meet the team

Meet our experienced piano teachers in Sydney. Our team specialises in beginner to advanced piano lessons for children and adults. Every member in Explore Music strives to bring the best music learning experience to you and your family.

A young woman with long brown hair sitting at a black grand piano, looking at the camera with her head resting on her hand, wearing a pearl necklace, and a sheer off-shoulder top. The reflection of her face is visible on the piano's lid.
A young woman playing piano outdoors decorated with Christmas ornaments and flowers, smiling at the camera.
A smiling young woman in a red dress holding a large bouquet of flowers, standing on a stage in front of a grand piano inside a concert hall.
A woman in a red gown playing a grand piano on a stage with a spotlight.

darae lee

Darae is a pianist, educator, and Registered Music Therapist (RMT) based in Sydney, Australia. She studied piano at Deokwon Arts High School in Seoul and graduated with honors from Sejong University. She later completed a Master of Music Therapy at Western Sydney University, supported by the Vice-Chancellor’s Academic Excellence Scholarship, and graduated with Distinction.

Darae is also a certified secondary school music teacher in South Korea and previously taught at the Conservatory of Music in Fez, Morocco, where she also served as a judge for piano competitions.

With over 10 years of experience in private piano teaching, she works with students of all ages and levels. Her structured and supportive teaching approach helps students achieve their individual goals, whether playing for enjoyment or preparing for graded examinations.

A woman in a pink and white strapless gown sitting at a black grand piano in a dark room.

Maria stadnik

Maria Stadnik was born in Zurich, Switzerland and moved to the USA at a young age where she soon began taking piano lessons. In 2014, 2015 and 2016 she won Gold Medals at the ISSMA District and State Competitions and in Washington D.C. the first prize at the International Theater Festival of Children and Youth.

In Germany, Maria undertook studies with Professor Martina Bauer as part of the University of Performing Arts Pre-College Munich while completing high school. During this time she performed at the Stars and Rising Stars-Musical Encounters in Munich Festival and won first prizes at the Jugendmusiziert Regional, State and National Competitions.

Maria moved to Sydney, Australia in 2021 to study piano with Dr. Paul-Rickard Ford and to complete a Bachelors of Music and Advanced Studies (Performance) majoring in Piano and International Relations at the University of Sydney. She has a passion for teaching music with 7 years of teaching experience.

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jason yuan

A passionate and dedicated piano teacher and a talented improviser on the piano. He is holding an AMEB Grade 8 in piano and currently furthering his study under Professor Kirill Monorosi-A renowned pianist from Moscow Conservatorium and Diploma prize-winner of the 2009 J. S. Bach International Piano Competition in Würzburg, Germany. He brings both technical proficiency and creative expression to teaching and believes that teaching is not only about sharing knowledge, but also about discovering new dimensions of music alongside the students. His teaching approach encourages curiosity, creativity, confidence, and helping each student find their own voice in music. He teaches learners of all ages and levels, and aim to make every lesson inspiring and enjoyable. Jason is currently undertaking a Secondary Education degree at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.

A young woman in a red dress holding a large bouquet of flowers, standing next to a grand piano in an empty concert hall.

Alyssa chalmers

Alyssa Chalmers is an accomplished pianist and passionate educator. She currently holds the Bachelor of Music (Performance) with Honours at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Beginning her piano studies at the age of seven, Alyssa’s early musical promise led her to the prestigious Conservatorium High School, where she studied under renowned pianist Dr. Scott Davie. Throughout her musical journey, Alyssa has been recognised with numerous scholarships and has earned a place on the Dean’s List of Academic Excellence. As a soloist and chamber musician, she has regularly performed at prestigious venues including the Sydney Opera House, City Recital Hall, and Verbrugghen Hall. In 2020, she was honoured with an invitation to perform a solo recital for the Governor of New South Wales, Her Excellency Margaret Beazley at Government House. She has distinguished herself in both national and international competitions, including winning the Conservatorium High School’s Concerto Competition, being the finalist in the 2022 Osaka International Music Competition, and receiving a prize in the 2025 Marilyn Meyer Chopin Award.

Since 2019, Alyssa has taught piano to students of all ages and skill levels—ranging from young beginners to HSC-level musicians. She offers expert guidance through AMEB exams, music theory and aural skills. Her own early education in the Suzuki method has shaped her flexible, student-centred teaching approach. Alyssa tailors her lessons to suit each student’s individual goals and learning style, aiming to inspire a deep love for music and confident musicianship.

A young woman playing a piano outdoors decorated with Christmas and holiday ornaments, including red poinsettias, Christmas trees, white snow, and hanging red and gold ornaments.

maria lukmanto

Maria is an experienced classical piano teacher with almost a decade of teaching experience across different countries. Holding a Bachelor of Music in Performance and a Master of Education, Maria combines artistic excellence with mindful teaching methods to create lessons that are inspiring. She has worked with a diverse range of students—from young beginners taking their first steps in music to advanced pianists preparing for performances. Her global teaching experience has equipped her with the ability to adapt her style to various cultural backgrounds, learning needs and musical ambitions.

Maria’s career includes significant academic leadership roles. She began as an Assistant Lecturer in classical piano before advancing to Full Lecturer, mentoring students in performance, music theory, and history. She later served as Academic Dean at a performing arts institution, where she designed curricula, mentored faculty, and organised recitals, masterclasses, and conferences to nurture talents and strengthen the music community.

Her lessons focus on building a solid foundation in technique, musicality, sight-reading, and performance skills. She is passionate about helping students grow in confidence, whether preparing for exams, competitions, recitals, or playing for personal enjoyment.

A woman with headphones working on music production at a computer and keyboard in a recording studio

amber durant

Amber is an accomplished, passionate musician and educator from the UK. Graduated from the University of Hertfordshire awarded with a First Class BSc Degree in Music Composition Technology for Film and Games, and a Distinction MSc degree in Music Composition and Sound Design for Film and Games, Amber is exceptionally creative in teaching, composing and performing. She worked as visiting lecturer at Nottingham Trent University.

Classically trained and familiar with both AMEB and ABRSM syllabuses, Amber establishes strong music foundation with students weekly and engage students in discussions on musical selection and composer histories. She is excellent in communicating nonverbally with students to provide positive and encouraging learning environment. She has a record of 100% pass rate for her students.

Amber has two contemporary piano albums released across multiple streaming platforms. She expertly skilled in composing music and designing sound for film, animations and games, as well as exceptional knowledge in using software such as Logic Pro X, Protools, Reaper, Sibelius, FL Studios, Reason, Fmod and Wise.

A young girl in a black dress playing a grand piano on a stage with dark curtains in the background.

Kylie Cheng

Kylie is an accomplished piano educator with more than seven years of teaching experience. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Creative Arts and Culture and a Bachelor of Education (Honours) in Music in Hong Kong.

Kylie has taught in both primary and secondary schools creating inclusive lesson plans and leading performance workshops, ensembles and music theory classes. Her teaching style weaves in happiness, mindfulness and spiritual elements to build strong connection with oneself through the exploration of music. She is deeply passionate about helping every student build confidence, whether they are preparing for exams, auditions, recitals, or simply enjoying music for personal growth.

A girl playing a white grand piano on a stage with wooden walls and purple lighting. A large pink banner with Vietnamese text and illustrations of fireworks and children is in the background.

April Le

April has the ARSM performance diploma through the ABRSM program. Over the past two years, she has taught students of all ages, guiding them to discover not only how to play the piano, but how to truly experience and enjoy music.

April believes that music is something that should be felt as much as it is heard. With a strong musical ear and a natural ability to listen closely, she enjoys helping students explore the expressive and emotional side of playing, encouraging them to interpret each piece in a way that feels personal and meaningful. To her, every lesson is a shared journey of discovery, where teacher and student learn together through the language of music.

In today’s fast-paced and often distracting world, April sees piano as a powerful and enriching practice. Beyond the beauty of the music itself, learning piano helps cultivate focus, patience, and memory, while giving students a meaningful way to slow down and reconnect with themselves. At the same time, it offers a lifelong source of enjoyment and creative expression.

As a teacher, April strives to create a fun, engaging, and supportive environment where students feel comfortable exploring their curiosity and developing confidence at their own pace. Above all, she hopes that each student leaves their lessons with not only stronger musical skills, but also a genuine love for music and the joy that comes from playing the piano. 

Giselle hoarau

Giselle Hoarau is a senior teacher at our school. As an experienced piano and musicianship teacher, she completed a Bachelor of Music degree at Sydney Conservatorium of Music as well as Associate and Licentiate performance diplomas through Trinity College London.

Giselle likes to establish good technique, sight reading skills and musicality in students through pieces, duets and improvisation and to achieve the student’s goals through these foundations. She teaches both children and adults, Piano to Grade 8 and Musicianship to Grade 5. Learning music should be joyful and she believes in creating skills that can last a lifetime.

A man and a young girl playing a grand piano on stage with an audience watching.

Paolo brancondi

Paolo Campanari Brancondi is an Italian born, Conservatory trained musician (Accordion, Piano, and Singing), composer, teacher, actor and performer. He has over 20 years of teaching experience.

He is a highly accomplished piano accordionist and pianist based in Sydney. Paolo started studying piano accordion when he was 8, and at the age of 11 he composed his first original piece for accordion.

Paolo graduated at the Academy of Fine Arts (Painting) in 2001, and at the Conservatory of Music (Concert Piano Accordion, in Pesaro first, up to Grade 5, then in Ancona, until Graduation) in 2004.

Back in his home Country, he has performed as a solo musician, as well as in several different ensembles, playing various styles of music: classical, pop, folk, Balkan, Klezmer, jazz, soul, and funk, with accordion and piano.

Since his early days in Australia, after moving from Italy in 2012, Paolo started performing with many Australian musicians. Beside his activity as an on-stage musician, Paolo is also deeply engaged as a teacher, providing tuitions on Piano and Piano Accordion for kids, teenagers, and adults.

Paolo also holds other talents, such as acting and singing. He has performed in plays, musicals (etc "The Rocky Horror Show", in the role of Riff Raff) and comedies, as well as voice-overs for several TV commercials and short films back in Italy.