Gavin Ahearn

I am a pianist and composer. I have been performing in jazz and contemporary settings for over 25 years at venues and festivals worldwide. I have released 4 albums and collaborated on numerous projects. I have been teaching privately and in the tertiary environment for 15 years and attained a Master of Music from the University of Sydney.

My Sydney teaching is based at the Jazz Workshop Australia (St Leonards) or I can also conduct lessons at your residence. I am also available for teaching on the Central Coast of NSW.

I am available for online lessons.

My focus areas are jazz and contemporary piano, composition, songwriting and theory. I teach many adult/high school students who have classical background but are interested in improvisation and jazz. I have a current Working With Children check.

My teaching style has most often been described as 'very patient' and I always try to focus on the student's interests to help foster enjoyment and love of music in addition to music knowledge and skills.

References from students:
"I was a complete beginner, riddled with performance anxiety and always getting more confused watching youtube videos. Maybe it comes back to his love of fjords and glaciers, but Gavin has an incredible way to calmly guide you back to what is essential, and where you need to be. It takes time, but he teaches you a language to connect with others and express something deeply personal from yourself." Dee

"Learning Jazz on the piano with Gavin is a pleasure. He explains the concepts clearly, points out good examples, and pitches the information at the appropriate level. " Tony

"Gavin helped me tremendously through HSC composition by always going above and beyond. He always made sure I understood the new concepts he was teaching me and taught me how to be more purposeful in my composition." Chiara

"Lessons with Gav are a highlight of my week. Even though he is an incredibly accomplished musician, he is able to break things down in a way that is easy for me to apply and tailored to what I'm interested in. It always feels like time well spent!" Andrea

"Writing this as I listen to Gav’s quartet play Fly Away Butterfly, I’m reminded what a great musician and ensemble player he is. The plus is: he’s also a dedicated and inspiring teacher. I have learned a lot about jazz ensemble playing from him, not to mention heaps of handy scales and ways of approaching the most fun music to play in the world! I’d recommend him to any aspiring jazz musician, whatever your instrument. " Patrick

"Gav is not a music teacher. He is an artist teaching music. Studying with Gav, is so many things. Gav is above all inspiring his passion to music and jazz shines through his lessons. His lessons are a gate to a great musical experience." Ghadi