GUITAR | BASS | UKULELE
DRUMS GUITAR BASS UKULELE PIANO SAXOPHONE SONGWRITING TUTORING VOICE GROUP CLASSES
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NICK VARGAS (he/him)
Bachelor of Applied Music – Box Hill Institute Nick Vargas is a Naarm/Melbourne-based guitarist known for his rich and expressive playing style, shaped by over 14 years of dedication to the instrument. Drawing inspiration from jazz, blues, and Latin traditions, Nick brings a diverse musical perspective to both performance and teaching. Influenced by guitar greats such as Pat Metheny, Kurt Rosenwinkel, and George Benson, Nick’s approach blends technical skill with creative exploration. His playing is marked by a deep sense of feel and a commitment to constantly evolving as a musician. As an active performer, Nick is involved in a range of projects including Sinj Clarke, YARA, olza, and Charlie McCosh, showcasing his versatility across styles and settings. As a teacher, Nick is passionate about helping students develop their own musical voice. He creates a supportive learning environment tailored to each student's goals—whether they’re just beginning their journey or looking to refine their technique and improvisation skills. To book in with Nick, please email [email protected] You can find Nick in Room 4 |
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JESS DE LUCA she | her
Bachelor of Applied Music - Box Hill Institute Jess is a Graduate of Box Hill Institute, in her time there she had a strong interest in choir, vocal technique and different teaching methods as well as learning Guitar and Piano. Jess has been singing since she can remember growing up in a musical family and has been performing for over a decade. As a performer and vocalist, Jess thrives on challenges from getting the "high notes", close harmonies, exploring vocal tones as well as a good understanding of performance anxiety for those thinking about taking the leap. If you’re interested in songwriting Jess will enthusiastically get the ball rolling, she has a good understanding of song structures, lyrics and melody and enjoys seeing what students come up with on their own. Jess has held Songwriting workshops at BFSM, has released her own music and performs her songs regularly around Melbourne Venues. She is currently recording her debut full length Album, always keeping herself creative. On most weekend mornings she is a regular Busker at the Melbourne Farmers Markets group and continues to pursue performing at every opportunity. To book in with Jess, please email [email protected] You can find Jess teaching in Room 2. |
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MATT HEARD he | him
Bachelor of Applied Music (Box Hill Institute) Diploma of Music (Box Hill Institute) Matthew’s enthusiasm for music began at an early age. This lead to him committing to and making the most of any musical opportunity that came his way growing up. Especially the challenge of singing and accompanying himself. Prior to his further studies Matthew had an appreciation for Rock, Blues, and Folk music. However upon starting his studies at Box Hill Institute he was introduced to Soul and Jazz music and there was no looking back. It was here Matthew embraced learning about vocal technique, teaching methods, and music theory. Upon graduating Matthew has taught throughout the East and South-Eastern suburbs. Outside of teaching he has performed and collaborated with many different groups both locally and internationally. Most notably award winning Melbourne a Cappella group ‘Drums of War’. As a teacher Matthew enjoys helping students find and set their own goals; to get the most out of their lessons and leave loving music. To book in with Matt, please email [email protected] You can find Matt teaching in Room 5 unless he's running The Band Project from Room 4. |
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PATRICK DUNCAN-DEVENY he | him | she | her | they | them
Bachelor Degree of Arts (Music Performance) The Australian College of The Arts Born and raised in the inner north, Patrick Duncan-Deveny is a bassist, guitarist and songwriter who lives and works in Naarm/Melbourne. He has always been interested in the creative arts, spending his childhood making films, writing fiction and poetry and, of course, listening to and playing music. While his musical upbringing was centred around the pop and rock of his parents’ youth (The Beatles and Earth, Wind & Fire never left the living room sound system), picking up the bass at age 12 (and the guitar six months later) opened him up to a wide variety of different artists and genres and nowadays he's equally at home playing tunes by King Crimson, D'Angelo or Kate Bush. He has a particular passion for improvisation and complex and unusual music, as well as writing 'just-right' guitar parts and arrangements. Patrick is currently completing a Bachelor’s Degree of Arts (Music Performance) at The Australian College of the Arts, where he studied under Melbourne-based session bassist Josh Jones. He also gigs and records in a number of bands and projects, including with jazz fusion drummer Rory Tiganis-Hannan, industrial outfit False Animal, singer-songwriters Tooley and Saphra More and indie rock/folk band Twice Shy. Within these projects he's also played a wide variety of roles, from equal-partner songwriter to session player and musical director. As a teacher, Patrick prefers to tailor his lessons to the needs and wants of each of his students instead of opting for a one-size-fits-all approach. Jazz pianist Thelonious Monk once wrote that "a genius is one most like themselves" and that maxim is the central philosophical underpinning of Patrick's teaching. Whether it's working on technique, improvising, parts-writing or just learning how to play your favourite songs, Patrick is most interested in helping you to sound like yourself. He’s also well-versed and passionate in a wide variety of styles and genres and loves to talk about and share music with others, including his students. Furthermore, as the eldest of three children and the second eldest of 13 cousins, Patrick has a lot of experience (perhaps too much!) looking after and spending time with children and young adults. When he needs a break from music, Patrick can usually be found watching weird movies, playing with his pets or reading esoteric Wikipedia articles. You can find Patrick in Room 4 |
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VINCENT NGUYEN he | him
Bachelor of Applied Music (Australian College of the Arts) Vincent has been playing guitar since the age of 8. Finding love for hard rock and blues music at a young age, Vincent also became interested in production and electronic music in his teenage years. Marrying the aspects of music creation, Vincent independently writes, performs, records and produces music when he's not playing live in projects around Melbourne. Vincent completed his Bachelor of Music Performance at Collarts in 2019 after previous courses in sound recording and producing at RMIT. Throughout his time at Collarts, Vincent built upon his roots in rock and blues music with a wide variety of playing styles; namely jazz and neo-soul. Guided by student's goals and interests in music, Vincent approaches lessons with a focus on building confidence and independence with the instrument; largely incorporating the use of aural skills and conceptual learning in his lessons. To book in with Vincent, please email [email protected] You can find Vinny teaching in Room 6. |
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SARAH EDGAR she | her
Bachelor of Creative Arts (La Trobe University) Diploma of Screen and Media (RMIT) Sarah graduated from La Trobe University with a Bachelor of Creative Arts with Honours as well as obtaining a Diploma of Screen and Media at RMIT University. She has written songs since an early age, learning guitar and ukulele to back up her singing. At La Trobe she was a member of La Trobe Student Theatre and Film where she performed in countless cabarets and plays during her time there. After University not wanting to let go of the friends and connections she had made she went on to co-found Picked Last For Sport (PLFS) with her friend Ryan Smith. PLFS has to date 6 original shows and accompanying music performed mostly for the Melbourne Fringe Festival and more recently the Melbourne Comedy Festival. Sarah has a passion for connection and community and believes music can play a magical role in bringing people together. To book in with Sarah, please email [email protected] You can find Sarah teaching in Room 6 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday or Room 7 on Thursdays. |
