Values

Our Core Values include:

• Supporting students to learn and explore music and the creative arts through self expression - which means we don’t impose on the student, or shape them into something they do not wish to be - but rather, we celebrate students individuality and allow them to gravitate to their interests, and use music making and self expression to learn and understand music and the arts.

• We encourage students to: Ask questions, imagine what could be, experiment, and self reflect - meaning, we avoid jumping to instructive learning, but allow students to be learning partners, and engage in musical problems, ask questions, imagine solutions, try and experiment various approaches, and self reflect and self evaluate their own ideas. This supports students to be more independent learners, and aware of their progress.

• We are focused on learning that balances students wellbeing, abilities, and individuality, with inspiration to think big, innovate, and fearlessly create music and art. - meaning we don’t place expectations on students, we all start at different levels, with different ideas, directions and goals. With our personalised and holistic learning models, we factor in students wellbeing an abilities towards fun an engaging projects that inspire students to be themselves, to think big, innovate, be OK to make mistakes, and fearlessly explore music and creative arts.

  
  

Teachers and our Founder Patrick Nellestein

Patrick Nellestein is the founder and director of River Road Creative Academy, a vibrant creative arts factory designed to nurture participants' self-expression through music and the arts. Our innovative approach harmonizes wellbeing with creativity, encouraging fearless exploration in a supportive and dynamic environment.

Before founding River Road, Patrick served as the Head of Composition & Music Production the Australian Institute of Music, transitioning to Quality Manager for Navitas and SAE Creative Institute. His extensive creative background includes composing music for film and television, with notable contributions to Channel 10’s The Project, and various programs on Channel 9 and ABC. Patrick's academic journey culminated in a Master’s Degree in Music and a Master of Music Therapy from Western Sydney University, reflecting his deep commitment to the transformative power of music.

As a Registered Music Therapist, Patrick is passionate about making music accessible to people of all ages and abilities. He believes in music as a powerful medium for self-expression, personal creative development.

As a dedicated community contributor, Patrick has designed and led numerous innovative projects that enhance creative skills while promoting social cohesion and community collaboration. His initiatives include community music groups and choirs, creative youth recording projects, and community outreach sessions. Additionally Patrick operates a mobile creative arts studio, which brings the joy of music and art to remote villages, ensuring these enriching experiences reach even the most isolated communities.

At River Road we provide qualified and highly experienced teachers, combined with content and learning methods designed to the quality found at universities and Conservatoriums.

Teachers

Neill Gray - Drums

Neill is an experienced drum teacher with expertise across a variety of music styles, though his true passion lies in rock music. With a deep love for rhythm, he enjoys nurturing his students' enthusiasm for drumming, creating a positive and motivating learning environment. Neill focuses on striking the perfect balance between building solid technical skills and ensuring each lesson is fun and engaging. Whether working with beginners or advanced players, he tailors his teaching to meet individual needs, encouraging creativity and expression. His goal is to inspire students to grow as drummers while fostering a lifelong love for music.

Bella Chu - Piano

Bella Chu is a classically trained pianist with experience in contemporary and jazz styles, adding versatility to her music. She also leads the Dilly Choir, a community choir in Wollondilly that promotes connection and creativity through singing. Bella’s passion lies in making music accessible and fostering personal growth, whether through piano lessons or choir participation. Her work emphasizes inclusion, wellbeing, and the joy of shared musical experiences.

Samantha Essex - Guitar

Samantha is a passionate music educator, guitar enthusiast, and all-round creative. She believes learning music should be inspiring, empowering, and—most of all—fun. With a background rooted in creativity and a love for lifelong learning, Sam specialises in guitar tutoring for students of all ages and abilities. Whether you're picking up a guitar for the first time or looking to refine your skills, Sam is here to guide you through the journey in a way that suits your unique style and goals. Her sessions are relaxed, welcoming, and tailored to the individual, focused on creating a space where students feel confident to explore, express, and develop their musical voice. Sam is passionate about supporting students to build creative skills, explore their sound, and grow confidence as musicians.

Jack Andrews - Guitar, Music Production

Jack is a classically trained guitarist with expertise in contemporary styles, including rock and heavy metal. His diverse musical background allows him to connect with students across genres. Currently halfway through his Master of Music Therapy, Jack is passionate about the therapeutic power of music and its ability to foster self-expression and well-being. His teaching blends technical skill with creativity, helping students grow as musicians while exploring music’s emotional and personal impact.

Erika Dunlop - Violin

Erika is a dedicated violin teacher and experienced educator with over 20 years in the education industry. Her passion for music extends beyond the classroom, as she actively advocates for community programs that promote creativity and connection. Erika’s teaching focuses on building strong technical foundations while nurturing a love for music in her students. She is committed to empowering individuals through music, fostering personal growth, and supporting inclusive, community-based arts initiatives.

Alexandra - Cello, Piano, Guitar, Double Bass, Electric Bass, Music Production

Alex brings over a decade of experience teaching and performing across festivals like Dark Mofo, Falls Festival, and the National Folk Festival. She blends classical and contemporary styles, supports students of all ages and abilities, and creates inclusive, student centred spaces — especially for neurodivergent learners. Alex offers lessons in cello, piano, guitar, double bass, electric bass and music production!

Nathan Walker - Guitar, Bass

Many of you may have seen Nathan at our events, like the Thirlmere Steam Festival and Illuminate Festivals, jamming with passersby and creating incredible music experiences - as well as helping out with our youth events and the Tuesday Night Creative Youth Drop In Sessions

Now, he’s bringing that same enthusiasm and creativity to our teaching team! - providing guitar lessons on Mondays and Tuesdays. Nathan has a real gift for inspiring kids to pick up the guitar and make music with confidence with an advanced knowledge of music and guitar technique.

Jassy - Vocals, Piano

Jassy is an internationally acclaimed soprano known for her stunning versatility and expressive performances. A graduate of the Royal College of Music in London, later earning a Master’s degree from the Wales International Academy of Voice. She has graced stages worldwide, including performances at the Sydney Opera House and London Coliseum. Jassy has performed leading operatic roles in productions such as Don Giovanni, The Marriage of Figaro, and Tosca. Jassy has featured on major film soundtracks including The Hobbit. Her education career includes teaching at Sydney Con, and setting up a music program for Yale

Heather Davies - Flute, Guitar, Vocals, Music Production

Heather Davies is a multi-talented artist with over 30 years experience in the creative field fulfilling roles as a conductor, composer, and teacher. Heather embarked on her artistic journey by studying painting at Canberra Art School before earning her Fine Arts degree from the Australian National University. Heather's dedication to her craft led her to attain postgraduate qualifications from the Australian Institute of Music, alongside a CertV in Training and Assessment. With a rich performance background, Heather has not only graced the stage as a vocalist but has also shared her expertise by teaching vocals, flute, guitar, songwriting, stagecraft, and music theory.

Jackson Simpson - Guitar, Music Production, Songwriting

A professionally trained songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Jackson brings over a decade of experience in live performance, production, and music education. With a Bachelor of Music (majoring in song composition and studio musicianship), he’s toured, recorded, and played massive stages like Falls Festival and Taste of Tasmania, even supporting music icons like Neil Finn.
His teaching style is gentle, encouraging, and neuro-affirming, focused on creativity, collaboration, and building confidence.

Finn Campbell - Guitar, Drums, Piano, Vocals, Music Production, Songwriting and Studio Coordinator

As well as being a passionate music teacher, Finn plays a key role behind the scenes at River Road, helping to keep the studio running smoothly and supporting the day-to-day creativity that flows through our spaces. With a Cert III in Music Industry (Sound Production), Finn brings a mix of creative flair and technical know-how – from producing original tracks to helping other artists shape their sound.
Finn’s musical world is shaped by the raw energy of alternative rock, early 2000s post-punk, and a deep love for songwriting and self-expression through sound. He's especially passionate about creating inclusive spaces, making music education accessible, supportive, and fun.

Morrisey Powell - Drums, Piano, Guitar

With a Bachelor of Creative Arts (Music) and a Master of Teaching under his belt, Morrisey brings serious rhythm and real classroom chops. He’s taught across NSW public high schools and knows exactly how to fire up a room full of young creatives.
While drums are Morrisey’s primary instrument, like many of our River Road teachers, he’s a multi-instrumentalist—proficient on both guitar and piano!
Students will explore key drumming foundations including stick control, timing, rudiments, and full-kit coordination—while also jamming, improvising, and building their own style along the way

Sarah Melluish - Singing, Piano, Songwriting

Sarah is a passionate and dedicated singing teacher with experience helping students discover and refine their voices. She teaches all genres from popular to opera and focuses on building strong vocal technique, enhancing musical expression, and fostering a love for performance and music. With a deep understanding of vocal anatomy and a commitment to creating a supportive, fun, and inclusive learning environment, Sarah guides students of all ages and skill levels toward achieving their full vocal potential. 

Agile Learning Framework

River Road utilises its own Agile Learning Framework, focused on balancing participant’s creative goals, learning outcomes, and wellbeing to support students creative development and creative aspirations.

Working With Children

River Road is registered as a Child Related Employer (REG0049120)

All River Road teachers and staff (including administrative staff) have current Working With Children Checks (WWCC)

River Road is also a Registered Creative Kids Provider, where you can use your $100 Creative Kids voucher, provided by the NSW Government.

To apply for creative kids voucher, follow this link https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/campaign/creative-kids