STEFANIE CARTER
Director | Piano Teacher | Singing Teacher
L. Dip A, B. Mus (Melb)
Stefanie Carter is an accomplished and successful teacher, performer and examiner and has over 26 years of music related experience. Stefanie began formal piano lessons at the age of 7, although her gift of music was evident from a much younger age. At 14, she began classical singing lessons and continued to study both instruments intensly. By her early 20s, Stefanie had attained her Licentiate Diploma in Piano and a Bachelor of Music from the University of Melbourne majoring in classical voice.
In 2000, Stefanie opened Absolute Music and was thrilled that she could now focus her energy on her biggest passion - teaching. She has produced many successful and professional musicians throughout her teaching career and continues to inspire her students to realize their dreams through hard work and dedication to their instrument.
VERONICA FERRARO
Piano Teacher | Music Theory Teacher
BA, MMgmt (Marketing)
Veronica began piano lessons at the age of 4 and instantly developed a love for the piano and for music. In 2004, she began lessons with Stefanie Carter at Absolute Music and was able to further develop her skills and knowledge in classical piano. After completing her Grade 8 Classical Piano practical exam in 2010 she became a piano teacher at Absolute Music and began teaching students of her own.
Whilst teaching at Absolute Music Veronica completed a Bachelor of Arts and a Masters in Management (Marketing) at the University of Melbourne. Aside from teaching at Absolute Music she also does marketing and promotion for the school and prepares for her Associate Diploma in her spare time.
BEK DIBENEDETTO
Piano Teacher | Music Theory Teacher
B. Mus
Bek had a love of music from a very early age, self-taught from the age of 5 on a small keyboard she developed her knowledge and understanding of music. In 2008 she began lessons with Stefanie Carter at Absolute Music and thrived under her tutelage.
She continued to excel at the piano and received an ANZCA Encouragement Award for her efforts. She undertook VCE Solo Music in Year 12 and was awarded a Year Level Award, obtaining the highest score in her class. After completing high school Bek was accepted into a Bachelor of Music at the University of Melbourne, Conservatorium of Music.
Bek began as a teacher of Absolute Music in 2012 and in her time since has inspired and assisted her students in achieving wonderful results in piano examinations and helping them develop and cultivate their love and appreciation of music.
OWEN BROWN
Piano Teacher | Group Performance Teacher
A. Dip A
Owen began studying music in 2000 and then began piano lessons with Stefanie Carter at Absolute Music in 2003. In a very short time he moved through his grade exams and developed into a proficient, talented pianist. In 2009, after only nine years of studying piano he completed his Associate Diploma exam. Owen’s preferred musical genre is classical music due to its complexity and room for expressive freedom. During his time at Absolute Music he was able to showcase this in many concerts and eisteddfods.
Owen is currently studying a Diploma of Music at the University of Melbourne under Associate Professor Ronald Farren-Price. He is also completing a Bachelor of Science. In 2015 Owen began teaching piano at Absolute Music where he is now able to teach pieces by some of his favourite composers, such as Chopin and Liszt, to his own students.
DANNY RICHARDSON
Guitar Teacher
Danny began taking guitar lessons at the age of 16 after being inspired by the modern rock guitarists of the time. After 6 years of lessons and out growing several guitar teachers, he became inspired to push the boundaries of his playing and began studying the various techniques utilised by guitar greats such as Joe Satriani, Yngiwie Malmsteen, BB King, Stevie Ray Vaughn, and many others, learning to invoke these varying styles into his own.
Danny specialises in mixing major and minor blues scales, arpeggio sweeping, alternate and economy picking, modal playing, improvising, chromatic note utilisation, and various other modern techniques.
Danny combines theory unobtrusively with the students' musical interests, allowing him to teach in a way that is both fun and engaging, while still providing guitar fundamentals.
KATE DEAN
Piano Teacher | Singing Teacher
Kate's profile is coming soon!
MATTHEW STOTT
Piano Teacher | Drum Teacher
B.Mus, B.Tech, A.Dip.A
Matthew is highly passionate about music education and music creation. With 12 years teaching experience he inspires students to reach their musical goals and enjoy the art of playing and learning music. Matthew specialises in teaching piano, drum kit, music theory and music production. He is also currently working as a record producer and studio recording sound engineer, assisting musicians and bands to create artistic and amazing sounding recordings.
Matthew began piano lessons with Stefanie at Absolute Music in 2003 and achieved his Associate Performer Diploma in 2009. He went on to complete the Bachelor of Music majoring in Piano at the University of Melbourne in 2014. He then pursued his interests in recording and producing music and completed a Bachelor of Creative Technology at the JMC University in 2017. As well as studying classical music and music production, Matthew has been an active drummer performing with many bands of varying musical styles over the last 13 years. He is currently studying a Masters Degree in Digital Media at Victoria University.
SHANNON COOPER
Piano Teacher
Dip. Music Performance
At the age of 7 Shannon discovered a love for the piano and began to teach herself to play. In 2007 she began formal lessons with Stefanie Carter at Absolute Music and further developed her skills. Her passion for the instrument grew during this time which lead to her completing Music Performance in Classical Piano as part of her VCE Studies.
After completing Secondary School Shannon went on to study a Diploma in Music Performance at the JMC Academy. Prior to joining the Absolute Music team in 2018, she has been teaching students privately.
Shannon has had a dream of becoming a piano teacher since the age of 10 when she first started having lessons with Stef. Whilst teaching she is currently preparing for her Grade 7 exam, and hopes to complete her Grade 8 exam in the near future. Her goal for the coming years is to obtain her Associate Diploma in Classical Piano.
