(Some of the Academy's star students in action):

 

 

Dieter is an amazingly versatile drummer who has played in everything from speed metal bands to classic rock cover bands. Like many of our teachers, his skills are in demand and he teaches at a number of schools around town. Dieter is one of Adelaide's most sought after drummers. As well as working with a number of popular cover bands, Dieter has played with master musicians including American bass guitar legend STU HAMM (see picture above), of the JOE SATRIANI band. Dieter is endorsed by Mapex drums.

(Dieter performing with American bass legend Stu Hamm, 2008):

 (Dieter performing with Dusty and Tim at an Academy of Rock concert night):

 

 

DUSTY - Guitar / Drums

 Teaching guitar and drums, Dusty Stephensen is a multi-instrumentalist with an enviable track record in the music industry. As a young teen, Dusty was the singer and guitarist with the award-winning band GRANNYFLAT. As a guitarist, Dusty has supported or done session work for artists of the calibre of Aussie legend Russell Morris, John Farnham, Killing Heidi, The Angels, Kate Ceberano, Lior, COG and former ACDC bass player Mark Evans, to name a few.

As a drummer, Dusty has played with a number of local bands as well as filling in as drummer for international act EVERMORE at short notice when their drummer injured himself onstage.

GRANNYFLAT provided the music for a national Harris Scarfe TV ad campaign and their debut album was rated at number 9 in the 3D Radio top 100 Playlist for 2007. At 14 years of age, Dusty had a song in the top 10 on Triple M radio. When he graduated from specialist music school Brighton High, Dusty was awarded a special commendation from the Governor for his exceptional achievements in music. Dusty has performed at high profile events including the Elder Park Australia Day celebrations and the Hutt Street Clipsal 500 After Race concert (3 years in a row), the Adelaide Fringe and appeared on TV and radio numerous times.

Dusty also plays guitar and sings in the popular Beatles tribute band the Fab Four, playing the role of George Harrison, as well as the cover band Wintercherry and his original band The Swoop

 

 (Dusty in action with Grannyflat):

 

JESS - Singing

 

Teaching singing is the incredible Jesikah Reed. Jess fronted the popular Adelaide band "Finding Grace" and has one of the most distinctive, powerful and versatile voices in the local music scene. Jess has had extensive training in music and has a strong understanding of music theory and the mechanics of singing.

 TOM - Singing

 

 Former Australian Idol star Tom Williams also teaches singing with us. Tom achieved fame when he got into the top 10 on Australian Idol in 2008, the youngest contestant to do so in the history of the show.  He has made the most of the opportunities this afforded him and has been busy developing his music career ever since. Tom has supported artists including John Farnham and Guy Sebastian, and performed with fellow Idol stars Shannon Noll, Jessica Mauboy and Stan Walker at the Skyshow/Clipsal 500 After-Race concert. Tom was recently signed by Sony Records and his debut single L.O.L went platinum. Tom is studying music as well as recording, performing and working with us.

(Tom's video clip for L.O.L. )

 (Tom's impromptu jam of "Hallelujah" backstage before supporting Guy Sebastian)

 

 

 TIM - Bass

 

 

Our bass teacher is Tim Foster, who plays bass with the  "Fraud Millionaires" and "The Swoop". Tim is an accomplished and highly versatile bassist who enjoys playing both electric and double bass, as well as the drums. Tim has performed alongside such Aussie heavyweights as The Master's Apprentices, Ross Wilson (Daddy Cool), Watusi, Blue King Brown and Chris Finnen, and studied jazz at the Conservatorium.

 (Tim in action with The Fraud Millionaires):

 

LAURYN - Piano / Keyboard

Lauryn is our piano and keyboard wiz. Trained in contemporary piano, Lauryn enjoys playing a wide variety of music including popular modern and classical and can teach a range of different styles.

 

 

 

JASON - Guitar

  

 

 Jason is a highly skilled guitarist and singer who has a passion for playing funk rock and blues, but who can play everything from the Beatles to Joe Satriani. Jason plays guitar with popular Adelaide funk rock band Pimpin' Horus.

 

 

 

 

 Andrew Sellars was an award-winning country music artist from his early teens. Performing in bands since he was 13, Andy won a string of awards for songwriting and performing, becoming a fixture on the Australian country music scene. He was invited by Fender Guitars to perform as part of their annual showcase and has performed alongside people of the calibre of Keith Urban and Kasey Chambers. In his late teens, Andy switched his focus to rock and, at 19 years of age, joined famous Beatles tribute The Fab Four, taking over the role of John Lennon, in which he is utterly convincing. ANdy also fronts his own original band "The Swoop", playing guitar and singing lead vocals. Andy is a versatile guitarist and a gifted singer, as well as being a patient and fun-loving guitar teacher.

MATT  -  Guitar

Matt Gillick is our metal master. Matt, guitarist with local metal legends Darklord and the Angels tribute 'Redback Fever' is a shred-lord along the lines of Steve Vai, Joe Satriani and Yngwie Malmsteen.

 

KIRBY  -  Singing

Kirby Madden has been singing since she was 12 and, after years studying with us, is now a valuable member of our teaching team. Kirby has a lovely, soulful voice and an extensive knowledge of singing technique and theory.

RACHEL-  Singing

 

Rachel Cearns also teaches singing with us. She is a gifted singer/songwriter, with a busy solo career and can be seen playing around Adelaide every week. Rachel is an expert in singing technique.

  http://www.myspace.com/rachelcearns

  DARREN  -  Guitar

 

Darren Wilson has been a dedicated teacher for the last 8 years. His musical styles and tastes are varied but his playing was influenced by the hard rock bands of the 70s and 80s, and players such as Van Halen, George Lynch, Gary Moore, Yngwie, Eric Johnson to name a few. His main creative passion has been writing and production. He releases his own music online and some of his pieces are used by different music libraries. Although he is not currently playing with a band, he looks forward to returning to the live scene soon. You can check out Darrens music online at his myspace page.