Our Story
Founded in 2016 by Gail Smith, Musica Arioso has grown from a small music studio into a thriving performing arts community across the Central West. With over 25 years of teaching experience, Gail established the studio to provide high-quality music education through private lessons, group programs, and community partnerships.
As the studio evolved, drama programs were introduced, and the teaching team expanded to offer an even wider range of opportunities in music and performing arts. Today, Musica Arioso is dedicated to nurturing creativity, confidence and a lifelong love of the arts in a welcoming, inclusive environment for students of all ages.
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More than a school. We're a family.
FOUNDER & DIRECTOR
Gail Smith
Music has been at the heart of Gail Smith's life since childhood. After years of balancing a career, family and music teaching, she founded Musica Arioso in 2016 with a vision to make music and the performing arts accessible to everyone.
Today, Gail is passionate about inspiring creativity, building confidence and helping every student discover the joy of expressing themselves through the arts.
Our Values
Passion
Community
Excellence
Creativity
Integrity
We love what we do and it shows in every class, performance and interaction
We are a welcoming, supportive family that celebrates every achievement
We are committed to high-quality teaching and continuous professional growth
We encourage imagination, individuality and artistic expression in all areas
We lead with kindness, respect and professionalism in everything we do
Meet Our Teachers
Our experienced and dedicated teachers bring a wealth of knowledge, creativity and care to every lesson. They are passionate about nurturing talent and helping each student reach their full potential.
Gail Smith
Singing l Guitar I Piano I Keyboard I Ukulele l Recorder l ECM
While having the foundations of guitar, piano and singing knowledge and skills, I have continued to develop my musical knowledge over the years by studying Ukulele, Recorder, African drumming, Percussion, Sound Therapy, Music for Children with Special Needs, Early Childhood Music, and Level 1 ORFF teacher training accreditation.
Most notably, the ORFF training has given me concrete and recognised tools for understanding the elements of music through movement, singing, playing and improvisation. It has specific strategies that suits students with different learning methods, as well as a practical approach to learning musical elements. This experience has enriched the learning experiences for both myself and my students, proving invaluable to my day-to-day teaching practice.
"I love bringing not just my past experiences but also the new ones I am learning along the way to you and your children."
Hannah Symonds
Drama l Musical Theatre l Show Choir l Singing - Forbes
Hannah has had over 20 years of theatrical involvement with various companies. She has worked backstage, set design, costumes and has been acting with Parkes M&D Society since 2021 where she landed the lead role of Elphaba in Wicked. She has also portrayed Celia from Calendar Girls, Miss Tipdale from Not Now Darling, Tzeitel and Chava in two seperate productions of Fiddler on the Roof, Blue Bear from Avenue Q plus so many more.
Hannah has also been directing with Parkes M&D Society since 2023 with her latest being Not Now Darling and The Little Shop of Horrors. She is married to a farmer in Bedgerabong and has two beautiful children who both share her love and passion for the theatre. Hannah is also an online training advisor and website designer for a military contractor and has a great respect for those who protect our country.
" Sharing my passion and love of acting is a dream come true "