Music in
Education and Health
Music in Education - develops the whole person
Music in Health - keeps the person whole
Music sessions available online or in person
About Gail
I am a piano teacher, music educator and Registered Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) Therapist with a deep belief in the transformative power of music. I work with children, adolescents, and adults in individual and group settings, supporting growth, wellbeing, and meaningful connection through music.
Growing up near Brisbane, I discovered my passion for music at the age of five through piano and ballet lessons. By sixteen, I was performing professionally as a pianist and organist for weddings and corporate events. While living in Europe, I began teaching piano in Belgium, and after returning to Australia, I founded Godfrey’s Academy of Music in Brisbane, which was recognised as an Outstanding Business Achiever.
My work is shaped by the educational philosophy of Zoltán Kodály, the depth psychology of Carl Jung and my contemplative practice has been shaped by the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius of Loyola, which continue to inform both my personal and professional life.
I hold qualifications in Music, Human Services, Theology, and Education, along with specialist training in Guided Imagery and Music through the University of Melbourne. I am a Fellow of the Association for Music and Imagery and a Registered GIM Therapist.
Throughout my career, I have worked across private music education, community music programs, schools, youth services, residential care, youth detention, women’s correctional settings, and dementia care. These experiences have reinforced my belief in music’s unique ability to foster connection, restore dignity, and support personal transformation.
I am honoured to have received the 2019 International Katalin Forrai Award for Early Childhood Music Education and to be recognised as a recipient of the 2024 Yamaha Breakout Award for Excellence in Piano Teaching.
Alongside my private piano studio, I conduct the Logan Dementia Choir and offer Music and Imagery sessions for individuals and small groups. Music is the thread that connects all aspects of my work, accompanying people through experiences of loss, change, renewal, accomplishment and the ongoing process of becoming.
Achievements
2024 Yamaha Breakout Award
One of only 10 teachers in Australia recognised for excellence in piano teaching.
2019 International Katalin Forrai Award
Recipient for excellence in early childhood music education.
Professional Qualifications
- Teacher of Music
- Bachelor of Human Services
- Bachelor of Theology
- Master of Education
- Registered Guided Imagery & Music Therapist
- Fellow of the Association for Music and Imagery
Gail is passionate about the holistic development of people, reflected in her diverse areas of study. Her multidisciplinary approach combines education, music, theology, and therapy to strengthen and enrich her work with people of all ages and backgrounds.
"Music imprints itself deeper than any other human experience... Music brings back the feeling of life when nothing else can."
Services
Music Education
- Piano and Theory Tuition (beginners to advanced, all ages)
- Children with special needs / gifted children
- Examinations optional
- Early Childhood Music Teaching Courses
Music Psychotherapy
Embracing the imagination for Health and Wellbeing Music Psychotherapy sessions for children and adults are known to be effective in managing stress, trauma recovery, grief, spiritual growth, physical illness and relationship change.
- Relaxation
- Retreat
- Workshops
Additional Info
NDIS clients accepted
Further information about Guided Imagery and Music can be found at
Check eligibility at 1800 800 110 or https://ndis.gov.au/
Testimonial
“My son has been learning piano with Gail for the past 6.5 years. She is an incredible teacher who is very knowledgeable, patient and nurturing. He has a disability and to watch how she teaches and guides him during lessons as well as performances is truly heart-warming and inspiring. We are very grateful to have found Gail to teach my son and I hope he can continue to learn with her for many more years to come.” -S.Piano & Theory
Enjoyment the key to learning
The element of enjoyment is important in learning. Understanding individual differences in students has given me insights into various learning styles and cognitive development stages among students. This understanding enables me to adapt my teaching approach to accommodate diverse learning needs and preferences, maximising the learning potential of each student. Various students follow a calling to become professional musicians, teachers and songwriters. Others carry the beauty of music close to their hearts and embody piano playing to enrich their lives.
- Piano, Keyboard
- Theory, Musicianship
- Ages: Toddlers to Seniors
- Levels: Beginners to Advanced
- Gifted children
- Children with special needs
- AMEB & St. Cecilia Examinations
- Relaxed performance opportunities
- Learn for fun!
Early Childhood
Discover beat, rhythm, pitch
While children are learning to walk, talk, sing, move, play, create and explore, they are developing social, emotional, spiritual, physical and intellectual aspects in their young lives. Through rhymes, songs, games, dances, and works of the great composers (art music), they discover the elements of beat, rhythm, pitch, timbre, form and expression.
- Early Childhood Music courses for teachers, parents, students
- Childcare Centre Teacher Training
Music Psychotherapy
The healing power of music
From time to time, some issues can resolve themselves. That doesn’t always happen, and only you know if a situation, a dream or a feeling continues to persists. If a concern doesn’t seem to go away, or you find yourself in the same pattern over and over again, it may be time to it may be time to consider addressing the issue with the help of a skilled therapist who specializes in music and imagery as their main tools of the trade.
The healing power of music has been recognised since ancient times. Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) is a process that involves listening to music in a deeply relaxed state of consciousness guided by a trained therapist. GIM is an evidence-based therapeutic program.
GIM is an alternative to ‘talking’ therapies where physical, emotional and spiritual concerns can be addressed. It is not always easy to find words to describe our feelings or thoughts; however, the beauty of GIM is that words are not always required. GIM sessions can help with things such as slowing down our emotional reactions to situations, can give us clarity in making decisions and help make sense of our feelings. Whether in individual, group, or family sessions, GIM is a confidential experience that assists you to understand your feelings and experiences.
Everyone deserves a helping hand now and then. Through a series of GIM sessions we learn the courage to take small steps to achieve goals and shift in levels of creativity to live a more peaceful, meaningful life. GIM is not only suitable to aid in resolving deeper issues; it is useful for improving quality of life for example work performance, relationships and for relaxation.
4 stages to the GIM process
There are four stages to the GIM process:
- Pre-discussion
- Relaxation
- Music listening
- Post discussion.
Music and artistic skills are not needed for this type of experience to be successful.
Music Psychotherapy Sessions
- Supporting children, adolescents and adults experiencing anxiety, trauma, loss, grief and their quest for creative and spiritual growth
Music & Imagery Workshops
- For employees – corporate and government organisations, schools, hospitals, private groups
All information is kept confidential.
Acknowledgement
I acknowledge the Turrbal and Yuggera peoples, the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land on which I work, create and celebrate. I am inspired and nurtured by their wisdom, spirituality and experience and commit to actively working alongside them for reconciliation and justice. I pay respects to the Elders past and present and recognise the continuing gift of their cultures to the life and spirit of Australia. As we take our next step we remember the first footsteps taken on this sacred land.