About Us

A School Built on Belief

Emily Calder School of Performing Arts was founded on the belief that musical and theatrical education should be accessible to all — regardless of age, background, or prior experience.

“We all learn differently” — and Emily has developed strategies to make sure every student can find their way.

Early Beginnings

Emily Calder started her musical education at 4 years old on the violin at the Mitchell Conservatorium of Music, in central west NSW. This humble beginning was the start of a lifelong love of the arts, with the study of violin, viola, cello, voice, piano, flute and acting.

Professional Journey

With more than 30 years of performance experience in music and theatre, Emily developed a passion for pedagogy and education, embarking on her teaching journey in 2004.

Education & Qualifications

2022

Master of Arts (Theatre and Performance)

University of New England

2017

Bachelor of Music

University of New England

2010

Diploma of Music Teaching

University of Southern Queensland

2010

Conducting Studies with Jerry Nowak

ABODA Summer School

2004

Certificate of Theatre and Performance

AMEB

Directing & Performance

Emily has extensive orchestral directing, conducting and playing experience, with orchestras both amateur and professional throughout NSW and Victoria. As part of her continued education, Emily has studied theatre directing and over the last 7 years has had the opportunity to direct 17 theatre productions, including:

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with Bendigo Theatre Company (2022)
A Midsummer Night's Dream with Uncertain Curtain (2021)
Twelfth Night with Uncertain Curtain (2023)

Our Teachers

Meet our team of teachers who are passionate about what they do.

Will Calder

Drama

Will has been part of the Drama club’s teacher training internship program for the past 12 months, his most recent achievements include stage manager, set designer/ creator for the Drama clubs most recent production of Alice in wonderland and Wyrd sister. Will has a long performance career with 20+ productions, 8 years of tuition and the completion for his 7th grade AMEB Drama exam.

AJ Marek

Music Teacher

AJ is a multi-instrumentalist, actor, and dancer specialising in contemporary music. Currently studying a Bachelor of Music (contemporary performance) at the Australian Institute of Music in Melbourne, AJ loves performing numerous genres of music on multiple instruments. Though specialising in bass at university, AJ also has experience in vocal, piano, guitar, clarinet, drama, and musical theatre. Beginning their performance journey at 3, AJ has developed a strong love for the performing arts. With over 15 years of experience in music, theatre, and dance, and 15+ productions behind them, AJ is excited to begin teaching instrumental music after teaching musical theatre for the past 5 years.

Leah Grotto

Drama

Leah has been part of the Drama club’s teacher training internship program for the past 12 months and her most recent achievements include co choreographer and playing a major role in the Drama clubs most recent production of Alice in wonderland. Leah has performed in many productions with Tribe youth theatre, Uncertain curtain and On the hill theatre over the years. Leah has recently completed her 7th grade AMEB Drama exam.

Elli Calder

Drama/Early Childhood Music

For the last 12 months Elli has been part of the Drama club’s teacher training internship program, competing in competitions in NSW and Victoria. Elli recently completed her 6th grade AMEB Drama exam. Her most recent achievements include co choreographer and playing a major role in the Drama clubs most recent production of Alice in wonderland. Performing in many productions with Tribe youth theatre, Bendigo Theatre company, Uncertain curtain and On the hill theatre.

Olivia Smith

Violin

Olivia is a passionate and dedicated violinist and performer, completing extensive AMEB examinations, performing with the State School Spectacular orchestra, Bendigo Theatre company’s pit orchestra and the Bendigo Symphonie Orchestra, Olivia has a wealth on ensemble and soloistic performance experience to endue.

Lucy Huang

Strings Teacher

Lucy is a passionate violin teacher with over 10 years of playing experience. She has completed all AMEB violin examinations, developing a strong technical foundation and musical understanding. She has performed in orchestras for several years, gaining valuable ensemble experience and a deep appreciation for collaborative music-making. As a teacher, Lucy is patient, supportive, and enthusiastic, tailoring lessons to suit each student’s individual needs. She focuses on building solid technique, musical confidence, and a genuine love for the violin. Her goal is to inspire students to enjoy learning music while developing skills that support long-term musical growth.

Tara McBurney

Drama Teacher

ara has been taking drama classes here at Emily Calders school for performing arts since she was nine years old, and is now delighted to take on a teaching role. She has performed in shows every year with Emily Calder, from her first show Alice in Wonderland in 2018, to Carpe Jugulum in 2025. She took part in Tribe Youth Theatres ‘Puffs’ (2022) and worked backstage for BSE’s school production of ‘Annie’ the same year, and performed in the BSE production of ‘Legally Blonde’ (2023). With Nexus youth theatre, Tara was a part of ‘Cinderella’ (2024) and ‘The Music Man’ (2025). Tara is now completing year 12 at Bendigo senior secondary college.

Gene Holland

Piano Teacher

Gene is a composer, educator, pianist, and trombonist who has been teaching piano since 2016. As a pianist, Gene particularly enjoys improvising, playing twentieth century music and his own compositions, as well as playing rock piano in his band. His piano lessons focus on technique and technical proficiency, music reading skills, aural skills, improvisation, and developing an ongoing love for and critical approach to music. To keep students motivated and interested, Gene helps them gain an appreciation of the skills they are learning, and helps them utilize music as a creative outlet for their own enjoyment. As well as private teaching, Gene has been involved in many group music projects in both professional and educational settings. He holds an Honours degree in Music (majoring in Composition) and a Graduate Diploma of Education, both from Monash University.

Saige Armour

Piano Teacher

Saige is a dedicated student musician and music educator with strong experience in both solo performance and ensemble settings including the Melbourne Youth Orchestra. She plays both piano and alto saxophone, currently completing Grade 8 piano and Grade 6 saxophone exams and has achieved success in multiple competitions across both instruments. As a teacher, Saige takes a supportive and student-focused approach, tailoring each lesson to suit individual goals and learning styles. She balances both building a solid technical foundation and fostering creativity, gradually introducing music theory from the early stages to strengthen understanding over time. Her lessons incorporate theory and improvisation to encourage both musical expression and songwriting. Saige aims to create an engaging and enjoyable learning environment where students not only develop strong skills, but also gain confidence, creativity, and a lasting appreciation for music.