Teachers

Kristen Di Berardino - Director

Vocals/Piano

Kristen Di Berardino is an accomplished singer, performer, songwriter and music teacher. She founded Full of Heart Music Studios to share her musical knowledge with students of all ages. She is a fun teacher with a bright and bubbly personality, and a warm, patient demeanour. Kristen structures her lesson plans according to the individuals' goals, and develops exercises around their learning styles. She is passionate about making sure her students love taking music lessons, and that they prosper. Kristen's own artistry is always done from the heart; as is her teaching, and this inspired the music school's name.

She started playing music at the tender age of 5, when she first placed her small fingers on a piano. After a few years of lessons, she gave up the piano as she didn't enjoy practising and felt it was too hard. However, as she got older she realised that although practising was difficult at times, bit is necessary to improve and succeed. She didn't realise it back then, but undertaking music lessons as a child opened up a gateway into her musical career that she didn't expect. She went back to taking piano and singing lessons as a teenager, and developed her craft by writing original songs. Kristen spent five years learning vocal technique and songwriting from ‘Young Talent Time's’ Steven Zammit. She wrote many heart felt songs in her teenager years, and started to perform and get noticed in Melbourne singing competitions. She also performed regularly at her high school whilst completing her VCE. 

Kristen went on to study music performance at the Box Hill Institute of Performing Arts. She improved her skills in vocal technique, songwriting, improvisation, music theory and many more subjects which helped develop her as a musician. She now carries a Bachelor of Applied Music (Performance) majoring in vocals. Whilst studying music, Kristen was able to collaborate with many other artists, network, and joined several bands where she displayed a high level of singing and stage presence. She started performing in rock bands, but then expanded her repertoire to include pop and soul music from the 50s to the current top 40. She gained performance experience in various styles and situations, including singing in an 8-piece Motown band, and as a backing vocalist for solo artists.

Whilst undertaking her Bachelor’s Degree, she released her first solo EP
‘Let the Music Never Die" in 2009. The songs on her EP take the listener through a journey with raw vocals and melodic piano accompaniment. When performing as a singer/songwriter, she is often described as ‘Soulful’ and ‘Unique’.

Kristen was a semi-finalist in the 2014 World Championship of Performing Arts in Los Angeles. WCOPA is known as the only ‘Olympics for the Performing Arts’. She was fortunate enough to be selected to represent Australia and join the 42 other countries competing. She won a silver medal for her involvement in the group song and dance production, as well as a bronze medal for her original song "Drowning in Your Arms". She had the opportunity to perform with some of the best singers and performers from all over the world and learn even more skills.

Kristen is currently a professional singer and performs at Melbourne weddings, private functions, and corporate events, whilst continuing to write and perform original music. Kristen completed her Level 1 and 2 course in Estill Voice Training (Figures for Voice Control and Figure Combinations for Six Voice Qualities) in 2010, and again in 2015 to thoroughly understand the work of Jo Estill. She also completed her ‘Certificate in Figure Proficiency’ in 2013. In undertaking the certification, Kristen was confidently able to individually control each area of the vocal mechanism such as larynx height, velum, cricoid cartilage, thyroid cartilage, jaw, lips and many more, using the Estill Voice Print program. She also confidently demonstrated that she could sing in various voice qualities such as Belt, Twang, Falsetto and many more.

As well as working with students from ‘Full of Heart Music Studios’, she is also a singing/piano teacher to students at St Francis Catholic College in Melton and Cobblebank. Kristen has a lot of experience working with children, and students that have special needs. Kristen has taught hundreds of students from as little as 4 to as old as 75!
Kristen comes up with new and fun ways to keep students engaged. For students who want more of a challenge, Kristen can confidently prepare and enrol them for either AMEB or ANZCA exams, on the piano or for voice.

Anyone can learn to sing or play an instrument, and a patient approach is always best. Kristen motivates and inspires students to do their best and achieve their musical goals. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Laura Acevedo

Vocals/Piano

Laura is a professional singer/pianist passionate about music teaching. Her love for music began at age 5 singing in the school choir and taking private piano lessons. During her time at school, she explored different approaches to music through singing and acting classes as well as music ensembles. Laura studied a Bachelor's degree in classical singing at the most important university in her city “The University of Antioquia” and has a deep understanding of vocal technique in genres like pop, indie, rock, Latin American and classical music. As part of her professional studies, she participated in diverse musical productions such as “Il Matrimonio Segreto”, “Le Nozze di Figaro”, and “Grease”. Laura had the opportunity to represent her country with the University choir in México and Perú. In 2016, Laura was selected as a finalist for “The Sound of Music” cast contest in the role of Maria Von Trapp. 

With her band, Laura performed at weddings, private events and festivals throughout her country and is currently working on her personal music project. 

As a teacher, she makes of every class a fun and productive experience focusing on students' personal goals and abilities. Lessons are structured in accordance with students' ages, previous experience and musical preferences to make them a gratifying moment.  

 

 

 

Sebastian Zuluaga

Guitar/Vocals/Piano

Sebastian is a multi-instrumentalist musician with knowledge in Guitar, piano, vocal technique, song writing, and music production. He started his music journey around 17 years ago by studying electric guitar whilst playing in pubs and scenarios around the city of Medellin. After this, he studied at the “Débora Arango music school” for 3 years, where he explored different genres like jazz and Latin music. Sebastian studied his bachelor's degree in music at the most important University in Colombia “The University of Antioquia" and graduated as a music teacher specialising in classical guitar. Sebastian also developed other musical skills such as the ability to sing, play the piano, play the bass, and some other folk instruments. He was also part of the music scene of the country playing for many artists as a session musician.

 

As a teacher, he has more than 7 years of experience teaching all ages. His ability to play different styles has provided him with a variety of tools and techniques to help people achieve their musical goals. As a professional and experienced music teacher, Sebastian has discovered that talent is not the most important aspect of music learning,  but constancy and a true desire to improve a little every day.

 

 

Charlene Dong

Vocals/Piano

Charlene Dong is a passionate music educator and performer with a Bachelor of Music (Music Theatre) from the Australian Institute of Music in Melbourne. With extensive training
in voice, piano, and stage performance, Charlene brings both professional expertise and creative energy to her teaching. She has performed in a range of productions including "Urinetown", "Pippin", "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee", and her original cabaret "A Poet’s Journey". Through these experiences, Charlene has gained strong familiarity with both principal and ensemble work,
which she draws on to inspire confidence, storytelling, and collaboration in her students.

Charlene’s teaching style blends technical development with creativity and expression. She not only focuses on building vocal and piano skills but also encourages students to explore the story within their songs using a music theatre approach. By guiding students to connect lyrics with character and emotion, she helps them develop both musical ability and authentic performance skills.

Bilingual in English and Mandarin, Charlene connects with a diverse range of students and families, fostering an inclusive and welcoming learning environment. She is also committed to guiding students through performance opportunities, exams, or personal musical goals with equal dedication. Charlene’s mission as an educator is simple: to share her love of music, nurture confidence, and help every student find their unique voice.

Lottie Coombes