James Baker is an award winning musical director and accomplished contemporary keyboardist. From recording sessions, to live gigs, cabarets, and music theatre, James’ wealth of experience shines through in his playing and his interactions with students.

With a keen understanding of industry required skills, James endeavours to help students understand modern keyboard techniques, functional chord theory, and improvisation to allow them to flourish into the best possible contemporary musicians.

James works with students to bring out their personal musicality. Whilst he works with every student to develop a solid note reading literacy, there is a much heavier focus on musical theory principles – specifically the interaction of melody, harmony, and rhythm. In short, his experience as a jazz pianist places less focus on the “dots on the page”, and more on creating beautiful, soulful music.

Nicola Murdoch-Cooke is a vibrant and experienced contemporary vocalist, with industry experience ranging from full-scale theatre productions to intimate performances, recording sessions, music festivals, and local gigs.

Having trained at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), majoring in contemporary vocals, Nicola was provided with the opportunity to work with accomplished musicians, focusing on music theory and attaining a high level of musicianship and a professional standard of performance.

With her extensive vocal experience, Nicola provides students with an interactive and exciting way to build on vocal techniques, stage presence, and confidence.

Luke is a well rounded and educated musician with a rich history in live performance.

Having trained in classical guitar from a young age, he found a passion for contemporary music and shows great skill and versatility, having played acoustic and electric guitars in Jazz, Funk, Pop/Rock, Country, Blues Rock and Metal bands

Luke has been playing professionally since the age of 18, and you’ll currently find him playing all your Classic Rock favourites in venues around Wagga and surrounding towns. If you haven’t seen Luke play before, you’re missing out! His passion and love for music is evident in his stagecraft.

Through teaching, Luke share’s his passion and knowledge with students to help them find their own joy in music, whilst building a solid foundation in technical and theoretical skills.

Luke teaches beginners through to advanced musicians. Some of his specialties include:

Right hand left hand technique
Basic through to advanced chords
Reading chord charts and tabs
Rhythm playing
Lead playing
Scales and Improvisation
Finger Picking