Our Teachers
Jara Stinson
Violin | Viola
Jara has performed frequently from a young age in orchestras, chamber ensembles, bands and competitions. Upon moving to Sydney, Jara delved into the world of contemporary music genres such as pop, rock, folk, and more. From performing in front of the prime minister and touring Australia with bands to performing as a soloist and recording with orchestras, Jara is a very passionate musician. Currently, aside from teaching, Jara performs regularly at Irish music sessions in Sydney.
With her knowledge and dedication to her students, Jara has become a highly sought after teacher. Having studied classical violin and gone through the AMEB grades, Jara has a strong focus on developing solid technical foundations while also being able to introduce students to the vast array of possibilities that these instruments hold. Jara has also studied contemporary music genres and encourages her students to play the music they love.
Piano
Marian is a bubbly and friendly teacher with over 40 years experience teaching in the United States and Greater Sydney region. Marian has studied music at Alexander Mackie College Paddington where she gained her Diploma of Music Education, Sydney Conservatorium of Music where she gained an Associate of Music and then continued her studies in The Catholic University of America in Washington DC for 10 years.
Marian is a very passionate teacher who couldn't imagine doing anything else! She uses a variety of resources to keep lessons fun and engaging and has a strong focus on having students enjoy what they play and explore each new challenge.
Marian Martinez
Cello
A graduate of the Sydney Conservatorium in 1987, Sarah is recognised as a leading figure in music performance and teaching. Sarah first started her cello studies here at the age of 11 with internationally renowned cellist Lois Simpson who was a current member.of the Australian Chamber Orchestra. She completed advanced studies with Susan Blake and acclaimed Danish Cellist Georg Pedersen.
Sarah has performed extensively throughout the world with Sydney Youth Chamber Orchestra in 1983, Huntington Chamber Orchestra directed by Richard Tognetti from 1985-1987, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and the Opera and Ballet Orchestra from 1985-1996, and has been a member of the Willoughby Symphony Orchestra for the past 20 years.
As a teacher, Sarah has taught the cello at various private schools including Kambala Church of England Girl’s School, Saint Ignatius College Riverview, Knoxs Grammar School, Orange Music Centre & St Joseph’s College Hunters Hill. Sarah is committed to providing students with a solid technical foundation while fostering their enthusiasm and love of playing the cello.