Van-Anh Nguyen – IAA Sydney Artistic Director, Piano

Described by Michael Kieran Harvey (concert pianist and composer) as ‘a true talent…she will be a great hit wherever she goes’, Van-Anh Nguyen is a passionate pianist and teacher. Van-Anh started learning the piano at the age of 15 months with both of her parents (professional musicians).

By the age of 4, she was accepted into the Young Artists Program for gifted & talented musicians at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. By the age of 9, she had obtained her A.Mus.A, and at aged 12, received her L.Mus.A, being one of the youngest in her generation. She has given numerous media performances including on Channel 9’s Kerry-Anne Kennerley Show and Channel 7’s The Witness Program. Since the age of 5, she has given live radio performances on 2MBS-FM and the ABC.

Her bubbly personality and emotive playing has graced the stages of Sydney. Van-Anh continues to give extensive concerts around Sydney as well as along the east coast of Australia at events such as the Mostly Mozart Series, World Youth Day 2008 and charity events. She has also performed overseas in such countries as Germany, Austria, USA and Taiwan. In November 2005, she made her solo debut in Vietnam with the Ho Chi Minh City Symphony Orchestra. Continuing on in 2006, 2007 and 2008, Van-Anh gave concerts once again in Ho Chi Minh City, sponsored by the Australian Embassy as well as recorded her debut solo piano CD, Mise-en-scene. As a Bachelor of Media (Writing) graduate, Van-Anh finishes her post-graduate studies in Piano Performance at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music this year. She also runs Vivo Entertainment Agency, developing artists and providing artists for events. She is the Ambassador for Heart Reach Australia.

Thanh Bui – IAA Founding Director, Singing & song-writing

Thanh Bui, 2008’s Australian Idol Top 8 finalist is currently finalizing his album for release mid 2010. Writing with Grammy-award winners such as Charlie Midnight (James Brown, Britney Spears), Jim Marr (Hilary Duff, Anthony Callea), Michael Jay (Eminem, Kylie, Celine Dion), Andy Goldmark (Jessica Simpson, Jennifer Paige, Michael Bolton), Thanh’s craft for song-writing is seeing him work with great Australian acts such as Paulini, Dean Geyer.

Not only does Thanh Bui write songs for himself and other artists along with consulting for them,  Thanh found fame in Asia in the Australian group North, who released two albums – 2004’s self-titled set (on Universal) and 2006’s Straight Up (on EMI). They had three number one hits in Thailand and Indonesia, and two chart-toppers in Malaysia. North toured Asia twice, and also did the Commonwealth Games song I Am Strong.

Thanh and his North band mate Alfred Tuohey formed the production company Yin Yang Productions. They have been working with Dean Geyer and Paulini, written songs for chart-topping albums in Japan and Korea – and Thanh recently received his first gold album from Germany after working with teen sensation Jimi Blue. Thanh is currently working on his debut album with a number of high-profile LA producers/writers, scheduled for release early next year.

As a vocal coach, he has taught/consulted for students such as Mark Spano (Australian Idol Top 5), Mike Snell (Wicked, Miss Saigon), Sam Gaskin (Jungle Book), Kate Lister (Grease), with a number of his students gaining success both locally and internationally.
Thanh’s vision brings a contemporary, up-to-date understanding of the current music environment and strongly believes that to increase the chances of success in the music business, being multi-skilled is vital.

“If you look at successful Australian artists like Delta Goodrem, Shannon Noll, Guy Sebastian, and internationally-acclaimed artists such Justin Timberlake, Beyonce, they are not only great singers, but can play an instrument and are talented songwriters -at IAA, our vision is to develop ARTISTS, not just singers.”

Thanh is extremely passionate about giving each individual an opportunity to explore music as it is a language without barrier or prejudice. Together with a dynamic team of fine musicians, Thanh is building a strong Australian network of artists/songwriters to be able to compete with the world’s best.

Michael Hanna – Singing/Aural Perception/Piano

Hailing from the inner west of Sydney Michael enjoyed a classical music upbringing in clarinet before undertaking contemporary vocal studies with Joy Yates at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.

Michael had his first taste of performing with the rock band Filthy Fox formed with school mates and the Jubilation vocal group, supporting the likes of Jade Macrae, Evermore (MTV Awards) and Alex Lloyd. Michael has spent the last two years in London as part of the folk rock outfit “Deadmans Caravan”. Combining with Rob Draper (ex-Neighbours) they built a following playing London’s acoustic venues including a residency at the infamous 12 Bar Club in Soho and supports for Bob Cheevers (USA) and James Reyne (Australian Crawl).

Moving back to Sydney in 2008, Michael is about to release his second EP recorded in Melbourne with Rob Draper at Ross Ryan Studios (EMI – I Am Pegasus). You can find him gigging at local Sydney venues both solo with his band.

‘Michael Hanna is an Australian singer songwriter who effortlessly moves between rock, ballads and country. His two country duets with Annie Evershed were a joy, as was his hilarious expose of an Australian musical icon in the song Come Say G‘day.’ PETER COULSTON – Seatwave Entertainment Review LONDON.

Luke Robinson – Piano/Guitar/Song-writing

Luke Robinson is a passionate young musician from Sydney with years of experience teaching and performing all over Australia. With vast experience on many instruments, he has built up a wealth of experience which is reflected through his students who have achieved very highly in both AMEB examinations and contemporary performance platforms in front of hundreds of people.

Having taught for over 5 years, Luke has built up a rapport with his students which is second to none, allowing him to communicate his lessons in a way that enlightens each individuals passion to improve their craft.

Luke has spent his last few years performing all over Australia with “The Perfect Revolution”, as well as pursuing side projects with some of Sydney’s best musicians. This experience has given him a real life approach to the music industry, and allows him to pass on his knowledge to his students in the hope that they can fulfill their musical dreams.

With passion, dedication and a fun approach to music, Luke is a music teacher who will give you more than lessons; he will give you an experience.

Catherine Goonan – Flute & Beginner Piano

Growing up in the Hills District, Catherine enjoyed learning piano and violin before finding her true passion for the flute. Since then she has performed across Sydney and studied musicology, composition and music history to gain a deeper understanding of music in our culture.

Catherine played First Flute in the Oakhill College production of Jesus Christ Superstar, and Artes Christi’s 2009 production of Oliver! performed in the Seymour Centre to a sell-out audience.

Currently undertaking a Bachelor of Engineering and Bachelor of Arts at the University of Sydney, Catherine has studied composition with Anne Boyd and Winsome Evans and performed in the premiere of her composition ‘Jai’ in October of 2009.

Catherine has played flute for Harvest Youth Band at St. Michael’s Church, Baulkham Hills for over seven years, during which time she has composed and arranged music for the band and its many performances. A particular highlight was performing twice in Darling Harbour at World Youth Day 2008 in which the group accompanied a one hundred-voice international choir. Other performances include Worship in the City 2009 as well as weddings and other liturgies and occasions. In 2008 and 2009 Catherine conducted and accompanied the thirty- voice choir for St Michael’s Christmas Eve midnight mass.

In 2009 Catherine received the Sheila Hurley Award for Cultural Contribution to Sancta Sophia College and the Music All- Rounder Award. In her time at the college she coordinated and arranged music for the string quartet and Palladian Cup ensemble, conducted and performed in the choir and the woodwind ensemble and gave solo performances at formal occasions.

Having also taught swimming since 2006 Catherine is well equipped to recognise and meet the needs of individual students and enjoys inspiring confidence in her students to strive to reach their full potential.

Nadia Koudasheva – Piano

Russian-born Nadia Koudasheva is currently undertaking a Bachelor of Music (Performance) course at the Sydney Conservatorium, studying with Phillip Shovk. Prior to this Nadia graduated from the Conservatorium High School with the Premier’s All-Rounder Award and Encore nominations for Music 2 and Music Extension. In 2010 she became a laureate of the XVI Moscow International Festival of Young Soloists, performing with the D. Orlov Moscow State Symphony Orchestra. Also that year, Nadia was a guest musician at the ANAM Piano! Festival. Nadia was also the winner of the 2010 CHAOS Special Purpose Grant, 2^nd prizewinner at the Freshwater Chamber Music Competition, finalist in the 2009 Accompanist Guild Award, State finalist of the Yamaha Australian Youth Piano Competition 2007 and recipient of numerous awards at the Sydney Eisteddfod.

Over time, Nadia has performed in recitals both in Australia and overseas, in venues such as the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall, Moscow Prokofiev Museum, South Melbourne Town Hall, Government House (Sydney), A. Pushkin Drama Theatre (Russia), and all the Sydney Conservatorium Halls. Nadia has performed for organisations such as the Steinway and Sons Piano Exhibition at Angel Place (Sydney), Blue Mountains Concert Society, Hunters Hill Music Club, Charmian Gadd’s ‘Musician’s Own’ and the St Stephens Concerts Series.

Being a passionate chamber musician Nadia has taken part in the Sydney Chamber Music Festival Masterclasses 2009, Freshwater Chamber Music Festival 2010 and the ‘Don’t Trade Lives’ Charity Concert. She has also recorded on various occasions for 2MBS-FM radio.

Nadia has had masterclasses/lessons with pedagogues such as Prof Boris Berman (Yale School of Music), Prof Irina Plotnikova (Moscow State Conservatory), Michael Kieran Harvey, Timothy Young, Liam Viney, Shalev Ad El (Israel, harpsichord), Prof Andy Thomas (composition, Julliard Pre-College) and Roger Benedict (chamber music).

Nadia constantly aims to develop as a solo performer, chamber musician, accompanist and teacher, hoping to pass on the desire of becoming an all-rounded musician to her students.

Brendan Clark – Guitar/Bass

Bassist Brendan Clark began study of the electric bass at age 13, followed shortly after by the double bass at age 16. He received tutelage from renowned Australian bassist Phil Stack during this time and this sparked an interest in jazz and similar music.

Brendan has been active on the Sydney music scene since he begun professional work in 2006 at age 17. In 2008 he was accepted to study a Jazz Degree at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music under the tutelage of Craig Scott and Alex Henery. Brendan has performed with many influential musicians on the Sydney scene including Bernie McGann, Dave Panichi, Dave Theak, James Muller, Phil Slater, Warwick Alder, Andrew Dickeson, Dale Barlow, Matt McMahon, Tim Firth and Evan Mannell among numerous others. He also performs outside the jazz scene regularly with various pop groups including those of Thanh Bui, Alisa Fedele, Morgan Joanel, Hello Vera and the Red Riders.

In 2007 Brendan was awarded Runner-up in the Performing Arts division of the Hills Youth of the Year Award and in 2009 he was selected as a finalist in the James Morrison Generations in Jazz Instrumental Scholarship. In 2010 Brendan toured overseas to Shanghai, China with the Conservatorium Jazz Orchestra and to Tokyo and Yokohama, Japan with Alisa Fedele. He now performs regularly with groups of his own and those under the leadership of fellow musicians.

Joshua Creek – Piano

Josh has a strong love for piano performance, and enjoys attempting to instill this love into his students! He encourages students to incorporate emotions into their playing, as this develops their sense of musicality and leads to a deeper connection with the audience.

Following high school, Josh travelled to England to audition for the elite London music institutions. He was subsequently offered positions at the Royal College of Music, the Royal Academy of Music, Trinity College and the Guildhall School of Music.  Whilst in London, Josh also performed in masterclasses with Andrew Ball, head of the Royal College, and other musical luminaries.

Josh made a decision to study law in addition to music, and so returned to Australia to commence studies at the ANU. He recently completed his Bachelor of Music (majoring in Classical Piano Performance) and Bachelor of Laws degrees. During this time, Josh studied piano under the tutelage of of esteemed professor Geoffrey Lancaster.

Currently preparing to audition for various International Piano Competitions in 2012, Josh is undergoing  private tuition at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music under Ms Alexandra Vinokurov. He has aspirations to one day perform on Europe’s great stages.

Josh wishes to close his introduction with a bad piano joke:

“What do you get when you drop a piano down a mine shaft?  A flat minor.”

Elizabeth Issa – Singing

Elizabeth Issa is a scholar student at the Australian Institute of Music. Up to date, Elizabeth has received her music training from the international Conservatorium of Music, Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre and leading vocal coach Erana Clark (Australian Idol) where she produced her original songs.

She is Inspired by artists including Jennifer Hudson, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder and Celine Dion , Elizabeth’s singing style is reflective of a range of genres including jazz, contemporary, pop, blues and soul, however at the end of the day she interprets a piece in her own way. Formely HSC Encore nominated student,  Elizabeth is actively involved in the music industry and has performed for many events such as Australian Idol, MIKA, Political events, Tafe NSW,Community events, Musicals The Pirates of Penzance and Mary McKillop, World Youth Day, private functions for the Archbishops of the World, Charity Associations such as, Leukaemia Foundation, Cancer Foundation, Relay for life, Suicide Prevention, and the Childrens Hospital Westmead to name a few.

She is a breath of fresh air on the music scene, inspiring and touching the lives of those she has met and those she will soon meet. Elizabeth was crowned Singer of the Year for 2010 at the Star Search Competition in 2010. Wherever Elizabeth goes, she inspires and touches everyone around her. In her young career so far, she has left audiences amazed and wanting more. Achieving so much at such a young age, Elizabeth aims to grow and expand even further as an original artist.