Melbourne Music Teachers

Katie Thomas – Victorian Percussion Academy

Katie Thomas – Victorian Percussion Academy

Victoria university, Nicholson Street, Footscray VIC, Australia Maidstone VIC, Australia

Percussion Lessons | Drum Lessons | Aural Lessons, Theory Lessons, Music And Movement For Under Fives, VCE Music Exam Preparation, Skype Lessons


  • Qualifications: Bachelor of Music from University of Western Australia, Postgraduate Certificate in Education
  • Pricing: $75 / hour, $57 / 45 mins, $40 / half hour
  • Styles: Classical, orchestral, contemporary, solo, band, very basic latin/jazz
  • Suitability: Any age or level!

Bio

I am a Melbourne based percussionist, drummer, timpanist and tutor, as well as the director of the Footscray-Yarraville City Percussion Academy.

I completed my Bachelor of Music in 2015 from the University of WA, specialising in classical percussion performance, and have been completing my Postgraduate Certificate in Education at the University of Melbourne.

Over the past five years I have been touring nationally and internationally with the Australian Youth Orchestra and the WA Youth Orchestra, of which I was principal percussionist.

I have been teaching for six years, at primary school, high school and privately, one-on-one, groups and ensembles. Our studio has excellent facilities and instruments, and you can learn on any instrument or combination of: snare drum, marimba, xylophone, vibraphone, glockenspiel, timpani (four) and drum kit, as well as orchestral percussion.

I teach all ages and levels, including private lessons, ensemble and a toddlers class.

My online platform means no matter where you live, you can enrol today! My in-person studio is in Footscray so if you are within the inner/western suburbs, send me a message! Due to Covid-19 restrictions we are currently based in Maidstone for the remainder of 2020, moving back to Footscray in 2021.


Teaching Info

I teach a wide range of styles and genres, including:

Classical/Orchestral: This involves orchestral music, excerpts and orchestral solos. Instruments in this program include snare drum, xylophone, glockenspiel, timpani, tambourine, triangle, crash cymbals and concert bass drum. I also have good preparation strategies for any auditions you may have coming up.

Solo: I teach techniques in solo performance works on marimba, vibraphone, xylophone, snare, timpani or drum kit. In this area we focus on not only playing technique and the technical aspects of the piece, but also performance techniques and strategies.

Basic Jazz/Latin: I teach very basic beginner jazz rhythms and scales, as well as latin rhythms on hand percussion i.e. bongos and congas, and the drum kit.

Junior and Youth Percussion Ensembles: I run a junior ensemble (ages 5 – 11) and a youth ensemble (ages 11 – 17). Repertoire in these ensembles include popular music and movie themes, as well as a drum line!

Toddlers music class: I run a toddlers class for 1 – 5 year olds. The class involves singing, dancing, playing percussion and having fun! The class helps toddlers develop their fine motor skills, their spacial awareness, their musical ear, and their social skills.

All lessons are super fun and I am a very encouraging and supportive teacher. I will design my lesson plans around your needs and goals.

Contact Katie Thomas – Victorian Percussion Academy