Staff News
Music Staff
Ed Chan
Instrumental Teacher - Strings Specialist
We are pleased to welcome Ed Chan to the Huntingtower Music Department, where he will be working with our Junior string ensembles and offering private violin lessons to students across year levels.
Ed brings a dynamic and international background to the role, with a Master of Music (Performance Teaching) from the University of Melbourne and a Diploma in Piano Performance with a Minor in Composition from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (Singapore). While Ed’s primary instrument is piano, his multi-instrumental proficiency - particularly in violin - combined with his deep musical expertise, positions him as a valuable contributor to our strings program.
With extensive experience as an instrumental teacher, accompanist and ensemble director in both Melbourne and Singapore, Ed has worked in a wide variety of educational settings, including St Columba’s College, where he directed ensembles and received a commendation from the Music Theatre Guild of Victoria for his musical direction. He has also taught at St Monica’s College and contributed to numerous community choirs and choral festivals, highlighting his passion for collaboration and performance.
Ed’s broad musical background includes work with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Chorus and performance engagements with Polyphonic Voices, Hamer Singers and the A Cappella group SUADE. His holistic and energetic approach to music education helps students develop not only their technical skill, but also a love for ensemble performance and musical expression.
We are excited to welcome Ed to our vibrant music community and look forward to the creativity, precision and inspiration he will bring to our string ensembles and violin program.
Tom Silvester
Instrumental Teacher - Strings Specialist
We are excited to introduce Tom Silvester as a new member of our Huntingtower Music Department, where he will be working with our string ensembles and providing specialist violin and viola tuition.
Tom brings a remarkable breadth of experience as a string educator, ensemble director and professional musician, with a career spanning over three decades. Since returning to instrumental teaching, he has worked across multiple schools including Beaconhills College, Luther College and Officer Secondary College, leading both individual lessons and string ensemble programs.
A graduate of the University of Oxford with a BA (Hons) in Music, Tom has a rich background in chamber music, orchestral performance and conducting, having worked with groups such as the Oxford Chamber Choir and studied conducting under George Hurst. His holistic teaching style blends technical development, theory and musicianship with a student-led approach to repertoire, aiming to equip students with independence, confidence and curiosity in their learning journey.
In addition to his teaching, Tom is an accomplished composer and music producer for film, television and commercial clients across the UK, Europe and Australia. His compositions have been featured by major brands including Kellogg’s, Nestlé and Bendigo Bank, and he continues to work actively in the music production space.
Tom’s passion for both individual instruction and ensemble performance, along with his strong musical insight and experience, will be an outstanding addition to our string program and wider Music Department. We look forward to the depth, creativity and energy he will bring to our students and ensembles.
Alyse Faith
Instrumental Teacher - Flute Specialist
We are delighted to welcome Alyse Faith to the Huntingtower Music Department, where she will be offering private flute lessons and contributing her outstanding artistry and teaching expertise to our instrumental music program.
Alyse is an accomplished flautist and educator with an impressive performance and teaching portfolio. She holds a Master of Arts in Performance from the Royal Academy of Music in London, where she studied under world-renowned flautists including William Bennett and Michael Cox. She also completed a Bachelor of Music with Honours at the Melbourne Conservatorium and holds a Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Music in Teaching (LRAM) with Distinction.
Alyse has taught flute across a range of schools including Ivanhoe Grammar, Girton Grammar, Camp Hill Primary and Sunbury Downs College and currently runs her own flute studio. Her students range from beginners to advanced levels, and she is highly regarded for her nurturing, methodical and motivational teaching approach - as echoed in glowing testimonials from students and families alike.
As a performer, Alyse has worked as a casual musician with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra Victoria, Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Melbourne Philharmonic. Most notably, she has recently been selected to perform with the legendary Andrea Bocelli during his 2025 Australian tour in Sydney - an extraordinary recognition of her talent and professionalism.
Alyse’s experience in both classical performance and music education will be a tremendous asset to our students. Her commitment to excellence, warm presence and passion for music will no doubt inspire our young flautists to thrive.
We are thrilled to welcome Alyse to the Huntingtower community and look forward to the energy and expertise she will bring to our Music Department.
Niko Schäuble
Instrumental Teacher - Percussion Specialist
Joining our Music Department with a wealth of experience and creative energy, Niko Schäuble will be supporting our percussion program, with a focus on drum kit instruction and ensemble development.
Niko is a highly respected drummer, composer, producer and educator whose distinguished career spans more than three decades. His extensive background across jazz, classical, world music and contemporary composition makes him an exciting addition to our team, offering students an opportunity to learn from one of the most versatile and accomplished percussionists in the country.
Niko has taught drums, percussion, piano and composition to students of all ages and learning styles - including those with special needs. Known for his calm and supportive teaching approach, he builds student confidence while developing strong technique and musical understanding.
His professional career includes international performances, collaborations with renowned artists like Archie Roach and Ruby Hunter and original compositions for film, stage and TV. Niko also runs Pughouse Studios, a boutique recording space in Melbourne where he works as a producer and sound engineer, bringing valuable insight into the music industry and recording process.
In addition to his teaching and performance career, Niko has lectured and mentored at leading institutions such as the Victorian College of the Arts, Monash University, Swinburne and the Australian National University, covering topics from film scoring to ensemble direction and improvisation.
We are thrilled to welcome Niko to Huntingtower. His creative outlook, rhythmic mastery and dedication to student growth will undoubtedly enrich the percussion program and inspire our young musicians.
Mei Wah Chan
Instrumental Teacher - Strings Specialist
We are pleased to welcome Mei Wah Chan to the Huntingtower Music Department, where she will be offering violin tuition and supporting the broader strings program, with the capacity to extend into viola instruction as needed.
Mei Wah is a skilled and passionate strings educator with experience teaching violin, piano, theory and musicianship in both school and private settings. She has held teaching roles at Albert Park College, Kingswood College and Camberwell South Primary School, where she has been praised for her clear communication, thoughtful lesson planning and ability to build strong rapport with students of all ages and skill levels.
She holds an Associate of Music Diploma (AMEB) in Violin and completed a Bachelor of Music (Honours) in Classical Voice at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, reflecting her versatility as both a string player and vocalist. Her classical training and broad musical background enable her to deliver lessons that are technically focused, engaging and tailored to individual goals.
Alongside her instrumental teaching, Mei Wah has been involved in choral direction, vocal coaching for theatre productions and performance work across classical, operatic and contemporary settings. Her well-rounded musicianship and collaborative spirit will enhance the strings program and provide students with a rich and supportive learning environment.
We are excited to have Mei Wah on board and look forward to the energy, professionalism and passion she brings to our violin students and the wider Music Department.
Mrs Simone Nuroo
Director of People & Culture