Introducing Loretta Dawes

What do you remember most about your lessons as a student?

I always looked forward to my lessons and I have a lot of respect for all the tutors that taught me over the years. I will never forget in high school when our music teacher asked each student for the name of their tutor and I had just started having guitar lessons from a man named Aladdin. I still recall my teacher looking at me like I was making it up as I couldn't remember his surname.

Who has been your greatest influence and why?

Growing up in a musical family and always having music around me I've been truly blessed by the influence of my parents, brother and sisters. 

There's many people who have also inspired my love of music along the way from friends to famous artists and musicians. As well as those who have encouraged and taught me to be a better musician, my piano and guitar teachers, and Val Mackenzie, who was my vocal teacher through VCE Music. 

They have all helped shape my music experience and have given me the confidence and knowledge that I have today.

What do you enjoy most about teaching?

I love the individuality that each student brings to their lesson and seeing improvement through their practice and enjoyment for playing and performing. 

What is your advice to music students?

Don't ever give up! Practice, play, perform and don't be afraid to let people hear what you can do!

Enjoy a vast range of music and listen to different genres and styles to expand your knowledge and understanding of music.

Please contact Kelly Kerr if you have a student interested in music tuition. kkerr@tcc.vic.edu.au