Meet Your Teachers
Alison, Ben, Dave, Grace, James, Max, Neil & Cooper
We look forward to teaching you!
Alison Glew
She runs weekly (sold out) Ukulele Workshops, is the leader of Ukulele Jam an online community of over 500 ukulele musicians from all over the world and is the creator of the popular online courses Ukulele Evolution and Intro To Ukulele and along with her monthly online membership, Ukulele Club.
Alison has helped thousands of students become confident musicians through her school and is well known for simplifying musical concepts so that students learn quickly and easily.
Ben Lazzaro
Ben Lazzaro graduated with Honours from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) Contemporary Music Degree in 2021 and is currently pursuing studies to enter the field of Medicine.
With over 14 years of performance experience and 9 years as part of Perth's vibrant music scene, Ben is a highly versatile guitarist. He's proficient in various genres including Blues, Rock, Funk, Fusion, Soul Folk, and Modern R&B, which he enthusiastically imparts to his students.
In addition to his work as a teacher with Alison Glew Guitar and Ukulele School he has also worked in various Primary Schools in Perth. Ben has also toured Europe with folk artist Toby Beard in 2023 and also played with her band as the support act for UB40 at the Fremantle Prison in 2024 .
He's known for his patient, relaxed, and friendly teaching style, with over 8 years of experience nurturing both children and adults at Alison Glew Guitar School. Ben takes pride in preparing students for auditions, with many successfully gaining entrance to prestigious institutions like WAAPA and John Curtin College of the Arts.
Ben's teaching philosophy revolves around tailoring lessons to suit individual learning styles and abilities. He believes in creating a supportive environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and setting and achieving their musical goals, one step at a time.
Fun Fact: Ben's love for curry and good coffee knows no bounds, and he's always up for a journey to find his favourite brew. Meeting Joe Satriani remains a highlight in his musical career!
David Petchell
GUITAR - UKULELE - BASS
Dave Petchell is a calm and good-humoured teacher with close to 10 years of music teaching experience.
He is currently studying Sound Production at TAFE and has studied music formally completing various AMEB exams in Classical Guitar and Theory.
He began playing classical guitar when he was 7 years old and one of his first gigs was performing at the opening of the prestigious Mandurah Performing Arts Centre in 1997.
Since then he has performed at Challenge Stadium, SOTA and other Perth music festivals, been nominated for "WAM Song of the Year".
His band "My Shadow and I" was nominated for a second time last year (2019) for the "WAM Song of the Year Award" in the Punk/Hardcore category.
He has released recordings with many different artists and supported bands such as Panic! at the Disco, Eskimo Joe, 28 Days, The Getaway Plan and Strung Out.
Dave plays predominately Punk, Rock, Blues, Classical and Pop music and enjoys producing and recording his own tracks.
He has a relaxed and fun teaching vibe and enjoys encouraging students to choose their own musical direction at a pace they are most comfortable learning at.
He shows his students how to master the key concepts of the instrument regardless of the songs or styles the students wish to learn.
Fun Facts: Dave is currently recording his bands EP at the John Butler Studio in Fairbridge, has longer hair than Alison and is terrible at guessing the movie title which corresponds to a particular song.
James Lilly
James Lilly is a seasoned and personable guitar and ukulele instructor with over 6 years of teaching experience. His relaxed and friendly demeanour makes him a favourite among students of all ages and skill levels.
With a Bachelor's degree in Contemporary Music from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), James is well-versed in a variety of musical styles. He draws inspiration from legendary guitarists and bands of the late 60s and 70s, infusing his teaching with elements of jazz, rock, blues, funk, pop, and more.
Currently completing his Masters in Education through the University of Western Australia, James brings a wealth of knowledge and pedagogical insight to his teaching. He is dedicated to helping students develop solid technique, rhythm, and aural skills, empowering them to become confident musicians.
James is an active performer on the Perth music scene. He currently plays guitar for band "Son's Of Beaches" a Perth based tribute band that celebrates the legendary music of Australian Crawl and James Reyne classics.
Highlights of his career include performances at prestigious events such as WAMFest and Morning Melodies at His Majesty's Theatre.
Compassionate and patient, James understands the challenges students may face in their musical journey. He excels at breaking down complex concepts into manageable pieces and employs engaging practice techniques to help students reach their goals.
A true advocate for student engagement, James believes in involving students in the learning process and tailoring lessons to their individual needs. He creates a supportive and immersive environment where students can fully immerse themselves in the joy of making music.
Outside of teaching and performing, James enjoys infusing rhythm lessons with scat singing and is known for his signature style of showing up to lessons in Doc Martens and a Deadpool T-shirt, much to the delight of his students.
Fun Fact: James once had the memorable experience of meeting Mark Evans from AC/DC at a grocery store and getting his autograph on a store receipt.
Max Lockitt
GUITAR - UKULELE - BASS
Max Lockitt is a dedicated musician with a wealth of experience spanning over 5 years in teaching guitar and bass. Holding a Diploma of Music Industry and a Bachelor of Music from the prestigious Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, Max brings a solid foundation of musical knowledge to his teaching.
An active participant in the Perth music scene, Max is known for his versatility and proficiency across various genres. He frequently performs in corporate and event cover bands, showcasing his musical prowess on stage.
In addition to his teaching and performing endeavors, Max is deeply passionate about original music. He has contributed to numerous recording projects with bands such as Moth, Camomile Queen, and Finn Pearson. Notably, his collaboration with Finn Pearson resulted in the WAM award-winning folk song "Hard To Find" in 2022.
In March 2024, Max embarked on a European tour with folk artist Toby Beard, where he showcased his talents on bass, guitar, keys, and backing vocals. Performing across Germany and the Netherlands, Max's musical journey continues to evolve, enriching his teaching and inspiring his students to explore their own musical potential.
Grace Brady
Grace has cultivated her musical talents over 8 years, emerging as one of our most accomplished students under Alison's guidance. Her repertoire spans various styles, but she specializes in folk and indie finger-picking tunes, showcasing her versatility and skill.
With a fondness for pop, alternative, and indie music, Grace enjoys teaching acoustic cover arrangements on guitar.
While she excels in teaching beginners of all ages, Grace's expertise extends beyond basic instruction. She offers in-depth guidance for intermediate and advanced students, delving into intricate finger-picking techniques and musical concepts. She also adds vocals to her playing, giving students a taste of how the tune would sound live.
Families and students appreciate Grace's warm and approachable demeanour, as well as her ability to tailor lessons to individual learning styles and goals. In Grace's lessons, laughter is like background music. It's such a pleasure to hear students enjoying their lessons!
Beyond music, Grace holds a Bachelor of Design in Graphic Design, completed in 2023. She also works as a music therapist through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), utilising music to provide support and enrichment to individuals with dementia.
Fun facts: Grace is an accomplished ballroom dancer and has been awarded numerous ballroom dance awards, including placings at Dance Masters International Association events and Australian Institute of Dance events, as well as awards such as Penny Dennis Dance Most Enthusiastic Student 2017. She received the MMADDD High School Award (Music, Media, Art, Design, Dance, Drama), Graduated year 12 with an ATAR score in the high 80’s and is currently studying a Bachelor of Design in Graphic Design.
Neil Marantan
Neil's musical journey began at Canning Vale College, where he was selected for the specialist music program. Since then, he has amassed an impressive performance experience and established himself as a versatile, driven, and talented musician.
After graduating high school, Neil was accepted into the prestigious West Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) to pursue a Bachelor of Music degree. Majoring in Contemporary Performance, Neil is currently in his final year, set to graduate at the end of 2024. Under the guidance of esteemed mentors, Neil has honed his skills and garnered recognition for his musical prowess.
Neil's prominence in the industry has led him to play for several successful Perth bands, where he continues to make a name for himself locally. As a dedicated music teacher, Neil shares his knowledge and passion for music with the next generation of musicians. He is known for his calm and relaxed teaching style, fostering a supportive learning environment where students can explore their musical interests and chart their own paths.
Friendly and approachable, Neil is not only an exceptional musician but also a passionate advocate for music education. He takes pride in seeing his students enjoy their musical journey and encourages them to pursue their aspirations with enthusiasm.
Fun Fact: When he's not making music, Neil enjoys playing lacrosse.
Finn Galvin
Meet Finn Galvin, our dedicated guitar, ukulele and bass instructor, whose passion for music began at the age of 14 after witnessing AC/DC's electrifying live performance. With years of experience both as a musician and an educator, Finn brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his teaching practice.
Throughout his musical journey, Finn has performed with various bands and artists across Perth, showcasing his versatile guitar skills and deep appreciation for genres ranging from rock to hip-hop. His diverse musical influences include legendary acts like Nirvana, Foo Fighters, and Mac Miller, reflecting his eclectic taste and broad understanding of music.
As an educator, Finn takes pride in nurturing students' growth and development, fostering a supportive learning environment where students can explore their musical interests and expand their skills. Whether it's mastering their favorite songs or delving into music theory, Finn is dedicated to helping students achieve their goals and unlock their full potential.
In addition to his teaching endeavors, Finn holds a Diploma in Sound Production, further enriching his understanding of music production and recording techniques. His experience in recording and producing his own music adds another dimension to his teaching, offering students valuable insights into the creative process of music-making.
Finn indulges in his love for pop music, often immersing himself in guilty pleasure tunes by artists like Ariana Grande and Dua Lipa. His passion for music extends beyond the classroom, as he enjoys crafting his own demos and compositions in his spare time.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, Finn is here to guide you every step of the way towards musical excellence.
Fun Fact: In 2023, Finn explored Europe, North Africa, and Eurasia, volunteering in Turkey and Albania.
