Category: Past Students

"Cottage for me was a real game changer; I'm not sure if I would be working in the music industry if it hadn't been for those classes! I always enjoyed it and felt like I was good at it because everything made sense, and like I had known everything all along - such is the genius of Micheál's teaching. Yet, I left with a musical skill set that has enabled me to perform and teach with ease, and I am so grateful for the comprehensive training I received through the school. I learned from some other fantastic instrumental teachers and was lucky enough to go to a school with a highly esteemed music programme, but it was Cottage that really made everything come together for me. These days, I spend a great deal of my time teaching piano, and I really see the edge that the Cottage-trained kids have. Parents spend a lot of time deciding where to send their child to school, but to me, the choice to enrol in Cottage is more significant. Micheál's classes were where I learned my craft, made most of my long term friends, and learned how to be myself as a performer - I cannot recommend them highly enough! Micheál is an incredible educator, and I still have frequent revelations as to why he presented certain concepts to our class in a certain way, some 15 years on! We are so lucky to have a world class programme like this in Perth, and no doubt we will continue to see the resultant positive effects in our music community for many years to come." - Sarah Cranfield

Past Student

"Cottage School of Music gave me the best musical foundation that I could ever hope for. I attended Micheál's classes throughout high school and that definitely gave me a headstart through my university days at WAAPA. As a strings and theory teacher, the skills and knowledge that Micheál passed on have been indispensable. His classes are highly recommended for any musician - young or old!" - Adrian Yeo

Past Student

"At the age of three I was introduced to music through Cottage School and continued attending for over twelve years, allowing me to witness the full affect it has on someone’s life, both personally and musically. The Kodály system gave me a solid understanding of the subtleties that exist in music - due to the pure joy for learning that filled the classes under the guidance of Micheál McCarthy. Having now been exposed to various other musical systems, I can say with certainty that the skills I was able to explore in classes allows for a greater understanding and appreciation of all systems. Now living in Switzerland and attending the Lausanne Conservatoire, every day I recognise the tangible benefits of having attended these classes. I am able to view music in a comprehensive way, with this translating to the view I have on life in general. I would recommend Cottage School to any child who wishes to explore music, irrespective of their future ambitions or level. The program allows for children to learn valuable skills in a well adapted environment through dance and song, without even knowing they are learning. It is without doubt an essential program for all who wish to expose their child to music and the arts." Rita Fernandes, Switzerland

Past Student

"I was involved with the Cottage School of Music from 2001-2009. During this period, I gained experience singing in choirs, developed crucial aural skills, and received general musicianship training. Today, I am midway through a Bachelor of Arts degree Majoring in Music at the University of Western Australia, the assistant organist of St George’s Cathedral, and regularly sing in professional choirs and concerts around Perth. I have no doubt that I would not be where I am today musically without the help of Cottage and Micheál McCarthy. The program is presented in an engaging and innovative manner for children in such a way that a great amount of knowledge is absorbed whilst still having a lot of fun. In my opinion, nowhere else in WA are you able to get such a high quality of musicianship training at such a young age, and would thoroughly recommend it for any child with a passion for music." - Michael Lukin

Past Student

"I started classes at Cottage School of Music when I was three years old, and continued until I was seventeen. I’m now twenty and studying music honours at UWA, teaching violin students and participating in several orchestras and choirs. Attending Cottage classes throughout my childhood has given me a strong foundation of musical appreciation, knowledge and skills that now help me as a music student and teacher. I learned a vast range of useful things, from basic ideas of rhythm, melody and improvisation to more complicated concepts such as musical form and structure, and had a fun time learning amongst students at a similar level. I believe that this kind of music education is important because it’s comprehensive and delivered well, while being memorable and enjoyable for students of all ages. " - Julia Nicholls

Past Student

Request Information

Enrolments, Class Information

REQUEST NOW