Teachers
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Welcome to the Musica Arioso Family.
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We are a small music studio of teachers who are dedicated to helping you and your family/school attain their musical goals, no matter what they are.
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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."
Leonie Patterson
Piano l Keyboard l Guitar
Leonie has been playing piano since she was 8 years old, and has largely classical training in Piano/Keyboard and Guitar. She started teaching over three decades ago and had actually retired. During Covid she returned to teaching to help out her daughter (Gail). Coming from a musical family, Leonie's mother was a concert jazz pianist and was influential in the classical nature of her musical background; however, once she commenced teaching she quickly picked up alternative styles. Leonie has experience teaching Piano, Keyboard, Guitar, Alto and Tenor Saxophone, Flute and Clarinet.
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Leonie is a highly accomplished musician, and has reached Yamaha level 5 ( the highest keyboard level in Australia) among others. She has taught guitar, clarinet, saxophone and flute. Leonie has had students sit and pass 5 th grade AMEB exams in Saxophone, and 6 th Grade AMEB in Guitar, as well as having a student reach State championship level in Keyboard.
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“ I love seeing my students do well. I don’t like performing but I get a real buzz out of teaching ”
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 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 the lead vocalist in the band Subtonic Fusion who performs in the local community and beyond. 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 manager for a military contractor and has a great respect for those who protect our country.
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" Sharing my passion and love of acting is a dream come true "
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Ruth Barnes
Drama - Parkes
Ruth has over 6 years’ experience with acting and musical theatre as an active member of the Parkes M&D. Has had the privilege of being a part of two original musicals projects through the theatre, which was an exciting opportunity to develop new characters. In 2024 Ruth had her directorial debut with the successful pantomime production of Cinderella and the Crystal Slipper.
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Music and drama have always been a big part of her life, from church, school productions and being a drama leader at music camps. Ruth also has experience with backstage, set and costume design. Drama is so much fun and helps build confidence, team building and empathy, as well as being a wonderful source of joy.
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“To have the opportunity to encourage others to take a chance and help them to reach their potential is just amazing”