Learn Violin, Viola, Cello, Theory
& Composition with Martin Lass
Learn with
Martin Lass
Violin
Viola
Cello
Theory
Composition
40+ Years of experience…
Martin Lass is an extremely accomplished instrumental music tutor in high demand with over 40 years of experience as a professional musician, performer, and tutor.
I am currently offering tuition on the Gold Coast of Australia and now accepting new, enthusiastic students for 2022, beginners to advanced, young children to adults.
In my Conservatorium training, I studied with Robert Pikler, John Gould, and Lim Kek Tjiang, the latter of whom underwent his studies in Europe with renowned figures, Georges Enesco and Jacques Thibaud.
I am very passionate about music and about tutoring. For me, learning a musical instrument is not just about learning to play the instrument. It is an integral part of helping young persons to become the mature, well-rounded, and inspired individuals they are destined to become, as one of my teachers, Richard Gill, so brilliantly demonstrated. Moreover, all the research now shows that learning a musical instrument is one of the best things that a person can do for their brain development, as well as for their emotional and physical development. This is true whether a student ends up making music their primary focus in life or not.
My teaching philosophy is that learning music should always be enjoyable, never a chore. Certainly, students are expected to practice, for, without this, there can be no progress. However, I assist students in learning how to practice intelligently, giving them all the tips, tricks, and secrets of maximising progress while minimising time spent.
I take a tailored approach to each student, acknowledging their individual aims and needs, as well as their strengths and more challenging areas.
If students choose, I prepare them for exams from beginner all the way to Diploma levels. I focus on the A.M.E.B. examination curriculum, as I have extensive experience here and am an accredited A.M.E.B. examiner.
I offer 30, 45, and 60-minute lessons. All lessons are one-on-one with the exception of music theory exams, which can be offered one-on-one or in a group situation subject to availability.
I look forward to helping you achieve your musical dreams!
Education & Qualifications
- QLD Blue Card (Working with Children accreditation)
- Accredited AMEB Examiner (Strings)
- Trinity College of London, LTCL Diploma (violin) with Honours
- Trinity College of London, Theory Grade 8
- Conservatorium of Music, Sydney, A.S.C.M. graduating degree (1976)
- Conservatorium of Music, Sydney, 1971-1978, student of John Gould, Robert Pikler, and Lim Kek Tjiang
- Full-time member of the Australian Chamber Orchestra, Sydney Symphony Orchestra, and Australian Opera & Ballet Orchestra
Teaching Experience
- Private tutoring studio (1977 – current)
- Acting Co-ordinator of Strings, John Paul College, Daisy Hill (Brisbane), QLD (Jan 2018 – 2021)
- Strings Tutor, AB Paterson College, Arundel, QLD (2014 – Dec 2017)
- Strings Tutor, St Stephen’s College, Coomera, QLD (2014 – Dec 2017)
- Acting Head of Strings, Cranbrook School, Sydney, Australia (2012 – Dec 2014)
- Head of String Music, St. Joseph’s College, Sydney, Australia (3 years)
- Masterclass Series, Australia-wide, for primary school and high school students (yearly tour for over 10 years)
- Artist/Teacher in Residence, Australian International Fiddle Festival (2 separate years)
- Association with the Suzuki Talent Association, Sydney, Australia, including featuring Suzuki students in own concerts
Key Skills
- Violin, viola, theory, composition tutoring to post-graduate level
- Cello tutoring to AMEB Grade 6 level
- Preparing students for AMEB and Trinity College exams to Diploma level, and for tertiary level entry and continuation
- Directing ensembles and conducting, from small chamber ensembles to string ensembles to full orchestras
- Music arranging, for school ensembles and orchestras
- Sibelius, advanced skills both in use and in teaching the app to students
Classical Playing Experience
- Australian Chamber Orchestra – Associate Principal 2nd Violin, Founding Member, 1977-1981
- Australian Opera & Ballet Orchestra – Associate Principal 2nd Violin, 2 yrs 1981- 1982
- Sydney Symphony Orchestra – Tutti violin, 1978 – 1998 (permanent casual)
- Soloist – recitals, chamber music, soloist with orchestras, worldwide,1977 – present
Classical Crossover Performing Experience
- Solo career – 1983 to present day, specifically aimed at bringing string music to a larger market by mixing and including all styles of music from classical to gypsy to popular.
- Accolades, Highlights, Achievements
- Three Royal Command Gala Performances for the British Royal Family
- Ten commercially released CDs, including Gold and Platinum sales
- Two Top Ten charting albums on Australian FM radio
- Performed on every major TV show in Australia featuring live entertainment, over 200 appearances
- Performed in every major city and regional centre in Australia
- Corporate functions for IBM, The Australian Government, Toyota, Clarins, etc.
- Music featured in the European TV series, “The Last of the Mohicans”
- 2 successful seasons starring as the Fiddler in “Fiddler on the Roof” in Sydney, Australia
- Headlining Entertainer for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Cunard Cruise Lines (QE2), Holland-America Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises, Radisson Seven Seas Cruising, Silver Seas Cruises, Crystal Cruises and more…
Awards
- Seven times winner Australian Entertainment Industry “Mo Award” for Best Instrumentalist
- Variety Club Showman of the Year
- 1992 Recording “One Love” achieved ARIA Gold Album status
- 1999 Recording “The Gypsy Fiddler” nominated for an ARIA Award
- In the Top Ten Artists who consistently draw the largest audiences in the Australian Club Industry
Violin
Perhaps the most popular of the string instruments is the violin! Violinists certainly think its the best instrument! It is the smallest, the highest pitched, and it takes more of the melody lines than any other instrument in the modern symphony orchestra. It is also one of the most popular solo instruments. It can be played in any number of musical genres from classical to jazz to country to pop to rock.
Viola
The viola is the next largest instrument to the violin but is still held up under the chin, like the violin. Its tone is lower, darker, and more sonorous than the violin, but it can still be played in almost any genre. Violas are the undergods… er, I mean underdogs… to the violin and are for those whose emotional waters run deep without the need to show off like some violinists! Violas come in fractional sizes for students.
Cello
The next largest string instrument after the violin and viola is the cello. The cello is played sitting down, which is why it attracts some children! Its pitch is low, rich, and resonant, and its expressive range is massive. Like the other string instruments, the cello can be played in many different genres from classical to pop. The cello comes in fractional sizes for students, so lessons can start as early as about 7 years old if a child is ready.
Music Theory
Music theory covers the academic side of how music works, is put together, and is written–everything under the hood, so to speak, of playing music. Music theory is a requirement of some advanced practical instrumental examinations, e.g. AMEB, ABRSM, and Trinity. Music theory can be taught on an individual basis or in a small class.
Composition
Are you a budding composer? The next Beethoven? Or John Williams? Composition tuition teaches the ins and outs of writing your own music–melody, harmony, form, structure, styles, techniques, and more. It can be taught on any instrument you may play, even if it is not a stringed instrument, piano being the most useful, but guitar also being very good. Some study of music theory is highly advised but is not a strict requirement. Composition and music theory can be taught hand in hand, too.
Martin also teaches the Sibelius scoring app for composition and other scoring of music.
“Martin has unbelievable patience and a genuine interest in the children he teaches. His ability to engage students at all levels is absolutely commendable. He fosters a love and understanding of music for all ages and skill-sets. I cannot recommend him highly enough.”
Hadassah, mother of Niamh
“You are a professional and highly skilled teacher, and we feel so lucky to have had you teach and care for our Gavin all these years!”
Jessica, Gavin’s mother
“We feel very privileged to have had you as the first teacher to begin James’s early musical journey. We are so pleased with how well James has engaged with you. One of the things that inspired him the most to practice this year was his desire to sound good enough for you to agree to play a duet with him!”
Heather, James’s mother
“My daughter has really enjoyed working with you learning her viola and has had so many positives things to say about your teaching methods. I want to thank you for believing in her when she doubts herself and persevering when she wavers.“
Natasha
“You have inspired our son’s life through the Beginner Strings programme at school, a gift of a teacher who pays it forward. You gave our son a chance to grow through music, giving him an outlet through music to find contentment and happiness.“
Hannah, mother of Amzi
“We are so thankful to have you as Marcus’s violin teacher. He has improved so much in the past two years under your thoughtful guidance. You have always encouraged Marcus to learn more and worry less. I am grateful to have such a professional musician like you as Marcus’s mentor. You are amazing! “
Rebecca, Marcus’s mother
Or text or call 0432 917 925
Martin Lass 