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 – 5:00 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).

Fees

My regular lesson rates for 2025 are:

30 mins: $48 (this lesson length is suitable for most students)
45 mins: $72

My rates are inclusive of all materials required (except exam fees, as these are optional). All your books, extra materials, concerts and home access to backing tracks and other practice tools are covered in your tuition so you know exactly how much your lessons will be. Lessons are either automatically billed each month, according to how many lessons there are in that month, or you can pay for a complete school term up front to receive a discount. 

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 2025 started in March, 2024).