THE BEC TAYLOR SCHOOL OF MUSIC
our teaching team
Our teachers are professional touring musicians who write and perform contemporary music regularly and they are focused on developing your musical skills as well as your passion for music. Our team are very inclusive and love to teach students from diverse backgrounds and abilities.
Our instrumental team teach the contemporary instruments including guitar, bass guitar, ukulele, piano, voice, drums, songwriting, music theory and Music Production teaching students aged 7 and up!
Our group teaching team teach Bandmates Vocal, Bandmates, Lil Rockers, Lil’ Groovers and Lil’ Bandmates.
Both beginners and advanced adult and child students are welcome.
Bec Taylor
Founder and Teacher
Bec spent a decade working professionally as a songwriter, singer, drummer and pianist and has toured extensively in pop, folk and punk bands. She has recorded 10 studio albums, and has received critical acclaim for her songwriting, performing and recordings. Her invaluable experience as a music educator in schools helped develop her philosophy about the transformative power of a music learning community, and how important music can be as a vehicle to change society. Bec is currently the Vice President of Music ACT.
After completing a Masters of Teaching through Teach For Australia at Deakin University and teaching music in Canberra schools, Bec developed a unique music community of like-minded teachers and musicians that combines cutting-edge teaching practices and real-life music industry experience.
Bec spearheaded punk band Glitoris in 2014, which went on to win the Best Artist (ACT) at the National Live Music Awards 2016, and has been nominated for the Best Hard Rock Act (national category) for 2017. Glitoris has since toured as main support for Regurgitator on their national tour, released an EP and full-length album, toured with Japanese greats Shonen Knife and has travelled to New Zealand with the Wellington Fringe Festival. She was also key song-writing and performing member of Canberra’s Fun Machine which grew to great heights, releasing three CDs and winning four Music ACT Music Industry Awards (MAMAs), including Best Artist, and Best Song for a Taylor-written track, ‘Ready for the Fight’.
Bec has been showcased at renowned national Big Sound Conference, as well as supported industry heavyweights such as Gotye, The Cat Empire, Frenzal Rhomb, Architecture In Helsinki and The Darkness. She has performed nationally at music venues and festivals around the country including Groovin’ The Moo, Woodford Folk Festival, Thrashville and the National Folk Festival and has performed in New York City as part of the CMJ festival. She is currently working on her second album with alt-folk band Bec Taylor and the Lyrebirds.
Credit: Meg Houghton
Samantha Sly
Voice teacher
Samantha Sly is a passionate singer-songwriter who started learning the guitar from the age of 12. She quickly followed the guitar with picking up voice, piano, bass and drums, and studied at the ANU School of Music majoring in jazz/contemporary voice. Samantha also teaches self-accompaniment and music theory as a major focal point to ensure students have context and an understanding of various music concepts. Samantha performs regularly around the Canberra music scene and released her first single ‘Witness’ in July 2021.
Samantha has a strong interest in teaching contemporary voice, focusing on good vocal health and technique whilst building on each singers originality.
Tillie Grundel
Voice, Lil’ Bandmates teacher
Tillie moved to Canberra from Sweden in 2022. She grew up singing and has always been fascinated with the voice and styles of singing. She started off with choirs before exploring rock, metal, folk, jazz, and pop. In her early teens, she found a passion for contemporary singing. Tillie went to a music-focused primary and high school. She went on to music college followed by three years of singing studies, two of which were at one of Sweden's most prestigious contemporary music schools—those years focused on performance, songwriting, and teaching. She is currently working on her own songs that could be described as Swedish pop with a folky electronic grunge vibe. Tillie worked as a singing teacher for three years while studying. She focuses on techniques to help each student to find ease and variety. She also loves working with interpreting songs and performances.
Credit: Blue Ginger Photography
Laura Harris
Piano teacher
Laura has been surrounded by music her whole life. Although she loves playing and writing on a range of instruments, piano continues to be her passion. Laura has recently completed her Grade 8 AMEB piano exam and is currently studying towards a Bachelor of Music at ANU. She has an interest in music production, songwriting, film scoring/sound design and performance. Laura is a member of Canberra music duo ‘Frances Lee’, having released their debut single ‘Back When’ in July 2023. She is also Head Sound Designer in the youth-lead film production company ‘Sunspot Cinematic’.
Laura loves teaching, with an aim to cater lessons to the individual's interests. She motivates and encourages her students to develop an appreciation for all kinds of music and theory.
Ella Ragless
Piano teacher
Ella is currently studying a Bachelor of Music at the ANU and has experience in performing and teaching music from many different genres, ranging from classical, jazz, and musical theatre. Also a talented composer, Ella recently co-wrote and conducted the music for a modern musical take on Romeo and Juliet, which was performed successfully at the Belconnen Community Theatre in 2019.
Ella is also a polished vocalist and a longtime member of the BTSoM group ‘8ve’.
Ella strives to help her students find the music they want to learn, so that they may enjoy playing piano as much as possible.
Credit: Meg Houghton
Emily Moran
Voice, Lil’ Rockers, Lil’ Bandmates teacher
Music has always been a big part of Emily’s life and she has been singing since age 4, with her first performance of 'Silent Night' in her local church. She then went on to sing in the school choir and perform in local musicals such as The Wizard of Oz, Oliver and Sinbad before experimenting with playing the flute, violin and piano.
She loves writing original music, is a member of bands 'Soul Purpose', and ‘Lily of the Valley’, and in 2021 she was a finalist in the The Canberra Hospital Foundations vocal competition. Emily is in her final year of her Bachelor of Nursing at the University of Canberra.
Emily enjoys encouraging her students to explore their own creativity.
Jasmyna Steele
Drum teacher
Jasmyna has been receiving formal drum tuition since she was 5 years old, with over 14 years of experience behind the drums. Throughout high school and college, she was a key part of several bands and has performed at various events and venues around Canberra, and she has completed several jazz programs through the ANU Open School of Music. Jasmyna is proficient in many styles including rock, latin, and jazz (where her passion is) and has the ability to teach students of all ages and abilities. She is currently studying a Bachelor of Primary Education specialising in Creative Arts at the University of Canberra and is also a member of the Canberra jazz band ‘Get Fake’.
Jasmyna loves sharing her drum skills and knowledge with future musicians.
Hayden Kinsman
Piano, digital keyboard, music theory teacher
Hayden has had an interest in piano from a young age and has been playing for over 10 years. He grew up improvising tunes and playing on his own before studying at CIT and learning to play in a band. After attaining his Diploma of Music Performance from CIT in 2018, he found himself playing on stages around the Canberra scene as the keyboard player in local bands 'Partly Cloudy' and 'Thyme'. Most recently, Hayden can be found playing keyboards for folk rock band ‘The Dalmatians’, prominent Canberra folk artist ‘Kim Yang’, folk/country legend ‘Fred Smith’, or spontaneously joining blues, funk or jazz fusion line-ups for big nights of non-stop improvisation.
He has a special interest in improvisation, music theory and unconventional harmony, often revealing itself through the lens of blues, funk and jazz. He enjoys playing synth, Hammond organ and other keyboard instruments, too. He also dabbles on guitar, drums and various other instruments.
Hayden loves to have as much fun as possible whilst playing and is always trying to shred harder than the guitarist.
Credit: Adam Matthews
Max Sturm
Guitar, bass guitar, ukulele, Bandmates teacher
Max has been practicing the guitar, playing in various bands and formulating his own composition/recording identity since 2013. Max is currently studying Jazz Performance at the ANU School of Music, but also engages heavily in self-driven learning geared towards composition, recording, mixing and mastering techniques. Max likes to understand his students musical aspirations first before applying the best method to assist the student in realising and achieving their goals.
Max currently plays lead guitar in Canberra Indie Rock band ‘DogWorld’, and also releases electronic music under his name. Max aims to provide a well-rounded contextual base in modern music theory and traditional practice techniques whilst encouraging and supporting student goals.
Kian MacLeod
Bass guitar, guitar, Bandmates teacher
His mind addled by ADHD, Kian can't seem to just pick one thing and stick to it.
While musically his speciality is guitar, he also plays bass, drums, synth, and he sings.
He completed his double major in contemporary guitar performance, and in composition, at the ANU school of music in 2021.
Aside from music, he is also a professional circus performer and trainer (yes this is real) and is one of the Canberra region's best unicyclists. He also juggles, is an avid acrobat/tumbler, and performs Chinese Pole.
Kian plays guitar, sings, and is primary songwriter for Canberra band "Wardens of Sound" and plays shows regularly.
Kian is extremely passionate about teaching. He is especially proud of the work he does with neurodivergent/neurodiverse students.
Somesh Putcha
Drum teacher
Somesh graduated from the Victorian College of the Arts/Melbourne University in 2019 with a Bachelor of Music and has performed and recorded in a variety of genres including rock, pop, indie and jazz. While Somesh encourages and maintains a diversity in musical skills and taste, over the past few years he has developed a love for jazz as the music that speaks to him most deeply. He has performed around Canberra with local legends Viktor Rufus, Brendan Keller-Tuberg, and most recently as drummer for the highly respected ‘Burley Griffin’.
Somesh believes that each individual's excitement is what drives them to learn and love music, and he always tries to build this in his students. He aims to guide them on a musical path based on their interests while teaching them good technique and developing a strong sense of time.
Saxon Purcell
Guitar, bass guitar, Bandmates teacher
Saxon is a passionate guitar player who is currently studying Jazz Performance in his third year at the Australian National University. With an appreciation for all genres of music, Saxon decided to pursue teaching not only to develop his music career but also to spread his love for the instrument and enlighten students about its beauty. At ANU, Saxon served as the music representative of his college, leading the choir and running the college band. He also has prior experience as a guitar tutor, which has equipped him with the skills to teach the instrument in a supportive and encouraging way. If you're looking for an experienced and inspiring guitar or bass guitar teacher, Saxon is your guy.
Credit: Meg Houghton
Peter Campion
Drums, Bandmates teacher
An avid performer and composer since he was young, with 5 years of diverse professional gigging and teaching experience. Graduating with a Bachelor in Jazz Drumming in 2022, his enthusiasm and passion for music translates in his teaching style, making lessons challenging yet engaging. With a strong production and music theory background, he likes to see students become well-rounded in their musicality and find what makes music speak to them personally.
Oakelani Edmonds
Piano, Lil’ Rockers, Lil’ Bandmates teacher
Oak is currently undertaking a Bachelor of Music at the ANU and has a passion for all things music including composition, performance, theory, and teaching. She has experience performing in various styles, which includes performing original songs, classical piano, pop, and folk. Oak aims to motivate and challenge her students with her creative teaching practice, helping them find their own passion in music and become independent musicians.
Credit: Meg Houghton
Eva Sweekhorst
Voice, Lil Bandmates, Bandmates teacher
Eva Sweekhorst (Ava Martina) is a singer songwriter, composer and multi-disciplinary musician based in Canberra Australia. She Released her Critically acclaimed EP ‘Peculiar Minds’ in September 2021, recorded with producer Harry Barwell aka Aloe Vera from Sydney’s Northern Beaches. BMA magazine described Peculiar Minds as “dreamily consistent, perched and pitched at a euphonious, semi-sanguine emotional level without ever straying.”
Eva has since completed her Bachelor of Music at the ANU School of Music, majoring in jazz performance and music technology. While completing her studies, she well and truly made herself known on the live music scene in Canberra. Taking the stage to open for acts such as Sydney’s ‘Jet City Sports Club’ and local powerhouses ‘Kirkland’ and ‘Little Quirks’. 2022 saw Eva expanding her repertoire and band alike. She is currently working on a body of work, to be released in 2023. Taking her sound in new and exciting directions. Other recent initiatives include putting on her own backyard local festival in March. Creating an intimate space for other Canberra bands and solo acts to share their music.
Tome
Piano teacher
At the tender age of 7, Tome immersed himself in the world of piano, guided by the Trinity College of Music. His hands shape melodies as evocative as a Maori waiata aroha (songs about the nature of love) or as lively as a Samoan fa'ataupati (Samoan slap dance).
Renowned for playing with Aotearoa's finest musicians, Tome has graced many stages, from playing for an intimate few to stadiums of thousands. Whether it's a bustling wedding or a large concert, he's often the unseen hero behind those unforgettable tunes.
When it comes to teaching, Tome uses his skills to foster growth and resilience in his students, employing the therapeutic power of music with a dash of humor and "koro" wisdom, akin to that of a wise old uncle. His piano lessons aren't just about playing; they're about thriving in the musical world. As Christopher Wallace once said, "And if you don't know, now you know."
Ready to unlock your musical potential? Journey with Tome, the tuneful tane purotu, on an adventure in melody.
Daniel Mackey
Guitar, bass guitar teacher
Daniel is an experienced guitar player with a passion for teaching. with 10 years’ experience under his belt, he is an avid busker, performing live looping sessions all around Canberra. He has a passion for live music, and enjoys playing a wide variety of genres with his band; from thrash metal to jazz. He is eager to share his knowledge, so it you’re looking for a guitar man, Dan’s the man.
Louis Sturm
Guitar, bass guitar, ukelele teacher
Louis has dedicated himself to honing his guitar skills through consistent practice, participating in various bands, and familiarising himself with a range of different musical styles. Presently enrolled in Jazz Performance at the ANU School of Music, Louis’ enthusiasm for music and learning extends to exploration of composition, music production, recording, mixing, and mastering methods. Louis offers students a guided lesson experience to enhance their proficiency on the guitar, regardless of their prior level of experience. Louis’ teaching approach is also tailored to the student’s own musical aspirations, encouraging them to bring in songs of their choice from any genre, or to work on any particular technical/theory goals they may have.
Louis believes that fostering a positive and encouraging space where his students feel excited to come and engage in lessons is integral to their learning experience. His objective revolves around imparting a comprehensive foundation in contemporary music theory and traditional techniques, while also fostering and endorsing student ambitions.
Imogen Roach
Voice, Bandmates teacher
Imogen has been passionate about music since a young age, growing up playing the flute and saxophone and performing in many musicals and bands. She has been singing since 2015 and is currently studying Jazz/Contemporary Voice Performance at the ANU School of Music. Imogen is an active member of the Canberra music scene and loves perform whenever she’s given an opportunity.
Imogen has a holistic approach to teaching and encourages students to find their own originality in their music. Her genres of interest include pop, jazz, RnB, soul and funk. Imogen tailors her teaching approach to help each student to achieve their fullest potential, whether they be beginning their music journey or looking to refine their skills. She looks forward to meeting you soon!