Meet The Music Teacher #1: Elaine

The great Scott!

leverly bringing together music teachers of all chords and creeds, Darryn and Elaine Scott have high hopes for their Harmonics Music School.

Especially given that everyone involved loves what they do.

Just how much, we decided to find out by asking each of the teachers involved just where their passion for music came from.

And how it got them from getting down in front of their bedroom mirror to teaching classes on Theatre Lane.

First up, it’s the lady of the house, Elaine…

GG: When did the music bug first bite?
ES: I first caught the music bug at an early age after taking piano lessons after school with my primary school teacher. She really instilled in me, a love for music, not just piano. I was fascinated that I could make music by playing certain keys and it gave me such a sense of joy and peace. I began writing my own songs/poetry and putting music to them and my passion started to grow from there.
I found a love for singing too and shortly after, I could be found, and heard, in my front room singing along to my first Mariah Carey cd ‘Music Box’ which became my daily hobby! I’m hoping that as time went on that my neighbours could hear the progress!!

Was there a point when it went from a hobby to a passion, to something you wanted to do for the rest of your life?
I soon realised that music was it for me. I had dreams of being a singer and piano player, writing my own songs, sharing my love for music and eventually sharing that with other people. So, I set out with this in mind through my teenage years, continuing with piano lessons, taking up voice lessons and I started performing.

It was obvious to me and everyone around me that music was my passion and was what I was meant to do. I pursued my dreams and despite all odds, made them come true!

The fine art of teaching music has a degree of the Yoda about it, given that it involves the passing on of magic. When did you decide to become a Jadoo Master?
I first started teaching and passing on the ‘magic’ over 12 years ago and I took to it like a duck to water! I realised that my love for music made students feel happy and they loved their lessons every week.

It has given me such joy to be a positive role model, to introduce students to music and how it can be used as a tool for expression and happiness, and give them a positive experience of something that I truly love.

Finally, what can students expect in your particular class? What’s your approach…?
My approach is all about enjoyment. I want my students to look forward to their lessons every week, whether it’s a child or an adult. For younger students, I introduce fun ways of learning about music theory and basic rudiments.

For older students, it’s encouraging them to be open with me about what they want to learn, not telling them they ‘have to’ learn certain styles, or go in a certain direction. It’s an individual musical journey…its not ‘one size fits all’, so the lessons are tailored to the student and I develop a lovely relationship with each student.

It’s about talking with students at their level, that they know, I am here to support and encourage them, that I, too, have been in their shoes and I can be understanding as a result of my own experiences and musical journey.
I want them to have a positive experience with music. Their happiness in music is paramount to me!

You can find out more about the Harmonics Music School on their website here, or contact them directly on [email protected].