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Bianca Hopkins (Fenn) - she/her
Singing & Voice Tech Teacher The Voice Collective Glee Club Associate Degree in Applied Music – Box Hill Institute Estill Figure Proficiency Tuesday & Wednesday 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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Beth Otenstein - she/her
Singing & Piano Teacher Bachelor of Applied Music – Box Hill Institute Monday Beth has been passionate about exploring and indulging in every aspect of music for as long as she can remember. After a bout of overwhelming stage fright in her teen years, she taught herself to work with her nerves and pursue a career in music. Her experience has given her the ability to help budding musicians to overcome their own blocks and anxieties in their musical journeys, while helping them to find enjoyment and enrichment and explore their creativity without judgment. Beth has completed a Bachelor of Music Performance and is currently working on recording her first album and is very interested in songwriting. She is always eager to lend her expertise to songwriters and to help them explore ideas and overcome any musical hurdles. She is looking forward to meeting you! |
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Sarah Pink - she/her
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 - he/him
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 - he/him
Singing, Guitar, Ukulele, Bass & Keys Teacher The Band Project & Seniors Guitar Club Bachelor of Applied Music (Box Hill Institute) Diploma of Music (Box Hill Institute) Tuesdays - Fridays 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 - she/her
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 - she/her
Singing & Piano Teacher Bachelor of Applied Music - Box Hill Institute Monday 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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Emma Williams - she/her
Singing and Piano Teacher Associate Degree of Applied Music - Box Hill Institute Tuesday - Thursday Emma is passionate about making learning music fun, accessible and meaningful through a holistic approach. Emma helps students reach their goals with confidence whilst teaching the fundamentals of music and performance. Emma’s strong belief is that music is an essential component of life and can aide in social, mental and educational well being. An experienced singer/songwriter herself, Emma is known for her powerful and emotive voice. Her personality and energy is contagious both on and off the stage. |
