TEAM LEADER, TEACHING ARTISTS

Growing up in regional Queensland, Shannon was lucky to receive free violin lessons as part of their schooling. This experience gave them the passion and grit to establish a career as a musician and educator. Shannon went on to complete a Master of Music Performance and has completed further studies in the Dalcroze approach in the UK and the US. Currently, they work in Melbourne as a music teacher and perform as a violinist and pianist for
independent productions.

LEAD TEACHING ARTIST, CHAMBERS

Naomi is a violinist and teacher with a passion for sharing her love of music with students of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. With a Bachelor of Music Performance and Master of Music Performance, she has a wealth of orchestral and chamber music playing experience behind her. As a freelance violinist she has performed regularly with many orchestras and ensembles including Orchestra Victoria, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra and Canberra Symphony Orchestra. Naomi has taught in schools and privately for nearly 30 years. She is currently the ensemble director at Collingwood College where she also teaches individual violin and viola lessons. She also takes the junior ensemble “Prelude” with Melbourne String Ensemble. Naomi began working with Pizzicato Effect in 2022 and finds it one of the most rewarding and inspiring workplaces.

LEAD TEACHING ARTIST, ENSEMBLE

Senara is a passionate violinist and educator who has been surrounded by music throughout her life, believing in its power to cultivate creativity, confidence, and emotional expression. Although she began working with Pizzicato Effect recently, in Term 4 of 2024, her connection with this close-knit community extends back to 2016, when she first embarked on her orchestral journey as a Pizzi student. Over the years, she has performed in numerous orchestras, undertaken solo work, and is currently pursuing higher education in Violin Performance. Alongside her musical pursuits, Senara is studying a Bachelor of Education (Honours) and a Bachelor of Science (Physics andAstronomy) at Monash University. She aspires to empower the next generation of learners and serve as a role model in both the classroom and music community.

LEAD TEACHING ARTIST, BEGINNERS

Anna is a cellist and teacher with 30 years experience working in schools and in her private studio. She loves working with young people and believes strongly that music brings joy and enriches the whole person. She is an experienced conductor, having worked with student orchestras of all ages and abilities. Anna studied at the University of Melbourne and holds a Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Arts. She has a particular interest in chamber music and enjoys working as a freelance cellist. Anna is new to Pizzi and is excited to be part of this special community.

TEACHING ARTIST, BEGINNERS

Claire Fischer is a violin and viola teacher, specialising in the Suzuki Method. Claire has a particular interest and curiosity in music education and the impact it can have on all areas of a student’s life - their brain, their community and their place in the world to name just a few. This has resulted in continued studies in teaching and music psychology. She has played professionally in string quartets and has also branched out into contemporary music playing in bands and collaborating with poets to create soundscapes. She is especially proud to be part of the Pizzicato Effect.

TEACHING ARTIST, ENSEMBLE

Evelyn has been playing the cello since the age of four and has developed a lifelong passion for music and music education. She holds a Bachelor of Music from the University of Melbourne and an Honours degree in Music Performance from Monash University. She also received her Primary Level Suzuki Accreditation in 2023. Evelyn teaches cello across two schools and two music schools. She is passionate about sharing her love of music with students, helping them build confidence, technique, and enjoyment through learning. Alongside teaching, Evelyn works as a freelance cellist, with performance highlights including Synthony and numerous musical theatre productions throughout Melbourne.

Ellie Close
Alice Hurwood
Lucy Paterson
Samara Shanino