Experience the joy of learning music
Tailored, engaging, & relationship-focused music tuition in Melbourne/Naarm.
Welcoming students of all ages and stages of development.
Alex Barnard - teacher, multi-instrumentalist, training music therapist.
BA Contemporary Music Performance - Victorian College of the Arts
Currently completing a Master of Music Therapy at The Melbourne Conservatorium of Music
Working With Children Check (1105095A)
Neurodiversity-affirming
NDIS participants welcome
My approach to teaching..
I am an experienced, passionate, and patient instrumental music teacher, dedicated to creating a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment tailored to each student. My teaching is relationship-focused, meeting students of all ages and stages of development where they are, guiding them to discover the wonder of music, maximise their musical growth, and build the confidence to share music with others. At the heart of my approach is building positive relationships with students, built on trust, encouragement, mutual respect, and empathy.
With over twenty years of musical experience and a decade of teaching students of all ages, I help students learn the music they love across a wide range of styles, including pop, classical, jazz, funk, rock, metal, hip-hop, ambient, and electronica. I also assist with music theory, production, and composition.
Whether students are playing purely for enjoyment or preparing for performances, assessments, or auditions, I tailor lessons to support musical and creative development. My approach focuses on building good practice habits, identifying key strengths and areas for growth, and—most importantly—fostering a love for playing and creating music.
About me..
During my career, I’ve had the privilege of performing alongside renowned Australian artists including James Morrison, Glenn Shorrock (Little River Band), Kate Ceberano, Alexander Biggs, Chloe: The Brand, and Georgia Knight, along with members of Vance Joy, Gotye, Robbie Williams, John Farnham, Ronan Keating, Tina Arena, Icehouse, The Androids, Surprise Chef, and more.
Beyond performance, I’ve been composing, recording, and releasing music under my name since 2016, with airplay on Triple J, Double J, Triple R, PBS, and NewRetroWave. In recent years, I’ve scaled back live performance to focus on teaching and music therapy, where I can share my experience and passion for music in a more direct and meaningful way.
I completed a Bachelor of Contemporary Music Performance at the Victorian College of the Arts in 2016 and am currently pursuing a Master of Music Therapy at the University of Melbourne.
Originally from Adelaide, I’ve called Melbourne’s inner north home for over a decade, immersing myself in its thriving and world-renowned music and arts scene. Outside of music, I love movies, reading—especially philosophy, psychology, history, and classic literature—and spending time with friends, family, and my cat Donnie. I also enjoy staying active, watching sports, op shopping, and traveling.
FAQ
-
2026
Individual lessons
20 minutes: $38
30 minutes: $55
45 minutes: $80
Group Lessons (30 minutes)
2-student group - $35 per student
3-student group - $25 per studentFor private lessons, a travel fee of $5-30 will apply.
Fees are updated annually and based on the Victorian Music Teachers’ Association’s minimum rates.
-
Students are enrolled on a term-by-term basis. One trial lesson can be arranged before committing to the term.
Enrolments are automatically carried over to the following term unless notice for discontinuation is given at least two weeks prior to the beginning of the term.
Lessons for the term can be paid in full upfront. Arrangements can also be made for two instalments per term.
Arrangements for lessons during the school holidays may be made upon request.
-
Students are required to bring any prescribed lesson books, sticks (if applicable), a notebook, and a sleeved A4 folder.
Students are required to bring any prescribed lesson books, sticks (if applicable), a notebook, and a sleeved A4 folder.
For in-school lessons, Alex will meet the student in their classroom and will accompany them to and from the music room.
Students will be notified of their weekly lesson time prior to the commencement of the term. No specialist classes or recess/lunch breaks will be missed unless the student has specifically requested lessons during these times.
-
Please provide notice of cancellation by 9 am on the lesson day; otherwise, the lesson (and fee) will be forfeited.
If students or household members are experiencing cold or flu-like symptoms, please contact Alex before 9 am on the lesson day. If students attend a lesson while visibly unwell and notice has not been given, the lesson may be cancelled at Alex’s discretion. This also applies to household members during home visits.
It may be possible to schedule a maximum of one catch-up lesson per term (depending on availability). Otherwise, the fees for missed lessons will be deducted from the following term’s invoice, provided notice has been given. Refunds will be issued for graduating or discontinuing students.
It is the responsibility of the student, parent, guardian, or carer to inform Alex of any school camps, excursions, or other circumstances that would warrant rescheduling.
Occasionally, in-school lesson times may need to shift at short notice. All reasonable efforts will be made to notify parents, guardians, or caregivers in advance, and every attempt will be made to maintain consistency. However, last minute changes to core and specialist subjects may require adjustments to lesson times.