Music Teachers – Boronia and Carrum Downs

Rhys here, owner and guitar teacher of the Eastern Suburbs School of Music.

I believe we have the best teaching staff of any music school in Melbourne. I have selected teachers for our schools in Boronia and Carrum Downs that are highly skilled musicians and more importantly terrific instructors. Music is a complicated thing. It is equivalent to learning a new language. Our teachers are understanding and patient. I ask our teachers first and foremost that our students have the best half hour of their week with us at the Eastern Suburbs School of Music. They will inspire you to pick up that instrument, get practicing and become the player you want to be.

These teachers are making wonderful contributions to our great music community already. Read more about our excellent teachers below.

RHYS LETT – Guitar/Bass/Banjo/Ukulele – School Director

Rhys has been teaching at the Eastern Suburbs School of Music since 2002 and as of 2012 is now the owner/director of the school. He is available to teach guitar, bass, banjo, mandolin and ukulele at Boronia and Carrum Downs.

• specialises in contemporary guitar styles in particular hard rock, blues and jazz guitar.
• is the VCE music performance expert with an unmatched record of getting students prepared for exams.
• His students have participated in ANZCA contemporary guitar exams where his students have the amazing record of never achieved less than honors marks (85% and above), a record which still stands after the 2014 exam period.
• As a performer Rhys does over 150 gigs per year, toured nationally and has played in some of Australia’s most prestigious venues.

Here is Rhys performing with one of his students at a recent ESSM concert night:

LUKE SHORE – Drums – Boronia

Luke is an accomplished drummer who in 2012 completed his Bachelor of Music degree at VCA. The drum program at our Boronia location has grown substantially under his leadership. His vision has lead to ultimate experience in drum lessons.

• His versatility has seen him perform gigs in hard rock, jazz, folk and Latin bands as well as being an in demand music theater drummer.
• Amazing success with drum students as young as 4 and recently an 82 year old.
• Luke’s great sense of humour adds to his ability to create a supportive and patient learning environment.

Here is Luke with fellow Eastern Suburbs School of Music teachers Rhys Lett and Daniel Lijnders performing Stratus by Billy Cobham:

DANIEL LIJNDERS – Bass/Guitar/Ukulele – Boronia

Music has always been a major part of Daniel’s life as a performer and now educator. He is an in demand bassist on the

• graduated from Monash University with a Bachelor of Music/Bachelor of Education on the bass guitar.
• employed as a classroom music teacher at Wheelers Hill Secondary College and as instrumental bass teacher at Nazareth College.
• He has also played in many bands using all the different styles he has learnt from rock to country and everything in between.
• Can teach you slapping, tapping, harmonics or other specific bass techniques, Daniel has the range and resources available to ensure that you get the most out of your lesson.

Here is Daniel performing at the Melbourne Guitar Show in 2015. He is endorsed by MarkBass amplifiers.

DAVID HARTNEY – Guitar/Ukulele/Piano/Bass/Singing – Boronia

David has been teaching guitar, ukulele, singing and piano for over 10 years. His students have included primary and secondary school students through to adults of all age groups, all wanting to learn and improve their music skills. David likes to work on all round skills and styles with his students which includes contemporary music, some classical and improvising techniques from blues to modern styles.

• David has completed a Bachelor of Arts in Music and Literature.
• He currently performs with rock band Robot Child, check them out at http://www.robotchildband.com/
• Undertaking his Masters of Teaching during 2015.

Here is David performing with ESSM singing student Sara:

TROY ECKHARDT – Drums – Carrum Downs

ESSM is very proud to have added Troy Eckhardt to our drum teaching staff. He is a well respected drummer in the Melbourne music scene with over 20 years professional experience. As a teacher he has experience teaching people of all ages and skill levels. Troy currently performs with the Eddie Rawk band as the State of Mind – Billy Joel tribe show.

Paul Cummings – Guitar/Banjo/Mandolin/Keyboard – Boronia

Paul has joined the ESSM staff in 2019. He is a familiar face to students from his work at our partner store KC’S Rock Shop. Paul is now a full time instrumental teacher running his own school as well in Packenham called Shamrock Music.

Sunny Fischer – Piano – Boronia

Sunny began teaching at ESSM in 2017. She has guided students through AMEB exams with great success.

Alex Gooding – Drums – Boronia

Alex joined the ESSM teaching team in 2016. Alex studied the Bachelor of Music Performance at Box Hill Institute. He works in several secondary schools and music schools in Melbourne.

Alicia McKee – Singing/Violin/Piano – Carrum Downs

Alicia joined the ESSM teaching team in 2020. She has been a student of our school for a number of years and is now taking students of her own.

Kat Nest – Singing/Drums/Guitar/Piano – Boronia

Kat is a versatile teacher that can play and teach many instruments. She has joined the ESSM teaching team in 2021.

Connor Milikin – Drums – Boronia

Connor has joined our team in 2021. Already a well established teacher with his own students, we are thrilled Connor is working with ESSM on Wednesdays and Fridays in Boronia.

Matthew Milligan – Violin – Boronia

Matthew has been an asset to our string department since 2020. He takes violin lessons in Boronia on Monday and Thursday.

Mandy Buck – Singing/Guitar/Piano/Violin – Boronia

Mandy is a multi talented teacher. She has joined the ESSM teaching team in 2021.

Brandon Sompanpanya – Guitar/Bass – Boronia

Brandon was a 10 year student of owner Rhys Lett and now began teaching for ESSM in 2020. Brandon achieved high scores in both ANZCA and VCE music exams.

Caleb Sankey – Drums – Boronia

Caleb has joined our team in 2020. Caleb has studied at Box Hill.

Josh Clinch – Drums – Boronia

Josh has joined our team in 2022. See his band Earth Caller’s latest single here:

Kasiddy Dalziel – Singing/Guitar/Piano – Carrum Downs

Kasiddy is a multi talented teacher. She has joined the ESSM teaching team in 2023.

Rebecca Moses – Piano/Singing – Boronia

Rebecca joined the ESSM staff in 2023. She has a highly successful record of guiding students through Trinity College and AMEB exams.

Josh Wardrobe – Guitar/Bass/Ukulele – Boronia

Josh joined our team in 2023. He completed the VCE Music subject in 2023 scoring an A+ on his performance exam. Josh was a student of ESSM for 5 years prior to commencing teaching.

Jesse Holt – Guitar/Bass – Boronia

Jesse commenced teaching for ESSM in term 3 of 2024.