Tuition

Daniel McFarlane

I provide personalized lessons in piano, theory, and composition at my private studio in Wavell Heights, QLD. The studio is air-conditioned and purpose-built, featuring a Yamaha grand piano, a comfortable waiting room, and a range of musical technology to enhance your learning experience.

Teaching hours:

  • Monday to Thursday: 3:00 PM – 8:30 PM
  • Friday: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
  • I also teach on Saturdays, but my teaching hours vary to accommodate sporting activities, so some flexibility will be needed when booking on this day.
  • I am also generally available during school hours.

Mission Statement

My primary goal as a teacher is to foster a meaningful and lasting connection between students and the music they play. I emphasize building skills that students will carry with them long after formal lessons have concluded. While exams and formal assessments are important, I recognize that not all students thrive under a traditional approach. That’s why I tailor lessons to suit individual preferences and goals. As someone who enjoys composing, performing, and teaching across a wide range of musical styles, I’m equally comfortable in both classical and contemporary music. Many of my students have gone on to careers in teaching, composing, and performing, but what matters most to me is that they continue to enjoy playing the piano long after our lessons end. 

The serious stuff

For those serious about a career in music or progressing through examination levels, I’ve got you covered. Here are some highlights:

  • I’ve successfully prepared hundreds of students for both practical and theoretical exams, with consistently excellent results. Over a dozen of my students have earned Associate and Licentiate diplomas.
  • Since 2022, I exclusively use the St Cecilia examining board, as I believe their exams are the best fit for most students in my studio. For more information on these exams, feel free to click the link or contact me to discuss your options.
  • My students regularly compete in local eisteddfods, winning prizes, bursaries, and overall championships.
  • Many of my students have successfully auditioned for classical performance, jazz performance, and composition programs at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, the University of Queensland, and QUT.
  • Many students have taken Music Extension as a Senior subject, and we maintain an “A” average. In 2021, one of my students achieved the top score in the state for this subject.
  • I have guest lectured at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, presented at the Australian Piano Pedagogy Conference, and conducted workshops for the Music Teachers’ Associations of Queensland, Victoria, and Western Australia. Additionally, I have adjudicated competitions and examined across Queensland, New South Wales, Tasmania, and Western Australia.

The fun stuff

I want all my students to enjoy their time at the piano. I go to great lengths to ensure that the music we learn is engaging and vibrant. I compose a lot of music and you will be learning pieces that are learned and performed by students all around the world! The publishing company that I run, Supersonics Piano, is internationally renowned and respected. Take a quick detour over there to listen to my pieces.

Concerts

Each year students participate in an end of year Gala Concert and throughout the year concerts are held at my studio (these are informal and very friendly and supportive in nature).

Lesson Fees – 2026

30-minute lesson: $49
(This is the standard lesson length and suits most students.)

Casual 30-minute lesson: $55
(Available on request and not generally scheduled during regular teaching hours.)

Longer lessons (e.g. 45 or 60 minutes) are available and are billed proportionally based on the 30-minute rate. Your tuition includes all lesson materials, printed resources, concerts, and home access to backing tracks and other practice tools. There are no extra fees for books or materials — the only additional charges may be for exam entries or special event participation, which are optional and billed separately. Lessons are billed monthly based on a 40-week teaching year that follows the Queensland school terms. You can view my full tuition policy here

Yep, let’s go!

If you’d like to book in for a trial lesson or if you need some more information please contact me. Please note that my waiting list can be quite long for certain days/times. I do plan quite far in advance though so please contact me as soon as possible if you are planning to book in for lessons (my waiting list for 2026 started in March, 2025).