Meet the Teachers
Michael Basham (Director) - Guitar/ Bass/ Guitar/ Band
Michael has been teaching and performing contemporary, classical, jazz and blues for over 20 years. His passion for his music and the development of his students continues to grow. Michael has been performing all over Australia since his teens. He continues to develop new techniques on his music journey which he shares with his students. Michael is a highly energetic, friendly and caring teacher who takes pride in watching his students become competent players and performers. Michael has studied for many years and continues to delve into new teaching styles to better his method. He believes each student relates to music differently and that there is no such thing as a single technique or method for all.
Silvan Bennett - Voice / Piano / Guitar
Music is everything to Silvan. He has loved singing his whole life, and has been formally training as a contemporary vocalist since he was 8. He is fully immersed in music as a student at WAAPA, studying Contemporary Voice in the Bachelor of Music, as well as performing regularly as a singer, guitarist and keyboard player across his two bands. With hundreds of on-stage hours under his belt, he is extensively experienced as a performer, is a member of the prestigious WAAPA Gospel Choir, and has shared the stage with Australian music legends including the likes of Guy Sebastian. Blending influences of Pop, Soul, Rock and Indie, Silvan loves sharing his joy for music with others, both from the stage and in the classroom.
Dennis Vagner-Francis Figliomeni - Guitar
Dennis is a 21-year-old contemporary/jazz influenced guitarist based out of Perth, Western Australia. Dennis after first picking up the electric guitar at the end of year 10 always gravitated towards rock eventually progressing to progressive metal. Dennis always found technically challenging music thrilling and exciting, after studying jazz from local legends ‘Kristian Borring’ and Fred Grigson that’s when Dennis realised, he found his calling in the world between both contemporary and jazz, ‘Fusion’. Now being offered gigs and jobs from former teachers such as ‘Leon Todd’ and ‘Ben Lazzaro’ Dennis is burning brighter than ever doing session work and flourishing at Perth’s prestigious WAAPA.
Ashton McLernon-Smith- Drums
Creativity and Technique are the cornerstones to a good musician. Ashton devotes himself to helping others spark the flame of intuition everybody harbours deep inside themselves.
He focuses on the preferences of the student and the essence of their tastes to ensure they are set on a trajectory they want and feel fulfilled by; staying right alongside them through the whole process.
Being fully ambidextrous means Ashton can tailor his teachings to right and left handed drummers alike, leaving no student left out or misunderstood. And having graduated Waapa in 2023, has the technique and experience to guide them.
He believes every student has a unique musical fingerprint, and with care and deep attention, will help them see it.
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