At South Island Studios, we are experienced music teachers, pro musicians, lifelong students of music and keen observers of the learning process. We're dedicated to mentoring new and advancing musicians, giving them the tools to develop their own voice, by finding success and enjoyment in learning to play, sing, and groove.
Lonny, Paul and the gang at South Island Studio, You guys are amazing and an inspiration to many musicians and young artists in Victoria! Our onging monthly Song Writers Study Group is a wonderful way to improve your writing and workshop your ideas with like-minded adults. Enjoy meeting in a small class that allows for plenty of interaction of both shared feeback and support.
Lonny, Paul and the gang at South Island Studio, You guys are amazing and an inspiration to many musicians and young artists in Victoria! Our onging monthly Song Writers Study Group is a wonderful way to improve your writing and workshop your ideas with like-minded adults. Enjoy meeting in a small class that allows for plenty of interaction of both shared feeback and support.
Services
We're dedicated to mentoring new and advancing musicians, giving them the tools to develop their own voice, by finding success and enjoyment in learning to play, sing, and groove. We teach private guitar lessons, piano lessons, singing lessons, drum lessons, bass guitar lessons. Band Program: Rock Band camps (The Rockshop), summer music camps for kids (Summer Rockshop).
By working one-on-one with students at South Island Studio, we are able to help them emphasize their strengths, improve their skills and develop their style. Private lessons are held once a week for a 30 or 60 minute block. Private lessons run throughout the school year, but students can register any time.
We teach guitar and bass guitar using contemporary music as a vehicle to learn the skills required to plays chords, melodies, lead solos and accompaniment. There is a strong emphasis on technique, improving your ear, rhythm and overall musicality. In our written work we mainly use 'tab' (lines and numbers) and when needed or desired, standard notation (notes on a staff).
We believe everyone can sing. South Island Studio vocal classes are designed to help you deeply connect with your voice. Whether you're a child, a teen, or an adult, we help guide you to singing in a way that is healthy and authentically you. Are you in a theatre production and want to improve your singing and speaking for your role?.
We use a method developed by Victoria drum instructor Murray Creed called Groove Essentials. This skill building system is challenging and rewarding for all drummers to progress through. Starting with the basic rudiments it moves through a variety of styles, helping students to build their skills and musicianship very quickly while being a lot of fun.
Reviews (9)
Sarah McLaren
Jul 31, 2021
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Stacy Dwyer
Dec 26, 2020
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David Marcovitz
Jan 18, 2019
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My sons and I have been taking lessons from South Island Studio for about 6 years. Two of us on guitar and one on piano. We've had exposure to a number of teachers and all of them have been excellent. They work with our individual learning styles and cater lessons according to our musical intrests. I would recommend South Island Studio to young, old, novice and expert musicians who want a fun disceplined experience learning to play an instrument.
Jay Davis
Sep 11, 2018
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I took guitar lessons at South Island for a few months. I had to leave to attend university, unfourtunately, but in that short time I gained a lot from my lessons and have new skills to continue growing with. Lonny was patient with me and happy to answer any questions I had. I’d recommend South Island Studio to anyone no matter what their skill level. Overall, an awesome team with a positive atmosphere.
Eric Lott
Dec 27, 2017
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Our son spent the last 5 years learning and playing guitar at South Island studio. He has worked with three different teachers, participated in band camps, completed workshops, recorded in a studio and performed at end of year sessions, cafes and special events. Lonny and his team have been wonderful and have helped shape him into a talented, confident young performer. We will miss our time there and confidently recommend the school. What a great, supportive atmosphere for music, Thanks Lonny, Gabe and Paul!
Christabel Padmore
Nov 08, 2017
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My 6 year old daughter has been a piano student for nearly two years now. She has learnt a lot and LOVES her teachers. They're always very patient, fun and not too intense about allowing her to work at her own pace. In addition to a love of music, lessons are helping her develop focus and concentration, that make a big difference at school.
Ruby Thomsen
Jul 27, 2017
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I started at South Island studio in early 2017 with guitar lessons, and have now added voice lessons as well. I was initially very shy about performing and still am somewhat but I do open mic’s and participate regularly in South Island studio’s open mic at imagine cafe monthly. The teachers are encouraging and positive and teach with enthusiasm and professionalism which makes it super fun and rewarding. Thanks you guys!!
Joanne H.
Feb 01, 2017
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My son took guitar lessons for years with Lonny Koch and Lonny is a attentive, kind and supportive teacher. He is an excellent listener and tailored the lessons to my son's interest and skill level. As well my son took voice lessons with Kimmee Sweetgrass who is another talented and supportive teacher. He got so much out of his lessons it has inspired me to take voice lessons too! South Island Studio has attracted some really kind and talented music teachers, they are worth checking out.
Brenda MacKinley
Sep 20, 2013
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Both my children really enjoyed their piano lessons at South Island Studios. My son preferred to play by ear and the instructors helped him to develop this talent to the point where he now writes and arranges his own music. He really caught the music bug through his piano lessons and his participation in the band camps at South Island Studios. My daughter was much more reluctant and nervous about taking piano lessons. However, after a few weeks of lessons she was hooked. Her instructor had such a gentle and fun approach that she never wanted to miss a lesson. My daughter preferred to read music
