About us
who we are
Music Synergy is a small dedicated group of qualified Newcastle Music teachers, all passionate about providing individualised and professional music tuition. Drawing on traditional Conservatorium training and informed by current education research, our piano and violin teachers provide the opportunity for students to explore their musical creativity.
Our teachers have current Working With Children Check numbers.
The studio is a registered Creative Kids provider and a NSW Covid-19 safe business.
Sharing our skills
Each member of the team bring special qualities to the studio. Some teachers have educational backgrounds which support different learning needs. Other have special interest in the differences of female/male learning styles and the differences of learning when the student is very young or perhaps have the benefit of some years of wisdom!
Our classes
There is no "one size fits all" with our team. Each student brings a different set of skills and potentials and that's where our studio stands apart.
One aspect is true for each student: technique and reading skills provide the basis for any work. We aim to make each student an independent learner who can read, appreciate and interpret a variety of music.
Our Studio
Services
We teach: piano, violin, organ, keyboard, theory, musicianship, HSC courses, analysis, composition.
Syllabuses included are: AMEB, AMEB Piano for Leisure, Trinity College of London, ABRSM and others upon request.
Audition, eisteddfod and competition preparation is also coached.
In 2024, we continue to welcome our emerging teachers who are available for supervised practice or piano lessons for beginning students. As the service is provided by an emerging teacher, the fees will reflect this. The teacher will be directed by a qualified teacher.
Our facilities
The studio is air conditioned and has two Yamaha pianos. There are two teaching rooms, a waiting area and bathroom facilities. The studio is easy access with no steps. The studio has all appropriate insurances.
Meet the team
DR Cherie Watters-Cowan
DR Cherie Watters-Cowan
DR Cherie Watters-Cowan
Cherie teaches a wide range of piano syllabuses, including AMEB and ABRSM. Lessons address the individual students’ interests. Cherie also teaches analysis, harmony, musicology, HSC performance and musicology.
Cherie completed the Doctor of Philosophy at the University of NSW with a thesis on primary sources and Australian composer, Margaret Sutherland. The Master of Music (UNSW) included study of analysis, twentieth century music, Indigenous music and Australian music. Cherie undertook her Bachelor of Music Education and DSCM at Newcastle Conservatorium.
Cherie has presented at several conferences, had several publications, taught in schools and tertiary institutions and adjudicated at eisteddfods, piano competitions and auditions.
Dr Peter Watters-Cowan
DR Cherie Watters-Cowan
DR Cherie Watters-Cowan
Peter teaches violin and piano, both for pleasure and examinations, using a variety of syllabuses, including AMEB, ABRSM and Trinity. Lessons cater the individual students’ interests. He also teaches analysis, harmony, musicology and HSC syllabuses.
Peter completed his Doctor of Philosophy at the University of NSW with focus on analysis and sketch studies based on the string quartets of Australian composer, Nigel Butterley.
His Master of Music (UNSW) included study of analysis, twentieth century music, Indigenous music and Australian music.
Peter studied violin with Errol Collins at Newcastle Conservatorium where he graduated with Bachelor of Music Education and Diploma of Music Education.
Peter has presented at several conferences, had several publications. He has taught in schools and tertiary institutions.
NSW GOVERNMENT
Supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW.
