Personalised piano, theory and composition lessons

Whether you’re learning for enjoyment, preparing for examinations, exploring composition, or returning to the piano after a break, lessons are tailored to your individual goals. My aim is simple: to help every student become a confident, independent musician who enjoys playing for life.

A studio designed for learning

Lessons take place in my air-conditioned, purpose-built studio in Wavell Heights, featuring:

  • Yamaha grand piano
  • Comfortable waiting area
  • Modern teaching technology
  • Digital learning resources where appropriate
  • Relaxed, welcoming environment
Daniel McFarlane

Every student learns differently

Rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach, every lesson is adapted to suit the individual.

Whether your goal is examinations, performance, composition, improvisation, or simply enjoying music, lessons are built around your interests while developing strong musical foundations that last well beyond formal tuition.

Daniel welcomes students with mild to moderate learning, attentional, or physical differences and works to create a supportive learning environment tailored to each person’s needs.

Three learning pathways

Professional

A comprehensive pathway covering practical, technical, theoretical and aural development. Ideal for students aiming for high-level examinations, competitions or tertiary music study.


Semi-Professional

A structured but flexible approach balancing strong musical development with student interests. Perfect for students who enjoy exams and performances without pursuing music professionally.


Piano for Enjoyment

Music led by curiosity and enjoyment. Students learn music they love while steadily building confidence and musicianship, with performances and examinations entirely optional.

Experience & Qualifications

Students have:
  • Achieved consistently outstanding practical and theory examination results
  • Earned Associate and Licentiate diplomas
  • Won eisteddfods, scholarships and championships
  • Successfully auditioned for the Queensland Conservatorium, UQ and QUT
  • Achieved exceptional Music Extension results, including Queensland’s highest score in 2021
Professional experience:
  • Fellow in Music Education (F.MusEd.ASMC)
  • Licentiate Diploma in Piano Teaching
  • Associate Diploma in Piano Performance
  • Original compositions included on every major Australian piano examination syllabus
  • Guest lecturer at the Queensland Conservatorium
  • Presenter at the Australian Piano Pedagogy Conference
  • Workshop presenter across Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia
  • Practical and theory examiner
  • Competition adjudicator

Music students love playing

Music should inspire students to sit down at the piano, and I go to great lengths to find repertoire they’ll genuinely enjoy.

Many students learn from my own original compositions, which are published internationally through Supersonics Piano and performed by teachers and students around the world. Alongside these, I also create original arrangements and carefully source vibrant, engaging repertoire from Australia and overseas, spanning everything from the great classical composers to contemporary educational music, film-inspired pieces, jazz, pop, and music from many different cultures.

I’m equally at home in the classical and contemporary worlds, and one of the things I enjoy most is matching each student with music that suits both their personality and their goals. Whether a student dreams of performing Chopin, composing their own music, playing jazz, tackling examinations, or simply learning their favourite pieces, there’s an enormous world of music to explore.

My aim is for every student to discover music they genuinely connect with, because students who love what they’re playing almost always make the fastest progress.

Studio concerts

Students regularly perform in a relaxed and supportive environment through informal studio concerts and the annual Gala Concert. These events celebrate progress, build confidence, and give students valuable performance experience without unnecessary pressure.

Lesson Fees

Weekly Lessons

30-minute lesson
$49

The standard lesson length and the option chosen by most students.

✓ Weekly reserved lesson time
✓ Lesson materials included
✓ Concerts included
✓ Backing tracks and practice resources to use at home

Casual Lessons

30-minute lesson
$55

Perfect for occasional lessons or students unable to commit to a regular weekly time. Subject to availability.

Regular students attend 40 lessons each year, scheduled across the Queensland state school terms, with tuition billed monthly. This provides a consistent learning routine while allowing for school holidays and family commitments. Lessons during the school holidays are available by arrangement and are often used for make-up lessons, extra tuition, or students who wish to continue throughout the break.

Longer lessons (45 and 60 minutes) are available where appropriate and are charged proportionally.

Tuition includes lesson materials, printed resources, studio concerts, and access to backing tracks and other learning resources. Examination fees and optional event costs are billed separately.

Download the full Tuition Policy (PDF) →

Teaching hours

• Monday–Thursday: 3:00 pm – 8:30 pm
• Friday: 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
• Saturday: By arrangement
• Limited daytime availability during school hours

Get in touch

I’d love to help you discover everything music has to offer. Whether you’re enquiring for yourself or your child, feel free to get in touch to discuss your goals and lesson availability.

Daniel McFarlane teaching