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Bianca Hopkins (Fenn)
Singing & Voice Tech Teacher The Voice Collective Glee Club Associate Degree in Applied Music – Box Hill Institute Estill Figure Proficiency Tuesday, Wednesday & Saturday Along with her husband Dayna – Bianca owns, manages and teaches at BFSM since its opening in term 2, 2013. Bianca is a professional singer who has been working in the music industry for over 20 years. Bianca has experience in song writing, recording, backing vocals and fronting various bands for both cover and original acts around Melbourne and internationally. Bianca has been teaching singing and vocal technique for 18 years from BFSM, primary and secondary schools and Box Hill Institute. Bianca has earned a Certificate of Estill Figure Proficiency with a keen interest in vocal health and voice control. Bianca has great experience in organising events, coordinating concerts, cabarets and other performance evenings. She loves conducting choirs and vocal groups and enjoys directing and preparing musical theatre productions. Bianca is the host of "The Performers Mind" podcast which is inspired by her book, designed to help people with performance anxiety. |
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Sarah Pink - Voice and Piano Teacher
Bachelor of Applied Music (Australian College of the Arts) Certificate III in Music Industry (Wodonga Secondary College) Mondays - Thursdays Sarah Pink is a singer-songwriter who grew up surrounded by bluegrass musicians and listening to the radio. Sarah has developed an appreciation for a plethora of music, later discovering and connecting with musicians of styles such as contemporary soul, alternative, and jazz music. While majoring in voice at Australian College of the Arts, Sarah continued with her piano playing and has enjoyed performing original and cover songs in a band setting as vocalist and keys player. Sarah is continuously seeking to further her own skills as a vocalist/pianist and strives to share her musical experience, love and knowledge in any way she can. |
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Matthew Heard - Voice and Piano Teacher
BFSM Vocal Group Bachelor of Applied Music (Box Hill Institute) Diploma of Music (Box Hill Institute) Mondays, Wednesdays & Thursdays 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. |
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Nathan Dixon
Singing, Guitar, Ukulele, Bass & Keys Teacher The Band Project Bachelor of Applied Music (Box Hill Institute) Diploma of Music (Box Hill Institute) Tuesdays - Thursdays Unlike many musicians, Nathan began his musical journey in his late teens. Influenced by the likes of Queen, Radiohead, Pearl Jam, Nirvana and Paul Kelly, he decided to take music seriously. As of 2018 Nathan Dixon had completed 7 years of tertiary education including certificates, an Advanced Diploma and a Bachelor of Applied Music - Performance. Since completing his degree, Nathan has written an album, worked as a session musician and even sang for a film score. Through teaching Nathan has lead several ensembles and aspiring musicians toward their goals through encouragement and team work. He also leads charity work by repairing and refurbishing donation instruments and putting them into the hands of foster families, people struggling with illness and at risk youths. Nathan believes accessibility is key and with the right attitude and a helping hand anyone can achieve their goals, great or small. |
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Jessica De Luca
Singing, Songwriting, Music Theory & Vocal Group Bachelor of Applied Music - Box Hill Institute Monday - Thursday 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. |
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Eilish Tobias - Singing & Piano Teacher
Bachelor of Applied Music - Box Hill Institute Tuesday & Thursday Eilish’s love and passion for singing and music began from the moment she could talk. She grew up in a very musical environment, which lead to her studying a Bachelor of Applied Music Performance at Box Hill Institute. Eilish has an appreciation for many musical genres most notably, Folk, Jazz, Blues and Musical Theatre. Outside of teaching Eilish enjoys performing in amateur theatre and conducting choir. Eilish embarked on a European Music Tour in 2017, performing in Denmark, Finland, Estonia and Russia with an orchestra and choir. She performed at famous music venues including the ‘Rock Church’ in Helsinki (Temppeliaukio Church) and St Petersburg’s Chamber Hall of the Capella. At BFSM, Eilish strives to create a fun and comfortable environment for learning. One of her key values is that she seeks to implement the concept of “be brave, not perfect”. This mantra is so students can acknowledge the process of learning, assist them in taking pressure off, and guide students to fully immerse themselves in musical creativity! |
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Matthew Whitbourne - Singing, Piano & Guitar Teacher
Bachelor of Applied Music - Box Hill Institute Saturday Matt's love for music began at an early age, singing along to his parents cd collection. At 16 he began learning guitar and composing his own songs, and in his final 2 years of high school he won the solo category of the talent quest. At age 20 he started singing lessons and 2 years after, formed band "Diamonds of Neptune" as the front man and lyricist. Since then, they have released an EP and Album, playing hundreds of live shows, including music festivals and venues such as "The Corner" and "Fed Square". In 2019, Matt completed a Bachelor of Applied Music where he gained further knowledge and experience to hone his craft. Then during the pandemic, he used isolation to focus more on the piano and compose his own songs for his solo project "Whitbourne". Matt hopes that his knowledge and experience, when combined with his compassionate and patient teaching approach will inspire his students to continue their own musical journey for years to come. |
