in various school and at her home studio.
Vanessa Couper
Flute Tutor
Vanessa Couper is a flautist, registered music therapist, song writer, mum of two and Vee from kids music group Tiptoe Giants. Vanessa has completed three music degrees from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and Melbourne University - BMus (hons), MMus and MMusThy, and has countless experience withing the arts, education, health and performance sectors. Vanessa has performed as a flautist with the Sydney Symphony orchestra as well as performing regularly with Tiptoe Giants. Vanessa loves using music as a tool to engage with others.
Gwyneth Jansen
Multi-Instrumental Tutor & Conductor
Gwyneth has 5 years of experience in teaching and live performance. She is studying music at the prestigous Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Gwyneth is very passionate about being a role model for young female guitarists and being in a position to inspire the next generation to join her as a professional musician.
Sarah Roche
Piano, Guitar & Vocal Tutor
Sarah is a passionate vocal, piano and guitar teacher with over 10 years of performing experience. With a deep love for music and a commitment to nurturing the potential of her students, Sarah specialises in both classical and contemporary styles, offering personalised lessons tailored to each student's goals and abilities. Recently finishing a Bachelor or Music (Contemporary Music Practice) at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Sarah brings a broad wealth of knowledge to each lesson.
Chris Everest
Multi-Instrumental Tutor
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Bailey Mears
Guitar & Drum Tutor
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Sheau Yee Wang
Piano Tutor
Sheau has 15 years of experience teaching piano, specialising in students ranging from beginner to advanced levels. She has extensive experience in preparing students for the AMEB Syllabus, including practical examinations, performance, technical development, musical interpretation and Music Theory,. She can also provide guidance and advice on music scholarship applications, helping students present their musical achievements, experience, and strengths effectively. Her teaching approach is patient, supportive, and tailored to each students individual abilities and goals, with a strong focus on building confidence, musicality and a lifelong enjoyment of music. Outside of piano teaching, he enjoys serving in church music alongside her two children, which is a meaningful way for them to share their love of music together. Sheau also enjoys spending quality time with family, travelling to discover and enjoying good food.
Emily Fox
Flute Tutor
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Sean Steele
Percussion & Bass Tutor
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Vicki Steele
Percussion & Bass Tutor
With over 30 years music teaching experience, Woodwind tutor, Vicki Steele, is passionate about giving as many children as possible the opportunity to learn an instrument.
She teaches saxophone, clarinet and flute and also conducts several school bands.
“I believe in giving everyone a go and my goal as a music educator is to make learning an instrument affordable and available for anyone who wants it, to offer a high standard of music tuition always and of course to make learning an instrument fun and rewarding” says Vicki.
Starting out on piano when she was eight, Vicki went on to study saxophone, flute and clarinet during high school and beyond. She then graduated with an Associate Diploma of Music Teaching from Sydney Conservatorium of Music before running a very successful private music studio.
“I believe I have an excellent rapport with students, particularly primary school aged children but have successfully taught students of all ages and abilities,” she says.
Vicki has also worked as a private music tutor in a number of school music programs in both Sydney and on the Central Coast and in both private and public
Schools.
Ramon Echevarria
Bass Tutor
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Mikayla Hartigan
Strings Tutor & Conductor
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Rachel Yang
Flute & Violin Tutor
Rachel is a passionate teacher who began playing music at age seven, learning the flute, violin and piano. She started performing at a young age, and has since enjoyed playing flute and violin in a range of ensembles. She now enjoys sharing her passion for music through teaching.
James Arthur
Woodwind Tutor
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Elysia Castillejo
Flute Tutor
Elysia is a currently studying a Bachelor of Music (flute performance) at the Conservatorium of Music. She has extensive experience teaching both group and individual classes of all ages.
Lindsay Chang
Multi-Instrumental Tutor
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Zoe Conolan-Glen
Multi-Instrumental Tutor
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Will Gaynes
Woodwind Tutor
Hi, my name is Will and I am an enthusiastic saxophone player and University student with a love for music. I have been playing saxophone for 11 years and am currently completing my Amus for alto saxophone.
I am also a member of the Castle Hill RSL Youth Wind Orchestra (since 2018), the Macquarie University Musical Orchestra, and the UTS Music Society.
I hope that through teaching, my students will reciprocate an interest and enjoyment in music.
Raphael Marsonet
Woodwind Tutor
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Thomas McCracken
Percussion & Bass Tutor
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Paul Vandenburg
Brass & Bass Tutor
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Contact Information
Phone
Office Hours
Monday – Friday 9:00am-4:30pm
