ACCEPTING NEW, ENTHUSIASTIC STUDENTS FOR 2023. LIMITED PLACES.
Mr. 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, 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
o Three Royal Command Gala Performances for the British Royal Family
o Ten commercially released CDs, including Gold and Platinum sales
o Two Top Ten charting albums on Australian FM radio
o Performed on every major TV show in Australia featuring live entertainment, over 200 appearances
o Performed in every major city and regional centre in Australia
o Corporate functions for IBM, The Australian Government, Toyota, Clarins, etc.
o Music featured in the European TV series, “The Last of the Mohicans”
o 2 successful seasons starring as the Fiddler in “Fiddler on the Roof” in Sydney, Australia
o 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
o Seven times winner Australian Entertainment Industry “Mo Award” for Best Instrumentalist
o Variety Club Showman of the Year
o 1992 Recording “One Love” achieved ARIA Gold Album status
o 1999 Recording “The Gypsy Fiddler” nominated for an ARIA Award
o In the Top Ten Artists who consistently draw the largest audiences in the Australian Club Industry
Details last updated: April 21, 2023
