A bit about us .......

AGAPE is a music school which has been fostering a love of music in the Macarthur region for 15 years.

Music Tuition:

Piano lessons take place Monday to Friday during school terms.

Guitar and voice lessons take place one afternoon a week during school terms.

Lessons are usually 30 minutes in duration, one on one with the tutor.

Student performances are held twice a year.

AGAPE is an AMEB  examination centre for Metropolitan Series 2 piano exams which are held in November / December each year.        

AGAPE has a Yamaha Grand piano, two Yamaha upright pianos and 2 good quality digital pianos.

The oversight of AGAPE is the responsibility of the AGAPE Management Board under the governance of the Camden Uniting Church.

Piano Tutoring - Heather Bieman

Heather has been senior teacher and the co-ordinator of AGAPE since it began in 2004. She is passionate about passing on her knowledge and love of music, and helping others find enjoyment and a sense of fulfilment as they learn to play or sing. She believes music is a gift which needs to be shared.

Heather completed her formal education and music training in New Zealand - has a Bachelor of Music degree and Dip. Ed. from Auckland University, and A.T.C.L diploma in piano studies from Trinity College. She moved to Australia and taught music in high schools for many years before turning her attention to teaching piano.

She is primarily a classical musician, but loves to teach a variety of music styles to her students.

Heather has been acknowledged for her contribution to the community with a Paul Harris Fellowship - awarded by Camden Rotary Club in 2017, and an Australia Day Arts and Cultural award from Camden Council in 2021.

​

Piano Tutoring - Amber De Nardi

Amber De Nardi has had a long association with AGAPE through her involvement with the Macarthur Piano Teachers group and as co-organiser of the Macarthur Australian Composers Piano Festival in 2018.

In 2021 she joined the team of tutors at AGAPE as a senior tutor in piano. She brings a wealth of experience as a musician and as a teacher.  Amber is passionate about teaching music, not just because it is a valuable discipline, but also because music offers to  students of all ages and capabilities, the opportunity to develop creativity, improve mental skills and enrich their character.  Amber has studied music for eight years with one of Australia’s most acclaimed pianists and composers, Miriam Hyde. During this time she acquired a wealth of musical knowledge, insight and experience, and gained the following qualifications: A Mus A; T Mus A from the AMEB ( Australian Music Examinations Board ) LTCL from Trinity College London.  

She also holds a BA from UNSW, and has worked as a journalist and editor from Fairfax Newspapers, and has lectured at Notre Dame University, Sydney ( media studies).

Guitar Tutoring - Jayden Houghton

Jayden was encouraged by his father to play guitar from an early age, and those early years of playing at home gave him a love of music which he then took to another level by having both guitar and vocal lessons. He attended Macarthur Anglican School and studied music to the HSC level, performing on guitar for his final exams. Not only is he an excellent guitarist and vocalist, but he is also a drummer - almost a “one man” band.

Jayden has an Extended Diploma of Design from Western Sydney University, and is currently studying for the Bachelor of  Design ( Visual Communication ).

While studying subjects outside the music faculty, he is very keen to stay involved in the local music scene. He is enthusiastic about teaching young children to play guitar and to sing along if they would like to do that. He will teach his students to read tablature as well as helping them to develop a good musical ear. 

Voice Tutoring - Sharna Elliott

Sharna Elliott taught singing at AGAPE some years ago, and now her family is almost grown up, and she’s back on the team!

Sharna is an accomplished performer and an experienced teacher. She grew up listening to music in the home and quickly developed a love for singing. She dreamed of being on stage and that dream came true when as a teenager she performed on the Johnny Young Show and spent three months in Japan performing in a stage musical.  

Sharna is a classically trained vocalist and uses her stage name Sharna Le Grand when performing across a variety of genres from country and rock’n roll to light opera. She has showcased her talents in a plethora of production shows, cruise ship entertainment, weddings and corporate events.

She often performs in concerts with her husband Danny Elliott who is an internationally acclaimed vocalist and instrumentalist.

Performance Venue Hire

Camden Uniting Church auditorium houses a beautiful Yamaha Grand piano and has comfortable seating for approximately 180 people. The venue can be hired for concert performances by community groups and individuals.

Enquiries to the Camden Uniting Church office, Ph 4655 9303

or email office@camdenunitingchurch.org.au

​

AGAPE is home to:

* Gift of Music Concerts

&

* Macarthur Australian Composers Piano Festival

See Upcoming Events  (below) for any programmed events

​

Performance Accompaniment

Heather Bieman has been senior teacher and the co-ordinator of AGAPE since it began in 2004.
She plays for church services, weddings, and funerals, and often accompanies young instrumentalists for music examinations.
Hire us for this service and learn how we can cater to the unique needs of each client.

Performance Master Classes

Agape ( Amazing Grace Academy of Performing Excellence ) is committed to ensuring the development of local talent within the Macarthur area to a high standard by providing access and opportunity to work with elite musicians in their chosen field. Throughout the year workshops, seminars and MasterClasses are offered in various disciplines.

Refer to the Upcoming Events Section ( below ) for details regarding the next opportunity.

​

AGAPE is also an AMEB  Examination Centre for Metropolitan Series 2 piano exams which are held in November / December each year.

Our Testimonials

from our Students / Families