Mentors and tutors
At Rock Scholars all of our mentors and tutors are actively involved in the Perth music scene, and they bring both technical expertise and real world experience to their teaching. Many of them have been through the Rock Scholars program themselves and they are deeply passionate and knowledgeable about music, and sharing their knowledge with developing musicians. Our band mentors are multi-instrumentalists and many of them hold formal music qualifications from WAAPA or other tertiary education establishments.
All Rock Scholars staff hold current working with children clearance.
Sam is a highly accomplished musician and song writer, and has a unique ability to facilitate band communication and growth through clear direction and encouragement.
Sam co-fronts Perth indie punk band and Triple J faves, Sly Withers. 2019 saw the band sign with major record label Dew Process/Universal Music Australia and Sydney based Select Music Agency, tour nationally with the likes of Amy Shark and Slowly Slowly and the launch of their Gravis EP. In 2021 Sly Withers launched their first full length album Gardens which debuted in the ARIA chart top 10 and the band quickly followed this up in 2022 with the release of their second album Overgrown. They have toured their headline shows many times regionally and nationally to sold-out audiences over the last two years, performed at Festivals such as Splendour In The Grass, supported their childhood faves The Wiggles OG and took part in Triple J Like A Version with their cover of Cold Play’s The Scientist clocking up more than 800K views.
Sam has been involved in the Rock Scholars community for over 15 years and is our most experienced mentor.
Instruments: guitar, bass guitar, drums, vocal
Regan has been playing music for over 13 years, performing live for a number of those. After studying drums at Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), Regan has been teaching and gigging around Perth regularly since 2017. Like all Rock Scholars mentors, Reg is a regular on the live music scene having played with local bands including Almond Soy, Supathick, Mal de Mer, Cecilia Brandolini, South Ceiling and others. Regan has been a band mentor and instrumental tutor at Rock Scholars since mid-2020.
Instruments: drums, bass guitar, guitar
Kiera is a vibrant, Indie-solo artist emerging from Margaret River, a radiant song-writer who is bringing a new flare to the Australian music scene with a set of gorgeous vocals that display intricate song-writing and bright melodies.
Kiera has graced festival stages across WA; Here Comes the Sun, Nannup Music Festival and most recently, Bunbury’s Groove in the Moo to name a few. One cannot help but bask in a live set with this bubbly artist, which is likened to a “colourful-indie-bliss out.” Not to mention Kiera’s comical side that will have you smiling from the first word!
Kiera is excited to be a part of the Rock Scholars team with a strong passion for mentoring musical minds, whilst creating a fun and positive atmosphere!
Instruments: vocal, guitar, keys
Jon is a Perth-born songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer who has been plying his trade across Perth and Australia for almost 10 years.
After first picking up a guitar in primary school and developing a passion for songwriting in his teens, Jon kicked off his career as singer, keys player and songwriter for Perth dream rock act Wooly Mammoth. Wooly Mammoth had a successful run and highlights included picking up a WAM award for Best New Artist, amassing 1 million streams for their single Edge and completing a national tour.
During this period Jon also completed a Bachelor of Music (Contemporary Music Artist) at Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts and worked in other projects including Lilia, Sydnee Carter and San Solis. After the mammoth fell extinct and the university degree was completed, his latest collaborative project was born - Sprinter.
In his words - ‘Sprinter is high energy psych rock that is super fun to play and I’m lucky enough to get to do it with some of my best friends.’
Jon is stoked to be teaching at Rock Scholars, where he enjoys working with young musicians to help them develop their craft and learn more about the beautiful world of music.
Instruments: guitar, bass guitar, vocal
Alt-country/rock singer-songwriter Siobhan Cotchin quickly became one of Australia's favourite new artists. Honest, raw and real — Siobhan has proven herself to be a talented songwriter. Able to simply decode complex human relationships, she gets listeners right in their feels. Quickly making her mark on the Australian music scene, her live sets have gained huge momentum, supporting Bob Evans, Spacey Jane, Abbe May and in February 2024 touring the country on a sell out arena tour with Matchbox Twenty and the Goo Goo Dolls
Siobhan’s heart-hitting songwriting has earnt her an impressive list of accolades including, a spot in triple j Unearthed Top 10 best discoveries of 2020, WAM’s Best Country Act, a nomination for Best Blues / Roots Act, Most Popular New Act for 2021 and the Grand Prize for WAM ‘Song Of The Year’ 20.
When Siobhan isn’t super busy with her own music, she has loved working with her vocal and songwriting students and mentoring bands at Rock Scholars since she joined the team in 2021.
Instruments: vocals, guitar, bass guitar
Angie is a local award-winning musician with a specialisation in vocals, songwriting and guitar. Angie’s unique and bold voice and songwriting has made her one of Perth's most in demand acts. Having played over 100 shows in the past 12 months, Angie is a seasoned performer and has experienced the ins and outs of the industry. She won a WAM award last year for her second single, has been nominated for several others in 2023, toured nationally, and has performed with greats like Noah Dillon, Death By Denim, Ghost Care, Melody Pool and more. Angie is really excited to mentor the next generation of bands and singer-songwriters coming up through the ranks at Rock Scholars.
Instruments: vocals, guitar, bass guitar
Michael Slitenbachs started playing guitar when he was 8, writing songs at 12, and playing in bands not long after. He is the frontman for Surf Shop Cops (formerly known as Last Lions).
The band had airplay on Triple J Unearthed, RTRFM and other indie stations around the country and went on to tour the east coast in 2019, and in 2020 landed support slots for British India, Hawthorne Heights, WAAX, West Thebarton, Press Club, Luca Brasi and a horde of others.
Michael is a multi-instrumentalist, has an Advanced Diploma of Contemporary Music - Music Artist stream from Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) and has been busy teaching at schools and other music education institutions since 2018. Michael has been mentoring bands at Rock Scholars since the beginning of 2022.
Instruments: guitar, bass guitar, drums, vocal
Anthony is a live and studio bass guitarist who has been playing guitar and bass guitar for the last 25 years playing in numerous local, national and international touring bands.
In 2004 he joined Birds Of Tokyo and toured nationally several times as well as playing in the US and London. Anthony co-wrote and played on their debut EP and first three full-length albums, Day One, Universes, Broken Strings live acoustic album and Birds Of Tokyo.
He played the Big Day Out tour in 2007 and 2009 with Birds and travelled to the US with them playing alongside bands The Living End, Grinspoon, Faker, Dead Letter Circus, The Butterfly Effect, Silversun Pickups, Deftones and countless other local, national and international acts.
In 2010 Anthony became a session musician for the band The Siren Tower and Will Stoker & The Embers, as well as playing in his own projects, Therapist, Casino Sunrise and The Loved Dead. He joined rock band End Of Fashion as a live bass guitarist from mid 2019 to mid 2020. He now plays and records with heavy rock outfit Sparrow.
We were stoked to have Anthony join our team in early 2023! AJ is excited to work with our bands and music students in sharing his knowledge and experience.
Instruments: bass guitar, guitar
James has been playing guitar for 17 years, is a passionate rock and roll enthusiast and has played with a variety of original and cover groups including The Carnaby’s, Holographic Moon Society and Charlie Wilde. In 2022 he completed a Bachelor of Contemporary Music Performance from Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) and is currently studying his Masters in Education. James enjoys involving students in the learning process and adapting lessons to suit their individual needs. He teaches practical music skills that develop students in various musical styles and genres. James’ definition of a great lesson is one where the student is engaged and immersed with the music. James has been teaching at Rock Scholars since late 2021.
Instruments: guitar, bass guitar, ukelele
Matt’s musical pathway began when he was ten and he has been playing ever since. His guitar playing style revolves heavily around prioritising groove, pocket and feel, and he likes to keep a drumming perspective in mind. Matt draws influence from a wide range of genres and currently plays in local band Rami. With a Bachelor of Contemporary Music from Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) and experience playing in a wide range of musical contexts, Matt can assist students at varying levels progress rapidly on both guitar and bass guitar. Matt has been teaching at Rock Scholars since late 2020.
Instruments: guitar, bass guitar
Catherine is a familiar member of the Perth music scene, playing drums for indie-pop band Smol Fish and alt-rock group Moth – a band which was formed at Rock Scholars back in 2014. As a former Rock Scholars student herself, Catherine is passionate about helping young musicians flourish on their musical journey and experience the thrills of jamming and performing.
When she is not playing music, Catherine is busy studying psychology and electronic music at the University of WA.
Instruments: drums, guitar, bass guitar
Chris has been playing guitar and bass for 10 years and teaching since 2019. He is currently studying a Bachelor of Contemporary Music (Guitar) at Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA). Chris enjoys playing soul, hip hop, folk and other groove styles. He is passionate about producing, songwriting and helping his students find their unique sound and influences. Chris plays and writes in bands SAGO and Lloyd and the Leftovers. Chris joined the Rock Scholars team in September 2022.
Instruments: guitar, bass guitar
Christian has been playing drums for nearly 10 years, is currently in his second year of a Bachelor of Contemporary Music degree at Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA). Christian’s two main music projects are Redcliffe and Rubyhoo . A former Scholars' band program student himself, Christian loves teaching drums because seeing his student’s progress, having fun and getting better means he has hopefully had a positive impact on their lives. Christian joined the Rock Scholars team in September 2022.
Instruments: drums
Jack has been playing drums for 7 years and has played in a variety of different musical contexts. He is currently studying a Bachelor of Jazz Performance (Drumset) at Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA). Jack plays in Perth band Hummus as well as having played in a number of other bands in our local music scene over the last 2 years. Jack loves teaching drums and is keen to inspire students in our fun learning environment and to pass on his music knowledge. Jack joined the Rock Scholars team in September 2022.
Instruments: Drums
Neil has established his reputation as a talented, driven, and versatile guitarist. He is currently completing a Bachelor of Music at West Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA). Majoring in Contemporary Performance, Neil is in his third year and studying under the tutelage of some of the finest musicians in the country and continues to make a name for himself in the local industry.
Alongside his degree and career performances, Neil is giving back to the next generation of musicians by teaching guitar. He is a calm and relaxed teacher, who loves to see his students enjoy what they are learning and encourages them to choose their own musical path. Neil joined the Rock Scholars team mid-2023.
Instruments: guitar, bass guitar
Toby is a multi-instrumentalist who has been playing bass guitar, guitar and piano for many years and has theoretical knowledge in all three instruments. He has been performing live since the age of 16 and he enjoys playing all styles of music. Toby currently plays with Motel Marys, Patio Living and Lloyd & The Leftovers.
Toby is very passionate about teaching, always seeking to equip students with the technical, theoretical and performance skills that are needed for them to grow into fine musicians. He brings a positive and friendly vibe to all lessons.
Toby is also a former Rock Scholars band program student from his high school days and we are so excited that he is back some years later to share his experience in playing and performing with our young (and older) students. Toby joined the Rock Scholars team mid-2023.
Instruments: bass guitar, guitar and keyboard
Miles picked up the guitar at 2 years old and hasn't put it down since. Graduating high school with a Cert IV in Music Industry and a Distinction in his Grade 8 AMEB exam and now in his final year of his Bachelor of Music degree at Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), Miles is keen to pass his knowledge down to the next generation of musicians.
At age 17 he joined 4 Horsemen, a renowned Metallica tribute band and played his first show with them on the night of his 18th birthday. Since then Miles has played in many covers and tribute acts around Perth playing everything from 2000s party pop to 80s new wave, punk rock, heavy metal and in an acoustic duo.
Miles is the primary songwriter, guitarist and vocalist in his original project Heligan who have gone on to support Californian Punk legends Unwritten Law as well as local legends The Southern River Band and Perth icons End Of Fashion.
We first met Miles when he was part of the U18 music scene playing at The Garage some years ago, a stand out back then too, and we are thrilled to have teaching our guitar students and mentoring our bands at Rock Scholars.
Instruments: guitar, vocal
Gemma is a self-taught keys player and vocalist. She is passionate and emotive in her work and loves to share her love of all things music with others. Gemma graduated with a Diploma of Contemporary Music in 2018 as a keys player and vocalist at WAAPA.
Instruments: vocal, keyboard
Caleb has been playing guitar and writing music for over 10 years. A former Scholars' band program student himself from some years back, Caleb has been playing in local bands ever since. His latest music project is Rothko who are aiming to release their debut single and E.P. early this year. After completing an Advanced Diploma of Contemporary music - Music artist stream at Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), Caleb is now studying a Bachelor of Education with a major in music.
Caleb enjoys working with creative spirits and being mentored by some of our best back in the day makes an incredible band mentor to the next generation of bands coming up through the ranks at Rock Scholars today.
Instruments: guitar, bass guitar, vocals
Harry has been playing drums for 9 years and is currently in his final year of his Bachelor of Contemporary Music degree at Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA). Harry also plays drums for the Alternative Rock band Eleven AM and has recently joined Perth funk rock band Scatterback coincidentally with Scholars’ band program alumni from many moons ago. Harry’s learning goal is to create a fun, exciting and positive impact with his teaching as he has had the same impact when he was being taught in high school. Harry commenced teaching at Rock Scholars at the start of 2024.
Instruments: drums
Tom is the lead singer, songwriter and guitarist of local band Koi Pond. He grew up in the country and moved to the city a few years ago to pursue his music. Tom is a multi-instrumentalist who has been playing in bands since his early high school days. He has played in many bands in our local music scene since arriving in Perth. Prior to joining the Rock Scholars team mid-2023, Tom previously mentored young bands at a local high school. Tom loves working with young musicians in continuing to develop their craft and musicianship working in a band setting.
Instruments: guitar, bass guitar, drums
Tamara (Tami) moved to Perth from Sydney at the start of 2020 to attend Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA)where she graduated with a Bachelor or Contemporary Music last year. Tami loves sharing her love for music and has been working with young people for 8 years. Having had singing lessons herself for 10 years, performing in eisteddfods and competitions throughout her whole childhood, after providing cover in 2023 Tami is excited to now have her own regular teaching schedule working with our vocal students who are looking to start singing or to continue advancing and developing their craft..
Instruments: vocal, guitar
Ethan plays guitar and drums for Mia June and Ruby Taylor respectively as well as hitting the tubs for Rothko, all members of Rock Scholars alumni from way back when. Ethan feels being a former band program student himself really helped shape him into the passionate musician he is today with long lasting connections to great people in our vibrant music scene. Ethan is excited to be able to help our young musos now coming up through the ranks to do the same. He also previously studied a Diploma of Music - Sound Production. We were glad to welcome Ethan home at the start of 2024 to begin mentoring our upcoming bands and tutoring in guitar.
Instruments: guitar, drums, bass guitar
Annalise joined the team mid 2023 to help support our wonderful band program and instrumental tuition students and parents in all things front of house. Annalise knows first hand the value and benefits of being a student at Rock Scholars as she was a band program student herself for 6+ years. Annalise fronts local indie faves About Yesterday which is made up of WAM award winning musicians who love to pump out unique original songs and have so together since meeting at Rock Scholars when they were 11 years old. Annalise commenced the Diploma of Contemporary-Music Artist course at Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) in 2024.
Instruments: vocal, bass guitar
Ali joined the team in 2019 to help look after all things front of house and day to day, and very quickly became an integral part of the Rock Scholars team to both staff and students alike. Ali has forever been an avid music lover, live gig goer and is Kylie Minogue’s number one fan.
Instrument: tambourine
Sam is the joint owner of Rock Scholars with his wife Karen. He is a lifelong musician who has played in many original and cover bands over the years, both here and in the UK. Sam is passionate about all forms of music as long as it includes guitars and drums.
Instruments: guitar, bass, more guitar
Karen is the joint owner of Rock Scholars with her husband Sam whose main focus is the management of our band program that now has more than 30 bands, along with all things marketing and communications.
Karen is passionate about what we do having seen first hand the benefits of our Band Program being the parent of a former student herself and having seen the impact our program has had on so many young people since her and Sam purchased this business in early 2016.
Instrument: wants to be a bass player.
Caitlin began playing music at the age of 7 after becoming greatly inspired by Avril Lavigne and her super cool ties, and was encouraged to pick up a black and white guitar of her own. A drummer for close to 15 years, Caitlin is currently the drummer and co-lyricist for the alt-rock/electro band Tether and has played the likes of SOTA Festival, WAMFest and supported artists ranging from The Beths to PLTS. She studied music performance and business at North Metro TAFE and spends her time performing, writing and learning to produce music and music videos for Tether. Caitlin is extremely passionate about music and and all aspects of forging a successful career in the scene, eager to inspire students and instil them with the confidence and ability to achieve any and all of their dreams. She has a friendly and open approach to teaching and is excited to learn about her students so she can make their lessons as fulfilling and as fun as possible.
Instruments: drums, guitar