Meet Stella

Hi there! I’m Stella, the founder of The Music Nook. 

Music is my identity, it has been the bridge to the most meaningful connections and experiences in my life. Music spaces, whether as a student, teacher, and now mum, have been where I’ve found joy, inspiration, and my sense of belonging. 

As a kid, learning the piano was not my favourite thing. Sure, I liked the piano, but I didn’t practice (I wasn’t taught how!), I wasn’t always engaged, and I didn’t want to go to my lessons (probably because I wasn’t prepared). And so the cycle continued, until I reached secondary school and discovered the wonderful world of playing music with others. A revelation! I even learned the clarinet and saxophone, just so I could be part of as much as I could. That music department was where I found my place, and my people. 

Teaching has been my way of extending that sense of community and music gifted to me by my own teachers. My music teachers made me feel seen, and heard. I’ve had the privilege to help foster this space through teaching secondary classroom music, accompanying students, and directing ensembles, and now, that’s the space that I want The Music Nook to be for you. 

Becoming a mum in 2023 sparked a new perspective, thinking about not only the life we want to create for our son, but the kind of people we want his parents to be. We are both music teachers, and we want our house to be one filled with music, not just because it’s our job, but because it is what we love. Those moments of spontaneous singing, dance parties, playing instruments and enjoying live music as a family are the moments I treasure most. 

I have since learned so much about just how valuable music experiences like these, and music learning, are for babies’ and children’s development. I sought out baby music classes, and drove to the closest, 40 minutes away. I have seen first-hand the benefits that a quality music program, taught by an experienced and highly qualified musician and teacher, could have for my own son.

And so here I am, with the little idea of The Music Nook now a reality. A space closer to home, where music is valued, shared, and experienced. Music is powerful— it fills the gaps and creates connections between (and within) us. 

I hope The Music Nook can become your place, with your people. 

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor of Music (Honours) - Performance (Classical Piano) - Monash University

  • Bachelor of Arts (English major) - Monash University

  • Master of Arts (Music Performance) - Monash University

Thesis Title: “Playing with Autobiography” The Performance as a biographer: Viktor Ullmann’s Piano Sonata No. 7 (1944)

  • Master of Teaching (Secondary Education) - Monash University

Professional experience:

  • Piano teaching (both private and in schools)

  • Piano accompanist (Tertiary recitals, AMEB, VCE Music Performance, auditions, choral)

  • Classroom Music teaching (Years 7-12)

  • Classroom English teaching (Years 7-10)

  • Ensemble director (Choirs, Jazz Ensembles, Concert Bands)

  • Performances on 3MBS radio, at the Melbourne Recital Centre, and NYU Steinhardt.