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.
Laura Hernandez - Voice / Piano
Laura is a contemporary pianist and vocal coach who graduated from ICZ College with over 7 years of experience teaching private piano/keyboard and vocal lessons to all ages and levels. Laura teaches many styles such as Jazz, Bossa Nova, Latin, Pop, Rock and more. Her lessons involve a fun and nurturing approach which is customised to meet each individual students needs. Laura does this by using multiple teaching methods and approaches that she believes assists in maintaining her student’s inspiration as well as building their confidence.
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.
Maxfield Parish - Piano/ Bass/ Saxophone/ Clarinet
Max is a versatile multi-instrumentalist and composer who graduated from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) with an Advanced Diploma of Music in 2023. His musical journey began in childhood with the clarinet, eventually expanding to include saxophone, keyboard, and bass guitar. Known for his adaptability and creative flair, Max is an active contributor to Perth’s vibrant music scene. He performs with a range of ensembles spanning genres such as jazz, indie rock, funk, pop, and R&B bringing both skill and soul to every project he’s part of.
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