Craig Woodward – Guitar, Singing, Piano, Drums, Ukulele, Songwriting, Musicianship, Recording, Music Theory, Music Business
Craig is the founding owner/operator and Principal of Menai Music.
Craig has over ‘twenty five’ years hands on experience working as a teacher and professional musician in the Sydney area. He has studied with many great teachers learning Guitar, Singing, Piano, Drums, Ukulele, Songwriting, Musicianship, Recording, Music Theory and Music Business from an early age and from this grounding believes that coupled with an inner drive to always be better knows that a great teacher not only speeds up the learning process but instils a confidence in you to pursue learning long into your adult life.
Over the last twelve years Craig with the help of his ‘amazing’ teaching staff have taught hundreds of beginner to advanced students. He is a passionate, ethical and committed leader who believes the strength and success of Menai Music relates directly to the teaching staff and their ability to deliver what they promise.
Some of Craig’s Career Achievement’s so far:
- 2020′ – Menai Music go into their 12th year of business in their new studio’s – Designed and purpose built to further serve the community in tuition and music services – Guitar, Singing, Piano, Drums, Ukulele, Songwriting, Musicianship, Recording, Music Theory, HSC Tutoring, Music Business
- 2020′ – Craig start’s recording his follow up album with the amazing (Boy Genius) Jacob Wilkes.
- 2019′ – Craig working on demoing/testing and creating songs from his youth till adulthood in preparation for his follow up Album. (Recorded and produced by Jacob Wilkes & Craig)
- 2018 – Menai Music celebrate their 10th anniversary contributing to the arts and music tuition in the Sutherland Shire.
- 2017 – The release of Craig’s successful Country/rock anthem ‘Get your boots on’ – A film clip was created with he help of friends, family and fans in his hometown Bangor. (Watch the clip here)
- 2016 – January, A solid week of gigs booked at the Tamworth Country Music Festival – go to news tab for dates, times and venues.
- 2015 – November, Craig has been selected to play the ‘Sydney Country Music Festival’ In Bella Vista. His band will play on the main stage in front of a sell out 5,000 capacity crowd showcasing his energetic and lively mix of genuine Aussie Country Rock.
- 2015 – July, Semi-finalist in ‘Unsigned Only’ Competition – Nashville Tennessee – The song selected was ‘Be Brave’ his latest release.
- 2014 – September, A brand new single for his LIVE hit Be Brave recorded and released with a supporting film clip and run of shows to promote his growing catalogue of feel good Aussie Country/Rock.
- 2014 – June, Main Stage – Broadbeach Country Music Festival – QLD.
- 2014 – February, Main Stage – Caves Beach Country Music Festival.
- 2014 – January, A solid week of gigs booked at the Tamworth Country Music Festival 2014 with his band.
- 2013 – October, Headlined the Ariah Park B&S Ball.
- 2013 – Top 20 Finalist APRA ‘Professional Development Awards’ Contemporary Section.
- 2012 – Top 10 Finalist Today’s Country’s “Brand New Star” Award.
- 2012 – June, Album of the Week ‘Good Morning’ Country and Country CRS.
- 2012 – January, ‘Bondi Smile’ Debut on CMC (Country Music Channel).
- 2011 – December, Finalist Tamworth Songwriters Association Awards.
- 2011 – December, ‘Bondi Smile’ Hi-Rotation on the (Hot Country) Radio Network.
- 2011 – September, RUOKday – Craig was made an ‘Official Ambassador’.
- Two independent releases with his former band newstone.
- 2009 – TOP 10 finalist in the Gympie ‘Maton Talent Search’ Gympie Muster.
- 2008 – November, Opening of Menai Music School.
- 2008 – TOP 20 finalist in the Telstra road to Tamworth.
- 2006 – TOP 100 finalist in Australian Idol.
To check out Craig’s sound go to www.craigwoodward.com.au
Jacob Wilkes – Guitar, Singing, Piano, Drums, Ukulele, Songwriting, Musicianship, Recording, Music Theory, HSC Tutoring, Music Business
Jacob has been surrounded by music throughout the entirety of his life, and since picking up instruments has gravitated towards the heavy music scene, influenced by the likes of many modern hardcore acts.
He has completed 6 Grades of AMEB Piano over 13 years, Guitar for 9 years, and through the years of musical practical and theoretical study has acquired knowledge regarding the composition of music and musicianship.
Jacob has been a part of his hardcore band for 2 years, performing all over Sydney as a guitarist, as well as composing and producing all of the band’s material. In 2012, they came 1st in the Emergenza Music Festival for upcoming artists.
He has been teaching Piano, Guitar, general Musicianship and Composition for the past 4 years with Menai Music and independently and through this experience has gathered teaching skills able to cater to each individual’s musical requirements.
Olivia McAuliffe – Guitar, Singing, Piano, Drums, Ukulele, Songwriting, Musicianship, Recording, Music Theory, HSC Tutoring, Music Business
Olivia is a young singer songwriter from the shire who started playing guitar at the age of 11. A few years after wrapping her head around guitar, she started singing lessons to develop her knowledge and skills. From the age of 15 she was writing and recording her own songs and doing local gigs.
From 2014-2016 Olivia completed an Advanced Diploma in Music performance where she dove deeper into understanding music theory, live production, sound production, song writing and music business.
Recently Olivia has been studying piano and has added this discipline to her skill set. In 2017 she released her first EP ‘Triskele, with love’ and sold out the Brass Monkey, Cronulla. Olivia has shared the stage with Judah Kelly, Garrett Kato and plenty of other high-profile industry professionals. Her passion for music is contagious and she is always wanting to get the best out of every student.
Daniel Mather – Guitar, Singing, Piano, Drums, Ukulele, Songwriting, Musicianship, Recording, Music Theory, HSC Tutoring, Music Business
Daniel Mather has been playing piano since 3.5 years. He has completed Grades 1-8 AMEB Piano. Daniel has also completed a Bachelor of Music at The James Morrison Academy of Music in South Australia (2016-2019) of which he received an award of Excellence in Performance in his final year.
In 2017 Daniel toured with the James Morrison Academy Jazz Orchestra to the US. The band recorded an album at James Morrison Studios on their return to Australia and were nominated for ARIA’s Jazz Album of the Year. In 2018, Daniel was again selected for an Australian tour with the James Morrison Academy Jazz Orchestra where they played at Melbourne Recital Centre, Lazybones Lounge (Sydney) and country towns like Tumut.
Daniel has been involved in many live performances in different styles, from jazz to pop, rock to Celtic rock and everything in-between.
Daniel has also written and continues to write his own music. Daniel taught himself guitar and has played for 8 years as well as singing for 4 years, and drums for 1 year.
Daniel has taught piano at a studio and privately for 2 years. He understands the importance of tailoring lessons to each students’ individual needs and believes each student learns differently and that the most important thing is to have fun whilst learning and progressing.
Check out Dan’s music here: www.facebook.com/danielmathermusic
Check out Dan’s music here: https://soundcloud.com/daniel-mather-1
Lisa Tookarchi – Guitar, Singing, Piano, Drums, Ukulele, Songwriting, Musicianship, Recording, Music Theory, HSC Tutoring, Music Business
Lisa is a full-time musician and music teacher, constantly gaining experience in the music industry that is passed down onto her students.
Her main instrument is guitar, which she started learning in 2007. She is also proficient in drums, singing, bass guitar, piano and ukulele. From 2016-2018, Lisa completed Cert III, Diploma and Advanced Diploma of Music Performance at Sydney TAFE. Here she gained knowledge in music performance, theory, composition, business and improvisation.
Since completing TAFE, Lisa has taken on many music projects, having performed in multiple bands, duos and solo in Sydey. She has performed at various venues and festivals including RAW Showcase Sydney, Parmmatta Winterlight Festival, Bastille Festival, Chicks with Picks at the Townie and Lazybones Lounge. In 2019, she also organised and hosted a female music night in the city on Tuesday nights, promoting female musicians live in Sydney.
Being able to pass on her music knowledge and skills to the next generation of students is a big deal for Lisa, and it is her goal to bring out the best in her students at Menai Music.
Lauren White – Bass, Singing, Piano, Drums, Guitar, Music Theory, Improvisation, Musicianship
Lauren White, B.Mus, AMusA.
Lauren holds a Bachelor of Music (Performance) (Jazz Studies) from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and has studied bass with some of Australia’s leading bassists such as Donny Benét, Brett Hirst and Craig Scott. In 2019 she studied at the Herb Alpert School of Music at the University of California, Los Angeles. Lauren plays and records regularly with artists and bands that have been featured on Triple J, ABC Radio and Fine Music FM.
Lauren has also attained her Associate of Music, Australia (AMusA) in Singing from the AMEB. She is an experienced vocalist and was a finalist for the James Morrison Vocal Scholarship at the ‘Generations in Jazz’ Festival in 2018. Lauren has performed at the Melbourne International Jazz Festival, Sydney International Women’s Jazz Festival, the Sydney Opera House and Sydney’s most prominent jazz venues, as well as across the US and Europe. She is also the recipient of many prestigious awards such as 2020 Women in Music Mentorship Australian Independent Record Association and the Jann Rutherford Mentorship Award for an outstanding young female jazz musician.
Lauren is passionate about imparting her knowledge to the next generation of musicians.
James Smithers – Guitar, Piano, Drums, Ukulele, Songwriting, Musicianship, Recording, Music Theory, HSC Tutoring, Music Business
My name is James Smithers, I am 23 years old and have been playing drums for 6 years now. Before I started playing drums I picked up guitar around age 15 but always wanted a kit!
In 2014 I began studying at the Australian Institute of Music which really focused my playing and solidified my dream and drive to be a full time musician, and I completed my graduating recital in August 2016. The knowledge, skills and contacts I gained from studying at AIM were invaluable and I wouldn’t be where I am today without it!
Today, I play drums in numerous bands (mostly originals), three of which I also manage; I play gigs quite profusely around Sydney and Australia, as well as doing session work both live and in the studio. I still play guitar as well as keys, didgeridoo and other percussion instruments, and I write, record and produce my own music from home.
I began passing on the knowledge I have gained about two years ago, first privately from my own studio, then moving into popular music school Menai Music where I have been for around a year now. It brings me great joy to be able to provide inspiration and knowledge to students and hopefully spark a desire to follow a path of music in their own life!
Max – Guitar, Bass, Drums, Singing, Piano, Songwriting, Recording
Max is a musician, songwriter, and record producer.
Since graduating from JMC Academy a few years ago, he has been a gigging guitar player all around Sydney, served as an assistant engineer at Def Wolf studios (AC/DC, Lime Cordiale, Polaris), as well as running his own freelance audio engineering business. Max’s music has been played several times on Triple J, and has regular rotation on Triple J Unearthed. Max also received an encore nomination in 2015 for his Music 1 HSC performance, scoring a 97. He has also had songwriting sessions with members of Dear Seattle and The Potbelleez. Prior to his time as a recording engineer, Max was a music journalist who interviewed artists such as Nickelback, The Living End, Denzel Curry and At The Drive-in, and worked in Music PR for artists such as Yungblud and Born Lion.
Max’s time in bands and in the music industry have provided him with a wealth of knowledge and unique experiences that he draws from when teaching, and that he wishes to pass down and inspire students with. Max strives to share his love and passion for music with the students, creating an exciting and warm environment to nurture their own interest in music.