Adult Students

"I journey with cerebral palsy. I wasn’t sure if the stiffness in my hands would prove to be a problem in learning to play an instrument. Simply Music, and especially Samali, changed my mind. From day one I made music! Samali’s sound and approachable mentorship led to productive and comprehensive learning outcomes for me. Simply Music opens up a whole new world of musicality to absolutely everyone.”- Jordon Steele-John, Politician

"When I was 33 years old I lost the top part of the index finger on my left hand through an accident. This has very minimal impact on my life which I am grateful for. About 10 years later I decided I wanted to do something new, challenging and rewarding outside my work. I had never learnt music but I had a huge admiration for those who could play any instrument. I decided to learn piano and started with Simply Music. My concerns that a short finger on my left hand would prevent this were quickly dispelled by my teacher, Samali de Tissera, explaining that there are easy ways to overcome abnormal finger and hand shapes. And away I went. My piano lessons and practice began a focus and highlight of my week and the gains and improvement I made week to week were very motivating and satisfying. I highly recommend Samali as a music teacher. Have fun."-  John Worsfold, AFL Coach

"I cannot believe that I have discovered an ability to play the piano.  Samali is not only an excellent teacher but brings all her experience as a professional and her extensive warmth and wisdom to each lesson.  As a result I have learnt more about myself and creative abilities than I would ever have dreamed possible.  Samali's sensitivity and understanding has allowed for liberation from all the usual associated guilt that went along with my childhood piano lessons." - Sara Paterson, Psychologist

"I have wanted to learn to play the piano for as long as I can remember but was reluctant to sign up to classes because I was nervous that I would have to commit to hours of practicing scales and studying for exams. I’m so glad to have found Samali. Her passion for music is infectious and her method of teaching is perfect for mature age students who simply want to play for pleasure. After a short period of time using a combination of the Simply Music method and reading from the page, I can play half a dozen beautiful pieces. Being able to play gives me great pleasure and I’m so grateful to Samali for her patience and inspiration." - Louise Miller, Marketing Director for The Grocer, 2016.

"Samali makes playing the piano enjoyable; my lessons are the highlight of my week." - Bill Waters, Businessman

"I began adult piano lessons with Samali 2 years ago, having never played piano before.  Samali creates a relaxed, nurturing but structured learning environment.  Samali has been teaching my daughter piano for 5 years.  She is wonderful with children, very patient and gentle.  Whether you’re a child, teenager or adult there is no sense of intimidation or being overwhelmed, which enables the student to nurture the joy of playing piano!"  - Christina Pascall, Make-up artist

Children & Teens

"Piano lessons with Samali are entertaining and I just love them!" - Aleisha Vukman, Student, Cottesloe Primary student aged 10

"Samali is one of the warmest, kindest people I have ever met. When I first started piano lessons with Samali I was 7 years old and I was amazed by her patience, expertise, and passion for teaching.  I found that playing the piano served as an invaluable outlet for me to express myself creatively & also a tool for relieving high school stress! I always looked forward to my lessons with Samali. Now as I find myself at University and still playing the piano, I feel confident in my ability to play and the enjoyment it brings me is immeasurable. I recognise that what I received from my piano lessons with Samali was invaluable. What she has taught me is a gift like no other." Alex Maouris, Medical Student

"Samali is a wonderfully patient and encouraging piano teacher.  Her unique methods of music reading are easy to comprehend.  I have found my lessons to be highly rewarding and thoroughly enjoyable." - Chana Van Wyk, Student (MLC student aged 14)

Parents

"Samali has been a wonderful piano teacher for my boys.  She has taught them since they were both 6 years old and they are now  14 and 11.. She understands boys, that they need to be kept interested but challenged.  They started playing interesting piano pieces from the beginning with the Simply Music technique and have now moved on to contemporary and classical pieces.  She encourages them gently but firmly.  Her teaching approach is the reason why my kids are still playing today.  My house is filled with lovely music and I am grateful for Samali for that." - Dr. Yuti Ten, General Practitioner & Parent

"Samali de Tissera is an exceptionally inspiring, insightful and generous music teacher, who taught our son in his formative years.  He had an obvious love for the practical side of music, but not necessarily for the theoretical. The Simply Music method and Samali’s perceptions and insight have been confirmed to us over and over again as his relationship with music has evolved over the years. He is now able to compose, accompany himself at the piano whilst singing, and has chosen music as a vocation." - Aruni Weerasooriya, Electrophysiology Technician & Parent

"I feel so fortunate that we found Samali as the piano teacher for our daughter just over 2 years ago.  She had no previous piano knowledge and in this short time, has been given the ability and desire to play with confidence.  The Simply Music program enabled her to play a song after the very first lesson!  Samali matched Aleisha with other students appropriately in shared lessons and speaks to both the students and parents with honesty and grace.  I would highly recommend Samali as a gifted teacher to anyone who is interested in playing the piano."- Christy Dangerfield, Educator & Parent

"James started the Simply Music program when he was five, and loved it. The program was great for him, learning first by being immersed in a playing based approach, and later by reading music. Samali has taken James to the next level: he plays for his own enjoyment, and shows a great love of music.  When James is becoming disheartened, Samali always knows how to pick him up and get him back to beautiful music.  The skills and passion that have been nurtured in him have opened the door to a music scholarship in Clarinet, and also set important ground work for tackling the more challenging kinds of music theory and aural." - Sue Taylor, General Surgeon & Parent

"Since switching from a different teacher to Samali about five years ago, we have been delighted with the transformation in our son's piano playing , and his attitude to practise as well! Samali makes imaginative use of the internationally acclaimed Simply Music material, and made the transition from playing from memory to reading music almost seamless. " - Ken Browne, IT Business owner

"We love Samali! She has been teaching Edward for a few years now and we're looking forward to our other children starting with her. Samali has a gift of building a special bond with her students very quickly, and teaching them in a way that is fun while also developing their technical skills. Edward comes back from his lessons and goes straight to the piano to keep playing what he's just learnt. It has also been wonderful to see him develop more and more independence with his practice (both the initiation of it and the practice itself), which is all thanks to Samali."  - Gillian Yeo, Associate Professor , Business School, UWA

"Samali truly cares for  her pupils and inspires a love of music from the very first lesson.  Her warm, friendly and humorous manner makes her pupils feel very relaxed and eager to learn.  The Simply Music online program is very easy to navigate and understand.  Thank you Samali" - Melanie White, Homeschooling Parent

"What I love about Samali's teaching is that she not only teaches my daughter the piano, but the pure love and essence of music.  She is a truly gifted teacher who in addition to following a curriculum also incorporates some of the children's favourite pieces and has them singing along too!" - Kim Hopkins, Ballet Teacher

"We have had a very positive experience since our now 8-year-old son started piano lessons with Samali half way through 2015. Despite having a personal interest in music and a good ear, he dislikes group music lessons at school and can find it challenging to learn in class at times but we’ve seen the opposite attitude with piano. Samali has been a wonderful and inspiring teacher for him. Her method of teaching two children at a time enables one child to learn from the other and provides a camaraderie which spurs them on. Samali adopts a strict but positive attitude and keeps the pace up, all of which the kids respect and respond well to. I learnt piano to Grade 8 the traditional way over many years. Six months in, my son can now play eight pieces using both hands which is really remarkable. He sees piano as a form of relaxation, so much so that I don’t really need to remind him to practice!". - Sally Ladbrook, Energy Journalist