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.