Meet The Team

    MADELINE STRATFORD

    Madeline has over 29 years worth of musical knowledge and studies behind her.
    She has performed at many venues around the Central Coast, and has recorded on multiple albums from funk to classical to metal.
    Whilst studying Sound Production she provided short films & animations with original compositions and was awarded Finalist in the 2011 APRA National Professional Development Awards (Classical Category.)

    Madeline can play a wide variety of genres, and is focused on creating lessons for the individuals needs to inspire creativity & excitement.
    She has been tutoring professionally for 14 years, and still enjoys picking up new instruments to keep learning.

    As Stratford Music’s Director she quotes:
    “We wanted to create a place that was homely but also unique. We’ve designed the school to offer the highest standard of tuition whilst still being a comfortable place that students of all ages will enjoy visiting.”

    • Piano
    • Theory
    • Musicianship
    • Composition
    LARA DENNES

    Music has played a huge part in Lara’s life. She has been studying and playing a range of genres from classical to contemporary for close to 25 years and has taught for 13.

    Lara has a Bachelor of Music and is currently completing a Master of Teaching.
    She has also completed a line-up of AMEB grades and whilst completing her HSC at the Australian Institute of Music, Lara obtained a Certificate III in Music performance.

    Lara has performed in many musicals, choirs, Eisteddfods, and events, and continues to further her musical education.

    ” During my 13 years of teaching, I have realised that this is where my true passion lies. I love sharing my knowledge and helping students achieve their goals.”

    • Piano
    • Vocals
    MALCOLM PUDDEPHATT

    Malcolm is a guitarist with over 15 years of experience and music studies.
    He has worked with some of Newcastle’s finest musicians, performing at the Newcastle Jazz Festival, Lizotte’s and other events throughout the Hunter region. He has experience in a number of musical genres, ranging from Jazz to RnB.

    With a long background in Early Childhood Education, Malcolm uses his strong teaching philosophy to create an individual curriculum for students, helping them to reach their potential. Malcolm’s enthusiastic approach is infectious, instilling in his students a passion for learning.

    “The beautiful thing about learning is nobody can take it away from you.” – BB King.

    • Guitar
    • Bass
    • Ukulele
    DANIELLE WILSON

    Danielle began learning the violin in 1990, completing AMEB studies in eighth grade violin in 2000 and fifth grade musicianship in 2001, and was awarded honours in both.

    Danielle has many years of experience with ensemble playing, leading the string orchestra during her time at Hornsby Girls High School, as well as playing the guitar in the school jazz band and singing in the chamber vocal ensemble. Studying HSC music extension with a focus in performance, Danielle also played in the Schools Spectacular Orchestra, and the SBS Youth Orchestra. She has also played the violin for a variety of musicals with community musical societies, in string quartets and duo’s, and performed as a back up musician at the 2003 Annual Aria Awards.

    She enjoyed teaching the violin between 2002 and 2012, when she moved from Sydney to the Central Coast, and is excited to bring her musical knowledge to the students at Stratford Music School.

    • Violin
    • Viola
    EVITA MAKHOUL

    Evita has over 13 years of performing experience and lives to sing on stage, performing all sorts of genres in supporting and leading roles, from rock to pop and Rnb to musicals.

    Evita has spent her childhood years studying vocals, and later piano. First at the Australian Performing Arts Grammar School, where she realised that music was going to become her life. Then at the age of 17, Evita went on to study at the Australian Institute of Music working towards completing her Bachelor of Music in Contemporary Performance.

    Evita has competed in many eisteddfods and performed at the Enmore Theatre and Seymour Centre as well as many other local bars around Surry Hills.

    Evita loves teaching and is ready to give it her all for her students at Stratford Music.

    • Vocals
    • Performance
    • Beginner Piano
    FINLEY MERTENS

    Music is an essential part of Finley’s life. He has been playing the piano as well as the clarinet in various bands and orchestras on the Central Coast over the last decade.

    He is currently studying a Bachelor of Engineering at the University of Sydney.
    Finley has completed piano AMEB practical exams and AMEB music theory exams achieving honours and high distinction respectively.

    Finley has studied Piano, Music Theory and the art of teaching under Madeline Stratford, for many years and is regarded as her protégé.

    • Piano
    BRODIE GREEN

    Brodie has played guitar for the last 8 years of his life, honing in on a particular interest in the genre of blues, and everything resulting from it.
    He has performed in a number of bands and other events around NSW, in schools, pubs, clubs and small festivals. He has also completed an Advanced Diploma of Sound Production at the Grove Studios, studying under well renowned engineers, producers, and artists.

    Brodie also further developed his audio experience with some live sound work around the coast, and also taking part in an internship at the Grove.
    Brodie is now part way through a Bachelor of Contemporary Performance specializing in guitar where he is further developing his theory knowledge and creative instinct.

    Brodie aims to teach his students how to use their knowledge practically, so that they can find their place and enjoy themselves no matter where they find themselves with a guitar in hand.
    “I hope to teach my students how to express their ideas and emotions through the universal language of music”

    • Guitar
    • Bass
    • Ukulele
    YVES ALLMAN

    Yves has been playing guitar for 11 years and has had over 10 years of performance experience playing in various gigs, bands and musicals over the Central Coast. He has also performed and orchestrated with a band in Scandinavia, which led to him meeting many musicians from around Europe.

    Originating from his musical upbringing in Classic Rock, Yves now enjoys playing anything from the 50’s Rock n’ Roll licks of Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley and Little Richard; to the modern heavy metal riffs of Periphery, Korn and Dream Theater.

    Yves believes that music is a creative way for people to express themselves, and he enjoys watching everyone he teaches develop as a musician.

    • Guitar
    • Bass

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