Local Moora music man Wes Porter has gathered together a group of passionate teachers to start a Moora-based music school which will not only offer individual lessons but encourage students to play together.
“ Learning music can be a lonely journey – particularly for children,” says Wes, who has taught piano for the last 40 years, “ It’s a lot more fun for children if they can play together”. He’s toyed with the idea of a school where students can collaborate, and work towards performances for a few years now, and his plans are fast becoming a reality.
Wes plays eight instruments himself, and is enthusiastic about sharing his enjoyment of music. He was chuffed to receive an Australia Day award of Senior Citizen of the Year this year – primarily a recognition for his musical contributions at public and fundraising events as well for his regular performances to entertain audiences at the Delmoor Centre.
There are seven teachers already involved in starting the school and between them they will offer tuition in piano, violin, cello, guitar, ukulele, drums, saxophone, flute, recorder, accordion and voice. One-on-one lessons will be available as well as a planned group music class which will cover all aspects of music theory.
Musical performances are planned where students can learn to play as part of an ensemble. “ I find children have more incentive to practise if they have to perform in public,” says Wes.
The classes will be held at the Moora Baptist church from the second week of February. The cost for group classes is $10. Individual instrumental lessons will be at either the Baptist church or the student’s house and the cost is $40 per 40 minutes lesson.
“We’d love to get students from far and wide and boost the community spirit here in Moora through music,” says Joley Holliday who will teach the saxophone, vocals and ukulele.
Anyone interested can contact Joley on joleyholliday@gmail.com or Wes on 9651 1470 or 0488 174 884
