Lesson Details

Lessons are conducted weekly from our air conditioned studio

  • 30 min Lessons - Starting at $40

  • 1 hr Lessons - Starting at $80

  • We have multiple studio rooms offering lessons from Monday to Saturday

  • We offer Guitar, Bass Guitar, Drums, Keyboard, Piano, Ukulele and Strings lessons

Our Teaching Approach

We focus on a practical, well-rounded approach to music education:

  • Learning real music notation and core theory

  • Developing rhythm, timing, and technique

  • Encouraging musical expression and creativity

  • Learning by playing, listening, and experiencing music

Academy Directors

Errol McDonald

Errol is a highly qualified and experienced music educator with over 25 years of teaching experience, working with students from beginner through to professional level.

He holds a Bachelor of Music and a Graduate Diploma of Education (Senior Music), and is a NESA-registered teacher.

Errol specialises in guitar, bass, ukulele, and music theory, with extensive experience preparing students for AMEB examinations.

Throughout his career, Errol has taught across a wide range of settings, including TAFE NSW, local high schools, and primary schools, bringing a deep understanding of structured music education to every lesson.

Alongside his teaching, Errol is an active performing musician with extensive live performance and recording experience. He is a member of APRA and a recipient of a North Coast Dolphin Award, allowing him to offer students valuable real-world insight alongside strong technical foundations.

Mark Payne

Mark brings over 15 years of experience in music education, tutoring students privately and across more than 10 schools throughout the Tweed and Gold Coast region.

While his background is rooted in hands-on teaching rather than traditional conservatory training, Mark has developed his craft through years of real-world experience with hundreds of students. He understands that great teaching is refined over time — through patience, adaptability, and a genuine commitment to student growth.

Mark has successfully guided students through formal music examinations, including Trinity College and AMEB curricula, helping them build both strong technical foundations and musical confidence.

A skilled instructor and multi-instrumentalist, Mark’s principal instrument is drums, though his teaching extends across multiple instruments and learning styles. As an active performing musician, he brings practical, real-world insight into every lesson, creating a dynamic, engaging, and supportive learning environment for students of all ages.

Drum Tutor - Cruz Kill

Cruz has been behind the kit for over a decade, beginning his musical journey in early primary school. Throughout his development as a drummer, he has studied under some of the Northern Rivers’ most respected musicians, including renowned drummer Dave Sanders, helping shape the versatile and dynamic style he brings to his playing today.

Spanning rock, metal, jazz fusion, funk, R&B and more, Cruz has built a diverse performance career as the drummer for Gold Coast-based band Da Manager and modern pop artist Fergus Hogan. He has performed at major events including Bluesfest and was part of the band for Lindisfarne’s 2024 production of Mamma Mia!. Alongside countless hours performing live, Cruz has extensive studio experience, giving him valuable real-world insight into both live and recorded music environments.

Since late high school, Cruz has been sharing his knowledge through music tutoring while continuing to pursue his creative career as a performer and recording musician. He is passionate about helping students of all ages and abilities realise their musical goals and gain confidence in their playing.

Cruz believes music education should be both fun and engaging while providing a strong foundation in essential skills. His lessons focus on developing solid technique, notation and sight-reading abilities, timekeeping, musicality, and creativity, all tailored to each student's individual interests and aspirations. Dedicated to inspiring the next generation of musicians, Cruz creates a learning environment where students can grow, challenge themselves, and develop a lifelong love of music.

He has available lesson times on Wednesday and Friday. Fill in the form below to organise a drum lesson with Cruz.

Contact us

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