Values
Our Core Values include:
Supporting students to learn and explore music and the creative arts through self expression: We support students to explore music and the creative arts through self-expression. We don’t shape them into something they’re not — we celebrate individuality and help them follow their own interests to understand and create music in ways that feel authentic.
We encourage students to: Ask questions, imagine what could be, experiment, and self reflect: We encourage students to ask questions, imagine possibilities, experiment, and reflect. Rather than jumping straight to instruction, we work as learning partners — supporting students to solve musical problems, try ideas, and evaluate their own 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: We balance wellbeing, ability, and individuality with inspiration to think big and create fearlessly. There are no fixed expectations — just personalised pathways that allow students to innovate, make mistakes, and grow with confidence.
Teachers and our Founder Patrick Nellestein
Patrick Nellestein is the founder and director of River Road Creative Academy, a vibrant creative arts hub dedicated to nurturing self-expression through music and the arts. .
Before establishing River Road, Patrick was Head of Composition & Music Production at the Australian Institute of Music, later moving into Quality Management roles with Navitas and SAE Creative Institute. He has composed for film and television, including Channel 10’s The Project, and programs on Channel 9 and the ABC. He holds a Master of Music and a Master of Music Therapy from Western Sydney University.
As a Registered Music Therapist, Patrick is passionate about accessible, high-quality music experiences for all ages and abilities. River Road delivers experienced teachers and university-informed learning approaches within a dynamic community setting.
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.
Alexandra - Cello, Violin, Vocals, Piano, Guitar, Double Bass, Electric Bass, Music Production
Alex holds a Bachelor of Music from the Tasmanian Conservatorium of Music and brings over a decade of experience teaching and performing at major festivals including Dark Mofo, Falls Festival and the National Folk Festival.
Blending classical and contemporary styles, she supports students of all ages and abilities, creating inclusive, student-centred spaces — particularly for neurodivergent learners.
Alex teaches cello, piano, guitar, double bass, electric bass and music production, combining strong technique with creativity and confidence-building.
Mollie - Vocals, Piano
Currently completing her Bachelor of Music (Vocal Performance), Mollie is a dynamic and versatile vocalist across musical theatre, jazz, gospel and contemporary styles. She blends strong technical foundations with creative expression, helping students develop both skill and confidence.
Mollie brings a warm, patient and encouraging coaching style, creating a safe space where new and developing singers feel supported and empowered to find their voice. Teaching across both our Tahmoor and Moss Vale studios, she carries true River Road energy — passionate, grounded and community-minded.
Bella Chu
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.
Erika - 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.
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.
Nathan Walker - Guitar, Bass
Many of you will have seen Nathan at events like the Thirlmere Steam Festival and Illuminate Festival, jamming with passersby and supporting our youth programs and Tuesday Night Drop-In sessions.
Now he’s joining our teaching team, offering guitar lessons on Mondays and Tuesdays. Nathan brings great energy, advanced guitar knowledge, and a real gift for helping young musicians build confidence and skill.
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.
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.
Jack Andrews - Registered Music Therapist
Jack is a classically trained guitarist with strong expertise in contemporary styles, including rock and heavy metal, allowing him to connect with students across genres. Now a Registered Music Therapist, Jack integrates his therapeutic training with technical and creative teaching approaches. His sessions support students to build skill, confidence and self-expression, while recognising music’s powerful impact on wellbeing.
Melissa
Melissa Alcorne brings warmth, versatility and deep expertise in both music education and performance to the River Road team.
She teaches Piano, Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute and Trumpet, and supports students across a broad range of instruments and styles. Whether working with beginners or more experienced musicians, Melissa tailors each lesson to the individual, balancing strong foundations with creativity and enjoyment.
Her approach is engaging, confidence-building and grounded in real-world musical experience — perfectly aligned with the River Road way.
Samantha Essex
Samantha is a passionate music educator and guitar enthusiast who believes learning music should be inspiring, empowering and fun. She teaches students of all ages and abilities, from beginners to those refining their skills, tailoring each session to suit individual goals and styles. Sam creates a relaxed, welcoming space where students feel confident to explore, express themselves, and grow both creatively and musically.
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)
Creative Kids Registered Provider
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