Christian Laki

Welcome To Broadway Bass & Guitar Lessons!

My name is Christian Laki, and I am an award-winning composer, musician, music tutor, and academic based in Ultimo, Sydney with over 45 Years of musical experience!

I offer individually tailored music lessons in the following areas and more:

• Bass Guitar
• Electric & Acoustic Guitar
• Steel Guitar & Lap Steel
• Classical Guitar
• Flamenco & Latin American Guitar
• Manouche (gypsy jazz) Guitar
• Renaissance Lute
• Singing
• Piano & Keyboard
• Song Writing
• Arranging & Orchestration
• Music Technology
• Music Production
• Orchestral Composition
• Film & Media Composition
• Music Theory & Musicianship
• Language

Currently undertaking a Doctor of Creative Arts in orchestral composition at Western Sydney University (commenced 2024)/ Doctor of Musical Arts at Sydney Conservatorium of Music (transfer in progress), I draw on over three decades of experience as a musician, composer, and educator. My research and creative practice aim to extend contemporary orchestral writing, informed by my diverse background in jazz, rock, classical, and film music. Early in my doctorate, I was awarded the 2024 Penrith Symphony Orchestra Composition Prize, leading to a commissioned symphonic work commemorating the Bondi Junction tragedy.

As a professional musician since 1992, I have composed and performed across multiple genres and contexts, from television and film to concert halls. My career includes international broadcasts of my compositions, film scoring, jazz collaborations, and early music performance. I have also taught students of all ages in composition, performance, and songwriting across instruments and styles.

My teaching philosophy centres on fostering creativity and individuality. Students are free to choose the instruments, songs, and styles of music that they wish to pursue. I believe that following one’s musical passions is the best path to excellence, and I nurture those interests with the support of sound technique, theory, and well-researched performance and compositional practices.

Holding a Master of Music (AIM) and Bachelor of Music (UNSW), I bring both academic depth and industry experience. Highlights include editing László Dubrovay’s 2021 treatise on contemporary composition, scoring the internationally recognised short film Little Lies, and having original songs featured on SBS’s Pizza.

Lessons are held in my air-conditioned studio located at 185-211 Broadway, Ultimo, opposite the Broadway Shopping Centre. Street parking is available as well as in the shopping centre parking station. My studio is a short walk from central station or there is a bus right to my door!

Peter Doherty

Katoomba and Lithgow

Ron Dolan

Teacher of Classical Guitar, Guitar & Theory

About Me…

I began studying the piano at age 7 but was quickly drawn to the evocative sounds of the guitar. This led me to change instruments at 10 and undertake a lifelong study of the guitar. My relationship with the guitar blossomed into a life long career as a player, teacher, performer, composer and perpetual student of the instrument.

My early guitar career began with performing in rock bands however, I soon became absorbed with the subtle sounds of classical, jazz and Latin American music. This led to me to a formal music education graduating with a Teachers Licentiate (Distinction) in Guitar from Trinity College of London.

During more than 30 years of teaching all ages and levels, my professional appointments have included universities, performing arts schools and conservatories, as well as adjudicating guitar competitions.

For you, the student…

My approach to teaching is grounded in a deep interest in developing my fellow human being through the medium of music and the guitar. While talent, dedication and commitment are essential ingredients to succeed in playing the instrument, equally and if not more importantly, a deep love and passion for music is crucial.

This combination when integrated with the individuals natural talent, provides a winning formula and is what I seek to engender in my students. I regard myself as an empathic, patient and dedicated teacher who seeks to help you achieve your goal whether that is the casual or formal study of the instrument including formal examinations.

I would welcome your enquiry so please feel free to call me to discuss your own personal musical dreams!

“Lean your body forward slightly to support the guitar against your chest, for the poetry of the music should resound in your heart"

Andrés Segovia

Taliesin Coward

Dr Taliesin Coward is a Sydney-based violin teacher, soloist, and musicologist, specializing in teaching violin, and performance skills for musicians (both solo and ensemble settings). He is a tertiary qualified pedagogue and MTA accredited teacher (violin & music theory), and since 2008 has been in demand as a studio teacher, and workshop and ensemble presenter. He is an experienced distance educator and assessor, with teaching activities including both in-person and remote/online music instruction. An active performer, Dr Taliesin is noted for his virtuosic performances, and is a multi-instrumentalist and singer, and a founding member of, and soloist with the internationally recognised Australian chamber orchestra Camerata Academica of the Antipodes. His appearances as a soloist also include guest artist for the Australian Society of Composers and numerous chamber music appearances.

Taliesin’s qualifications include: Doctor of Philosophy for his research into the performance skills of virtuoso musicians (UNE); BA Hons. First Class for his research on music interpretation theory, Historically Informed Performance and Improvisation studies (UNE), Studio Pedagogy (Charles Sturt University) and MTA accreditation (violin & theory). He is the recipient of the prestigious Australian Postgraduate Award and his research into violin performance has been published by the University of Otago, New Zealand. Taliesin is also an active member of the Musicological Society of Australia (MSA) and regularly presents at international conferences.

John Garrick

Ken Burns