Testimonials

“As the director/owner of Drumtek, Australia’s Ultimate Drummers Weekend and Drumscene magazine, I have known Paul Gatt both as a colleague and student at Drumtek during 2001 – 2003. He also attended many of our events, including participating in masterclasses and ‘Hand’s On’ workshops at Drumtek. Paul is a respected Australian drummer and has accumulated years of recording and touring credits in many and varied musical situations. Paul is also an active educator sharing his ideas and approach to drums and music.”

Frank Corniola – Director:  Drumtek / Drumscene  

www.drumtek.com.au    www.drumscene.com.au

“In 2016, my son started attending Drum Lessons with Paul Gatt at the Blackburn Academy and now my daughter and I all have music lessons there! My son is a special needs child and Paul has been particularly accommodating with adapting his teaching style to suit my sons needs. The progress he has achieved with the drums has been fantastic and it has boosted his confidence dramatically. I have guitar lessons with Julian and Angela teaches my daughter piano. Both teachers have a style where the lessons are relaxed, enjoyable and more importantly are not treated like a chore by the kids (nor me!) The teaching rooms and facilities are also very welcoming and comfortable. If you are thinking of starting or continuing your musical journey for yourself or your children I have no hesitation in recommending the Blackburn Academy”. 

Mark Smith

Damien has been teaching guitar to my grandson for more than a year.
He has helped Mason to gain confidence playing guitar with ease and taught different skills to reach the required standard.
His coaching and guidance to do the Grade 1 AMEB EXAM enabled Mason to pass this exam with flying colours.
And I will rate him 5 out 5.
I highly recommend him for guitar tutoring.

Shamini

“Absolutely love the rooms here. They have a great atmosphere that makes you want to learn. Teachers are really supportive too. I highly recommend the Blackburn academy to anyone wanting to take their music to the next level.”

Etienne Mamo

“We are happy to recommend the Blackburn Academy of Music as we have been attending for some time now. The instrument our son wanted to learn wasn’t offered at school. The teachers have been helpful and clear with their weekly expectations and communication has been easy. The billing process has been simple to manage. Waiting around during classes is comfortable and it is great to be able to have a bit of instant feedback on how the lesson has gone and what needs to be focused on.”

Sue Hill

Damien is a great instructor, since taking private lessons with him my son’s knowledge and skill on the guitar has been steadily improving. Damien teaches all aspects of guitar and music: technical, mechanical, theoretical, and historical.
Damien helped my son prepare for his AMEB exam. He was very patient and provided the confidence and knowledge needed to ace the exam.

Andrew

“Perfect location and comfortable environment. Excellent place which is filled with kind and outstanding music teachers.”

Vivian Han

This is a very well equipped music school. I have to thank Paul and his staff, particularly Marie, for guiding my piano studies throughout a very difficult 2020. Thanks to all and looking forward to 2021!

Robert Cox

“Great place and more importantly great teachers that make you want to practice!”

Greg L’shea

“My Daughter and I have been taking Guitar lessons at the Blackburn Music Academy for the past 4 years. We have found the Academy to be a professional and enjoyable environment. Our teacher (Jamie McGee) ensures there is a good balance between a focus on improving and developing new skills in a structured manner and also ensuring the students enjoy and remain engaged in the work programs. There is a genuine desire of the Academy and its teachers to nurture and grow the skills of the students.” 

Mark Pitruzzello 

“We have two children who have throughly enjoyed their music lessons at Blackburn Music Academy for the past year. Our daughter learns the flute with Anne and our son learns the drums with Paul. Anne is a very patient, caring and experienced teacher. She has guided my daughter through two AMEB exams achieving honours both times and is working towards the third exam. Paul is a friendly, vibrant and positive teacher who encourages my son with Spider-Man stickers that he absolutely loves. It a great little way my son knows he is improving. Paul has been very motivational for my son. He has a fabulous rapport with his students and makes learning an instrument fun. The Blackburn music academy provides a great learning environment with excellent teachers and instruments. Both our children have grown so much musically. We are thrilled to be involved with the Academy.”

Caroline and Roger Athey

” I was devastated when my previous school decided to close. It was hard to find a good place to learn until I found The Blackburn Music Academy. Christy has been an amazing and supportive teacher. She goes above and beyond and is always there 24/7 to support my growth. She has been so supportive and has helped me to be more confident in my trumpet skills, no matter how old I am. Every lesson is always fun, exciting and you learn new things.”

Herliyani Chandra

“ My son has been learning drums from Paul Gatt at The Blackburn Academy for almost three years now. He really looks forward to his weekly sessions with Paul. He has a great knack for communicating with students and explains things in a friendly, fun and precise way. The academy is really well equipped and presented. They have some great quality equipment to start you musical journey.  Paul’s way of encouraging and motivating my son has been commendable. He has so far completed three Anzca exams with a phenomenal 92% score. I highly recommend The Blackburn Academy, all teachers are well trained, friendly and disciplined.”

Veena Gandhi

“My son Daniel has a disability and has been attending the Blackburn Academy for several years. His weekly lesson is without doubt the highlight of his week. This is largely due to the great enthusiasm for  music which Paul Gatt has been able to instil in Daniel with his expert teaching. Paul has amazing patience and a great desire to ensure that Daniel’s lesson is always entertaining and yet productive. As parents we could not be happier with the environs.  It is always clean, tidy and a pleasant place to pass the time. I know this view is shared by many who attend the Academy and we are always grateful that we were able to find such a wonderful establishment to encourage Daniel’s love of the drums.”

Sharon O’shea

“I started learning the drums at The Blackburn Academy in September 2018. The teachers here are extremely accommodating, passionate and professional. I have loved every minute of it! My teacher Paul personalises each lesson to suit my preferred taste in music and goes above and beyond what’s required. I look forward to my drum lesson each week and cannot imagine learning to play drums anywhere else.”

Sarah DeVries 

Great atmosphere! definitely recommend this place!

Sophie Rhiannon