Ashley Smith - Director & Teacher
Ashley has been performing and teaching music for the past 20 years. He specialises in bass guitar, guitar, and piano and has completed a Bachelor of Music at Box Hill Institute. He lectures at Box Hill Institute, teaching Electric Bass, and runs classes in Theory, Aural training, & Pop History. Ashley also teaches for Melbourne Conservatorium (developed the Bass Technical syllabus in 2008). He has performed with international and national acts such as: Francais Yip, Rhonda Burchmore, Denise Drysdale, Bjorn Again, Reverend Funk, Baker Boys, Coxy and Jersey Boys. He has also made various television and radio appearances, and works with many original projects. Ashley has an excellent rapport wth young children as well as tertiary aged students and his enthusiastic, zany approach to teaching has enabled many of his students to not only learn and instrument, but to develop a lifetime appreciation for music.

Likes: Playing Musical Equipment that is way out of his price range / Telling not so funny Jokes!!
Dislikes: Early mornings, Administration work and Haircuts.

Lee Inglese Smith - Director & Teacher
Lee is an accomplished songwriter, pianist, vocalist, accompanist and teacher. Her career as a musician spans over 25 years, covering television appearances, recordings, hotel work and weddings. Her study of instrumental music has included piano, keyboard, voice, guitar and drums and the completion of a Certificate in Music Performance at Box Hill Institute. As a teacher, Lee is much sought after. Experienced in both private and classroom tuition, including Box Hill Institute, her natural ability and thorough approach have achieved excellent results. In addition to composition, performance skills and ensemble playing, Lee regularly prepares students for exams in piano and music theory, and is very familiar with the requirements of the AMEB syllabus. Her teaching style attracts both young and old, equipping students of all ages with the skills to embark on a future musical career. Lee is an accomplished singer and sings all styles. She has an absolute passion for preparing a solid foundation of music to young students.

Likes: Being Organized, Herbal Teas, Going to Restaurants, Anything Organic.
Dislikes: Student’s who don’t practice, coffee and doctors.

Margaret Chlebnikowski - Teacher
Margaret is a high energy, talented and creative musician, singer and
entertainer with extensive experience in performing and in training others
to confidently perform in front of audiences. She plays guitar, piano, and is a singer and songwriter having written more than 500 original songs. With a wide-ranging career in the music and entertainment industry, Margaret is passionate about helping children to find their musical talents and learn how to play in a way that is fun and entertaining.

Likes: Singing in Parts, Organic Food, Positive Messages
Dislikes: Bullying, Blaming, Sloppy Work

Ligia Lupoiu - Teacher
Ligia is a professional and enthusiastic musician with experience in teaching and performance, completing her Bachelor of Songwriting with JMC Academy. She has taught with the Music Education Academy for two years, instructing students in piano, singing, and theory, as well as being part of a local church in Sunbury for four years, teaching classes of students aged aged 0-9. For the last seven years, she has been teaching piano, singing and music theory from her home one on one and in group settings.. Ligia has a zest for sharing her passion for all things musical. Advanced in theory and well acquainted with the syllabus, she holds a strong belief that music can change lives for the better. She endeavours to equip students with the performance and theoretical skills that will enable them to succeed no matter which path they take in music. As an engaged and determined teacher, she thrives when teaching both one-on one and in group settings. She has been playing the piano and singing for over ten years. She loves music and thrives on passing on the knowledge she has accumulated.

Likes: Singing, Traveling, Eating and Eating
Dislikes: Paw Paw, Horror Films, Being Cold and Bullies