Northcote Primary School Instrumental Program

Introducing our NPS Music Program Teachers

The Instrumental Music Program is run by experienced music teachers who offer high quality, private music lessons, combining an enjoyable learning environment with developing a strong musical foundation. Students learn essential skills such as reading music, listening in a group context, music theory, repertoire development and performance.

Children can learn a variety of instruments – guitar, drums and piano – in either individual or group lessons. Lessons run from 12pm, across lunch hour in the OSHClub building and after school in the NPS music room. Students will also have the opportunity to perform at the yearly school FETE concert.

My name is Erasmus “Raz” Toscano, a professional pianist based in Melbourne with a focus on figuring things out by ear. I enjoy playing a wide variety of musical instruments from the saxophone to the cello and I feel like this is reflected in my style of playing and the way I approach music!

One of my favourite things about teaching is the process of finding out exactly what clicks for any given student. That might look like figuring out what movies they like or what games they play and then immediately bringing them to life on a piano.

For me, the most important part about learning a new instrument is being able to maximise an excitement to play and a positive association with the lessons. Making lessons fun and engaging while continuing to challenge their skills and thinking is a big value of mine and I maintain that balance very well.

Whilst I only speak English I am pretty fluent in Spotify meaning there's no genre, style or song I can't take on board. This is demonstrated in a few bands im currently a part of playing all kinds of genres like Psych Rock, Jazz, Neo-soul, Funk, R&B and many more.

Hi! I’m Nic, a piano, saxophone, clarinet and flute teacher here at Northcote Primary. 

I’ve been playing the piano and saxophone for the last 20 years and teaching both of these with flute and clarinet for the last 4. 

You can catch me around Melbourne playing predominantly jazz at both venues and weddings, as well as playing music for musicals. 

I enjoy teaching young people and look forward to helping them to achieve their musical potential, as well as fostering a love for all things music.