workshops in schools
I am incredibly passionate about guiding young people through music.
I have extensive experience lecturing and tutoring in composition, music theory and aural skills at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and the University of Sydney, as well as running many composition workshops with primary and high school students across NSW and teaching composition privately. I am currently composer in residence at Presbyterian Ladies’ College Sydney where I mentor students from years 9-12 in classroom and 1-1 settings.
What I offer is an engaging theoretical and aural exploration of music; detailed, constructive and (most importantly) encouraging feedback on your students’ work; and a very honest and inspiring conversation of what the life of a composer looks like.
Group Workshops: $250/first hr, $200 each hr thereafter (includes electronic resources).
Individual or Pair Lessons: $120/hr.
If you have any questions or would like to get in touch to book a workshop or lesson, please send me a message via the contact page.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed watching every lesson Ella has taught my students. She has a wonderful manner and a natural, captivating teaching style. I have walked away from every lesson having learnt something myself.”
private lessons
Come learn composition and/or music theory with me : )
I have completed bachelors, honours and Masters degrees in Composition at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and have an array of experience teaching in schools and tertiary institutions. I am a core member of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music’s Composition and Arts Music departments where I lecture, tutor and coordinate units of study in both music theory and composition. I have the skills, knowledge and passion to help you get your ideas out of your head and onto the page in a fun and professional way.
Lessons with me are suitable for both total beginners and advanced students. I will guide you in developing the technical craft of your practice, awaken your ears and mind to new sounds and concepts, offer constructive feedback on your work and most importantly, nurture your innate musical voice.
Lessons with me are 1hr in duration and take place over Zoom. Your investment is $100 per lesson.
what students have to say
“Ella was a truly excellent tutor, always willing to help and trying her hardest to make sure everyone knew what was going on. She is kind, amusing, entertaining, and most importantly, interesting. Her tutorial sessions were always a joy to attend. I feel incredibly lucky and privileged that I got to have her for a semester, and hope that this will not be the last I see of her in my future musical studies.”
- Music theory student, USYD 2017.
“Every tutorial was intellectually rewarding and Ella provided fantastic feedback and critiques to improve my composition skills and creativity.”
- Composition student, Sydney Conservatorium of Music 2018.
“Ella was an amazing tutor who always offered a helping hand when needed and offered me extra support because she could see I was struggling with some of the concepts in class. She's an amazing tutor and the most approachable and happiest tutor I've ever seen.”
- Music theory student, USYD 2017.
“I loved Ella's tutorials and feel very privileged to be her student and obtain some of the extensive compositional knowledge she has.”
- Music theory student, USYD 2018.
education and experience
Bachelor of Creative Arts (Dean’s Scholar) majoring in Sound Composition and Music Production, University of Wollongong, 2010.
Bachelor of Music (Composition), Sydney Conservatorium of Music, 2011-14.
Year abroad at the University of Leeds, UK (Composition), 2013-14.
Bachelor of Music Studies (Composition), Sydney Conservatorium of Music, First Class Honours, 2015.
Master of Music (Composition): Inaugural Composing Women Program, Sydney Conservatorium of Music, 2016-22.
Tutor in Fundamentals of Music, Theory, Arts Music Department, University of Sydney, 2017-21.
Tutor in Fundamentals of Music, Aural Skills, Arts Music Department, University of Sydney, 2018.
Tutor in Music Theory and Notation Essentials, Composition and Music Technology Department, University of Sydney, 2018-21.
Tutor in Music for Creative Industries, Composition and Music Technology Department, University of Sydney, 2018-21.
Unit of Study Coordinator, Lecturer and Tutor in Music for Creative Industries, Composition and Music Technology Department, University of Sydney, 2022 - current.
Unit of Study Coordinator, Lecturer and Tutor in Fundamentals of Music, Theory, Arts Music Department, University of Sydney, 2022 - current.
Composer in Residence, Presbyterian Ladies’ College Sydney, 2020 - present.
Composer in Residence, International Grammar School, 2021.
Private Composition Lessons, ongoing.
past workshops
St George Girls’ High School, November 2021.
St George Christian School, July 2020.
Meriden School Music Festival, June 2020.
St Mary Star of the Sea College, May 2020.
St George Girls’ High School, May 2020.
Sydney Boys High School, October 2019.
Carinya Christian School, July 2019.
The Forest High School, July 2019.
Sydney Symphony Orchestra Meet The Music Seminar, February 2019.
Sydney Children’s Choir Intermediate Training Choir Camp, May 2018.
Sydney Children’s Choir Advanced Training Choir Camp, March 2018.
Guest Presenter at VIVID Ideas: Hacking Stories - How You Get to an Audience Can Change Things, June 2017.