Teachers

Kristen Virag

Kristen Virag is an accomplished singer, performer, songwriter and music teacher. She developed 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 practising be difficult at times, but it 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 performing rock music from the 60s through to the 2000s. She performed at private functions, weddings and corporate events, as well as at some of Melbourne's iconic live music venues. She gained experience in various styles and situations, including singing in an 8-piece Motown band, and as a backing vocalist for solo artists.

As well as studying music full time, she released her first solo EP "Let the Music Never Die" in 2009. The songs on her EP told a story with raw vocals and melodic piano accompaniment. She continued to perform solo, as well as with bands, whilst completing her Advanced Diploma in Music and then transferring into the Bachelor of Applied Music. 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 performance "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 performing 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 can 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 teacher at St. Francis of Assisi Primary School and has a lot of experience working with children. She has worked with special needs students, and those who have limited attention spans, so she knows how to keep them engaged. Kristen is also a full member of the Victorian Music Teachers Association.

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. 

 

 

 

Thalia Laughlin

Thalia grew up in Romandy, Switzerland and found her passion at the Geneva Conservatorium of Music where, as a child, she developed an artistic bond with her teacher, Madame Claude Schaeppi. Upon finishing high school, Thalia moved to Melbourne to study at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music (University of Melbourne). She studied Classical Performance with Dr Donna

Coleman and Mr Len Vorster. She also studied ethnomusicology with Dr Jenny McCallum and developed a passion for understanding the social and psychological dimensions behind music. She is currently doing her Honours year in music at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music and hopes to go on with her studies in the future.

Thalia is classically trained on the piano through the AMEB method, but also loves teaching popular genres such as jazz and pop. She is passionate about giving her students a ‘voice’ by listening to their wants and inspirations, and tailoring lessons to help them grow. Every lesson will incorporate some technique, piece-work and a little theory. As the students gain experience, they will also be introduced to song writing, aural training and performance techniques. No matter what they are learning, Thalia’s teaching style is bubbly, fun and focused on the student’s artistic goals!

 

 

 

 

 

Robert Perrone

Rob Perrone is a pianist, guitarist, singer and songwriter who loves to teach and share the gift of music with his students. Rob grew up in Perth, Western Australia, and began his music education at age 11, first leaning the guitar followed by the piano a couple years later. Rob soon found himself in love with the piano and its capabilities and promptly decided to dedicate himself to daily practice. Thanks to his prior musical training, Rob was able to advance rapidly, and completed his WACE music studies as a piano performance major in 2010 and he obtained his AMusA diploma from the AMEB in 2012. Throughout high school, Rob played in various ensembles playing a mixture of jazz and rock as well as gaining much valuable experience as a soloist through competing in performing arts programmes.

In 2013, Rob moved to Melbourne, where he sort private mentorship from several local pianists in order to further his abilities while allowing him to direct his own education. He continued performing, playing in venues across Melbourne at functions and events, playing a wide range of styles from jazz and classical through to pop, rock and folk. Recently, Rob has decided to concentrate his efforts on composition and is now currently writing his debut album, in which he aims to blend lyrical storytelling with folk-inspired melodies.

Rob has been teaching piano since 2015, and has found great joy in sharing his knowledge and passion with his students. Guided by a philosophy that is equal parts mind and heart, Rob aims to provide a solid grounding in theory, allowing the student to gain a deeper understanding of and appreciation for the music they are playing, while honing their technique so that they may be able to play whatever their heart desires. Rob believes that music is a direct experience with the vibratory nature of the universe and hopes his students will experience this connection and derive deep joy and fulfilment through their studies.

 

 

Olivia Rizzo

Olivia is a passionate, supportive and bubbly vocal and piano teacher, who has been singing and playing since she was 5 years old.  She is currently a singer/songwriter in her third year at Monash University studying a Bachelor of Music, specialising in popular voice studies.

Olivia has studied the Estill Voice model and has a deep understanding of vocal anatomy. Her students will learn how to sing in a safe and sustainable manner, whilst gaining a rich understanding of how their voice works.

Olivia has years of performance and gig experience, having sung a plethora of different genres, and in turn, she has a very diverse music career. She has found a love of teaching piano and singing, and has years of teaching experience. Olivia creates a warm and fun teaching space that is encouraging, goal orientated, and tailored to each student’s needs.

 

 

 

 

Michael Hewitt

Michael Hewitt was born in Launceston, Tasmania. At the age of 8 Michael discovered his love and passion for music through learning the trumpet. Only a few years later Michael picked up the guitar which strengthened his passion even more. Throughout schooling Michael was the first Seat trumpeter for the LCGS orchestra, concert band, stage band and brass ensemble, which gave him experience and vast knowledge of group dynamics within music. Michael commenced his guitar studies in more contemporary styles such as rock and jazz under guitarist Cameron Flack, then eventually moved on to classical styles and techniques studying under Matthews Tyson. Michael competed in the St Cecilia performance challenge over 2 years, placing first in each class he was entered in, from Grade 4 guitar to the open class (diploma level).

In 2014 Michael was accepted into the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, where he studied under renowned Australian guitarist Tonié Field. Whilst at the Conservatorium, Michael was a member of the MCM guitar ensemble, as well as several guitar duos and trios. Michael also participated in master classes with renowned Australian guitarist Slava Grigoryan, Brazilian guitarist and composer Paulo Aragão, American Lute guitarist Crawford Young, and Russian guitarist Vladamir Gorbach. Michael graduated his Bachelor in 2016 and is currently Studying his Masters in music therapy still at the Conservatorium. Through experience and study Michael has extensive knowledge of both western and world music. Michael's teaching style is versatile as well as goal oriented. Michael believes that optimal learning comes through a balance of enjoyment, engagement and structure, but understands that the balance varies with each student. Michael is extremely enthusiastic and is always excited to share his skills, knowledge and passion of music.