Our Team
Introducing children to live music is a core principal of the Musical Minds philosophy. Meeting this commitment to music education delivered live would not be possible without our amazing group of teachers, with a wealth of experience & varied musical backgrounds, they help make Musical Minds’ classes a unique experience.
A child’s early years set the foundation for their future. Our team at Musical Minds are dedicated to providing young children and their educators with a music program that is supportive, progressive & educational.
- Orff – Schulwerk approach – Kodaly methodology
- Early Learning Years Framework standards
- Specialised Baby Music Programs & baby safe instruments
- Kinder 3/4 Xylophone Program
- Sing lyrics, solfa, in different langagues & Auslan
- Dance using actions that reflect the music
- Play a huge range of musical instruments
- LIVE music! All teachers sing and play Ukulele/Guitar
- Teacher/Parent support videos & materials
Contact us for your FREE TRIAL & 2022 Pricing
[email protected]
The Musical Minds Team
Tanya Bethune
Director
Tanya Bethune is the founder of Musical Minds, a Music school for babies, children and adults. A little about Tanya: at the age of 6 Tanya was encouraged by her grandfather to learn music in her local Brass Band. She continued her love of music as a trumpeter and singer in orchestras and blues bands, playing with inspiring musicians across Australia. Tanya continued her education at The University of Melbourne, completing a Bachelor or Music (Honours) and Bachelor of Teaching. In her teaching experience she has experience as a classroom music teacher in Primary and ELCs and Head of Primary Music in leading schools across VIC and NSW. Tanya writes the music program using her experience as an Orff Practitioner and infusing the music program with the Kodaly methodology and Reggio Emilia approach. Tanya has experienced first hand the benefits of learning music from a young age and has researched, developed and written the programs that you learn today. She is currently learning Auslan.
“Miss Bethune, I can do it, listen to me, I can make a song using the music hand signs, I can sing ‘so’ and ‘mi’.”
Tanya loves to help children create music of their own and give parents and grandparents the skills to encourage their children to explore music at home. Tanya values self-confidence as the building blocks of an individuals growth. Though her experience Tanya and her team are confident that they can give you the best music foundation for your child’s development.
Andrew Donald
Andrew Donald is an experienced piano and singing teacher with a strong jazz and contemporary music background and extensive ensemble experience as a professional gigging musician for over twenty years. Andrew has a Bachelor of Music from the Queensland Conservatorium and is currently completing his Masters of Teaching (Primary Education) at Victoria University.
Andy has extensive experience working with children (and adults) through individual and group music lessons and is passionate about sharing the many benefits of learning music through the Musical Minds community. He also loves a good chat about Archery.
Bryce Novotny
Bryce is an experienced musician & performer, having worked with kids performing songs & other activities including clowning & magic! Bryce has played in bands around Australia since he was a teenager, supporting many international and well known local acts.
Bryce has a passion for music that is obvious for all to see. As a teacher he strives to provide kids with a supportive environment to help encourage an interest in music & showing kids that anyone can make music.
Bryce wants to show kids music can be more than just a hobby, that it can be an integral part of your life and through this he foster creativity and builds confidence.
Matt Davidson
Matt Davidson is a guitarist, singer and music producer with over 30 years experience in the music industry. He has an Advanced Diploma in Music Business, Diploma in Electronic Music Production and BA in Audio Studio Production. Matt has taught kids holiday musical workshops in song creation and composition and ran a singing telegram business for 8 years with my wife employing many local musicians, singers and teachers
Matt has worked as Sound Producer for Arts Victoria “Get Out “ Disability Arts program and created the world’s first
homeless kids scout troop, 1st Manila Street Troop. Matt worked in Nepal and in Australia for Women’s Foundation
of Nepal.
Matt lives with his wife and two cat babies, Ezekiel and Sumo.. plus he is a secret gamer nerd
Benson Rowntree
Coming soon
Esme Thwaites
Esme is a singer, guitarist and pianist. She has a bachelor’s degree in song writing and has been performing and touring across the UK with her own solo projects and a 7-piece jazz fusion band.
Esme has mentored young people within schools and after school programs to help them play live, book gigs and write
songs as well as helping them start their musical journey at a younger age and understanding the fundamentals of
music.
Esme believes that music is a powerful tool when it comes to young people’s ability to relate to the world around
them. It encourages movement, play and learning. I love being able to put my musical skills to helping kids to feel
empowered and inspired by their musical journey to whatever point it takes them!
Esme is also a professional hula-hooper!!
Zac Vanstone
Knoa Reyes
Connor Spring
Chaniru Senevirathne
Philosophy and Methodology
Our staff, including our founder and director, all have experience in working within different areas of the educations system, from Reggio Emilia to Community Centres, Tanya and her team expertly guide you through your musical journey. The Musical Minds philosophy grew out of Tanya’s passion for showing all ages how they can learn and experience music in a supportive environment that meets the individuals needs.
Providing children with opportunities to express themselves and offering guidance through these tender years is what motivates our team to work hard every day. Our educators provide a supportive environment where the children are encouraged to explore and experiment with sound, learn new songs and develop a sense of musical understanding.
Reviews
Thank you Tanya you were amazing! Our 3 Year Old kindergarten children had so much fun and so did the educators! The Musical Minds incursion was really hands on and relevant to the children and we all had lots of turns at playing all the musical instruments. Thanks once again Tanya we will definitely see you next year! – Maria C
Are You Looking to Bring a Creative and Exciting Music Program to Your Childcare Centre?
Get Started Today By Reaching Out and Talking to Tanya!