Experience the wonder of music

Private music tuition in Melbourne/Naarm.

  • Drum kit

  • Piano

  • Guitar

  • Composition

  • Music Production

  • VCE and AMEB theory and performance

Alex Barnard - teacher, multi-instrumentalist, and composer.

  • BA Contemporary Music Performance - Victorian College of the Arts

  • Currently completing a Master of Music Therapy at The Melbourne Conservatorium of Music

  • Working With Children Check (1105095A)

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My approach to teaching..

I am an experienced, passionate, and patient instrumental music teacher, dedicated to creating a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment tailored to each student. My teaching is relationship-focused, meeting students of all ages and stages of development where they are, guiding them to discover the wonder of music, maximize their musical growth, and build the confidence to share music with others. At the heart of my approach is building positive relationships with students, built on trust, encouragement, mutual respect, and empathy.

With over twenty years of musical experience and a decade of teaching students of all ages, I help students learn the music they love across a wide range of styles, including pop, classical, jazz, funk, rock, metal, hip-hop, ambient, and electronica. I also assist with music theory, production, and composition.

Whether you’re playing for enjoyment or preparing for performances, assessments, or auditions, I tailor lessons to support your musical and creative development. My approach focuses on building good practice habits, identifying key strengths and areas for growth, and—most importantly—fostering a love for playing and creating music.

*Please note that I am only offering home and in-school visits at this time. Please see the FAQ below for more details.

About me..

During my career, I’ve had the privilege of performing alongside renowned Australian artists including James Morrison, Glenn Shorrock (Little River Band), Kate Ceberano, Alexander Biggs, Chloe: The Brand, and Georgia Knight, along with members of Vance Joy, Gotye, Robbie Williams, John Farnham, Ronan Keating, Tina Arena, Icehouse, The Androids, Surprise Chef, and more.

Beyond performance, I’ve been composing, recording, and releasing music under my name since 2016, with airplay on Triple J, Double J, Triple R, PBS, and NewRetroWave. In recent years, I’ve scaled back live performance to focus on teaching and music therapy, where I can share my experience and passion for music in a more direct and meaningful way.

I completed a Bachelor of Contemporary Music Performance at the Victorian College of the Arts in 2016 and am currently pursuing a Master of Music Therapy at the University of Melbourne, with a particular interest in supporting young people facing various disabilities and health challenges.

Originally from Adelaide, I’ve called Melbourne’s inner north home for over a decade, immersing myself in its thriving and world-renowned music and arts scene. Outside of music, I love movies, reading—especially philosophy, psychology, history, and classic literature—and spending time with friends, family, and my cat Donnie. I also enjoy staying active, watching sports, op shopping, and traveling.

FAQ

  • Individual lesson hourly rate: $90

    Individual lesson half-hourly rate: $45

    Group rate (2 or more students): $120.00 per hour

    A travel fee of $5–$30 applies for lessons outside of Northcote (3070).

    Fees are based on the Victorian Music Teachers Association’s minimum rates. https://www.vmta.org.au/teachers/vmta-recommended-rates/

  • I am only offering home or in-school visits at this time.

    • Students are enrolled on a term-by-term basis. One trial lesson can be arranged.

    • Lessons for the term can be paid in full upfront. Arrangements can also be made for two instalments per term.

    • Enrolments are automatically carried over to the following term unless notice for discontinuation is given at least two weeks prior to the beginning of the term.

    • The teacher must receive notice for cancellation by 9am lesson day; otherwise, the lesson (and fee) is forfeited.

      • The fees for missed lessons will carry over to the following term, provided notice has been given. Refunds will be issued for graduating or discontinuing students.

      • It is up to the student/parent/guardian/carer to inform the teacher of any school camps or any other extraneous circumstances that would warrant rescheduling.