Dave Halls

Dave Halls is a contemporary pianist, bandleader, composer and educator with more than 30 years of professional performing experience across Sydney.

His musical foundations were shaped through many years of study with the late Serge Ermoll, one of Australia's classic jazz pianists and an influential figure in the Australian jazz scene. Through this training and decades of professional performance, Dave developed a deep understanding of contemporary piano, improvisation, harmony, groove and practical musicianship.

Alongside performing, recording and leading ensembles, Dave has spent many years helping people develop complex skills through structured learning. This combination of real-world musical experience and educational design continues to shape his teaching approach today.

Dave has recorded on albums, including two of his original albums, Burning Time and Walking Home, and has performed in settings spanning jazz, blues, pop, funk and contemporary commercial music.

Contemporary Musicianship Through Piano

Dave works with students who want more than simply learning pieces.

Many students come to lessons wanting to understand how music actually works. They want to play with greater confidence, improvise, understand harmony, accompany singers, explore creativity, play in bands or develop a more contemporary sound at the piano.

His students often include:

• Classically trained pianists wanting to broaden their skills beyond notation alone
• Adult learners returning to piano and looking for a contemporary, practical approach
• Teenagers and young adults interested in jazz, blues, pop and contemporary styles
• Musicians wanting to understand chords, harmony, groove, accompaniment and improvisation
• Church musicians seeking greater confidence in contemporary worship and band settings

Lessons focus on helping students become capable, independent musicians.

Alongside learning songs and developing piano skills, students explore harmony, rhythm, groove, listening skills, improvisation and musical creativity. The aim is not simply to learn what to play, but to understand how music works and develop the confidence to keep learning long after the lesson ends.

Where appropriate, lessons may also incorporate backing tracks, listening exercises, apps and carefully selected online resources that support learning between lessons. These tools don't replace learning. They support it.

The Goal

The goal isn't simply to reproduce music.

It's to develop the skills, understanding and musicianship that allow students to play, create, explore and continue growing as musicians for years to come.

If you're looking for a practical, supportive and contemporary approach to piano, Dave would be delighted to help you on that journey.