Music Teachers' Association
of New South Wales

Amanda Handel

Andrea Calilhanna

Andrea Calilhanna

MMus, GradDipT (Mus), DipMus, LMusA, AMusA, MMTA, FCSME, MAAS

PhD Candidate, University of Adelaide

Andrea Calilhanna is an experienced music educator, researcher, and performer who has taught in studio and classroom settings since 1984. Based in Cherrybrook, her student-centred studio welcomes learners of all ages and levels—from five-year-old beginners to diploma candidates—whether preparing for exams or playing for personal enjoyment. She teaches piano, saxophone, musicianship, theory, composition, accompaniment, and HSC Music, focusing on strong foundations, confidence, and individual progress.

Andrea specializes in metre and rhythm pedagogy. Her doctoral research at the University of Adelaide examines metre basics through Ski-hill Graph Pedagogy, a contemporary approach inspired by Richard Cohn’s theoretical work. She has authored two books on the subject, Ski-hill Graph Pedagogy Meter Fundamentals (2024) and Clap, Tap and Map, which introduce accessible ways to understand metre beyond traditional time signatures.

She holds a Master of Music from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, where she also worked as a sessional academic. Andrea has presented her research internationally, served as a Visiting Fellow at the MARCS Institute, and is currently contributing a chapter to a Springer Nature book series on acoustics.

A long-standing member and former leader within the Music Teachers’ Association of NSW, Andrea also belongs to various professional societies spanning musicology, education, and acoustics. Her diverse background includes performing in chamber, choral, jazz, and popular music ensembles, as well as training pre-service teachers at several Queensland universities. She welcomes prospective students seeking expert, supportive music tuition that balances high academic standards with an encouraging learning environment.

Rosalind Carlson

Rosalind is an Australian composer who is gaining international recognition. She enjoys considerable success as a teacher, guest lecturer (Aust. Int. Conservatorium of Music Sydney in teacher professional development courses), composer, conductor (of internationally acclaimed Carlson Chorale), performer, singer, examiner and adjudicator.

Currently, Rosalind has seven publications of instrumental and choral works and a CD 'Australian Compositions for Piano' (1990-95) on the market. Her series of graded exercises for beginner pianists 'Flexi-Fingers' has enjoyed enormous success since its publication in 1992.

Published books/works:
1. A graphic keyboard tutor 'Flexi-Fingers for Beginning Pianists' (1992)
2. Flexi-Fingers 'Work Book - piano (1993)
3. Flexi-fingers 'Five Concert Pieces' - piano (1993)
4. 'Three Australian Landscapes' - piano (1996)
5. 'Psalms of Joy' S,S,A,A, Choral a cappella (1997)
6. 'Waterfall in Spring' - flute/piano ensemble (1997)
7. 'Hear the Angels Sing' - miniature cantata - treble voices, piano, flute, trumpet, cello, percussion (1999)
8. 'Hear the Angels Sing' - soprano solo/piano (200)

Also available:
'Mother Hen and the Chicks' - violin/piano
'Broomstick Scherzo' - bassoon/piano
'Australian Bushfire' - violin/piano

The Sydney born Australian composer's musical works reveal a natural absorption of the Australian environment which surrounds her in a country of vast contrasts.

Published by Flexi-Fingers Publications.