Joanne Davies from East Coast Music

Director of East Coast Music
Assoc. Dipl Music QLD Conservatorium
Licensed Kindermusik Educator since 2001
Member of Music Teachers Assoc QLD since 1998

Hi. My name is Joanne Davies and I have a wonderful husband Paul who I have been married to almost 18 years and 2 gorgeous boys Nick 12yrs & James 9yrs. I am privileged to say that I am now doing my "Life's Best Work" - that is, as well as being both wife & Mum - I'm involved in bringing families with children together in a musical environment which supports and nurtures children aged 0-7yrs and assists in their development - namely KINDERMUSIK.

My love of music and my desperation to learn piano began when I was a small child and, even though my family couldn't afford a piano, I was lucky to have neighbours who didn't mind me spending hours at their pianos (or at least they didn't tell me that they minded!). Once I had my own piano and began lessons at approx 12 years of age my journey into the magical world of learning music began. This eventually led me to study music as an adult at the QLD Conservatorium of Music, Mackay Campus and also to teaching private piano for many years.

After moving from North Queensland to Brisbane in 2000, I came across a local Kindermusik Educator who told me how wonderful the Kindermusik programmes were and this inspired me to undergo the necessary training to find out for myself. At this time I knew I wanted to continue teaching music but was not happy to do this in my home after school hours with 2 small children. After successfully completing the Kindermusik training in January 2001, I started my own business "East Coast Music" which now offers Kindermusik programmes to children aged newborn to 7yrs and also piano tuition for 7yrs+. I can't imagine doing anything more rewarding. The Kindermusik programmes are fantastic. There are no pre-requisites for a child to learn and enjoy music, and children can start at any age between newborn and 7yrs (they don't have to wait for a piano to begin their musical journeys!).

In my studio we accept each and every child exactly at the level they are at - gently guiding them, and helping them to reach their full potential. This is done in a caring, social and musical learning environment. The children's confidence naturally grows because there is no pressure to perform in class and only assurance to participate at their own comfort & developmental level when they are ready. Parents and siblings are included in all or some of the weekly lessons and this, together with materials to take home, help convert the weekly music class into a daily music experience.

The rewards of seeing a baby's face light up as we sing our hello song, watching a toddler spontaneously burst into song in class, observing a family rocking and singing together, and seeing the look of satisfaction when a young child masters a new song on the glockenspiel or recorder - these rewards are beyond measure. I am proud to be part of something that provides such positive experiences for families in our community.