Meet the Team
With our main Studio based in Sydney's Inner West suburb of Five Dock, the students of Sydney Guitar School travel from all over Sydney to make the most out of the best quality of teaching on offer. We also offer tuition in Kirribilli, in North Sydney and in the Sydney Central Business District.
Our teachers have a wealth of knowledge and experience on guitar and are Conservatorium trained and educated. With both teaching and International performing careers, you know you are in great hands.
We are committed to our students, assisting them with preparation for A.M.E.B exams, eisteddfods and tertiary auditions. Lessons are conducted in a friendly, warm environment, where students can feel comfortable and inspired about learning to play.
Giuseppe Zangari ensures that the training that each and every student receives is comprehensive, tailored to the student’s needs, and moreover, enjoyable.
If you or your child is in need of a guitar instructor, lessons are available 7 days a week.
Our teachers have a wealth of knowledge and experience on guitar and are Conservatorium trained and educated. With both teaching and International performing careers, you know you are in great hands.
We are committed to our students, assisting them with preparation for A.M.E.B exams, eisteddfods and tertiary auditions. Lessons are conducted in a friendly, warm environment, where students can feel comfortable and inspired about learning to play.
Giuseppe Zangari ensures that the training that each and every student receives is comprehensive, tailored to the student’s needs, and moreover, enjoyable.
If you or your child is in need of a guitar instructor, lessons are available 7 days a week.
SGS GUITAR-TEACHING TEAM
GIUSEPPE ZANGARI PRINCIPAL, SYDNEY GUITAR SCHOOL
Master and Bachelor of Music, Sydney University
Giuseppe Zangari
Principal Sydney Guitar School
Born in Sydney, Giuseppe received his Bachelor and Master of Music degrees in performance from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, studying under Gregory Pikler. He was awarded an Australia Council Grant and a scholarship from the Italian Government which saw him head abroad to Milan in 2006. There Giuseppe undertook further studies with Duo Maccari-Pugliese at the Accademia Internazionale della Musica, and Paolo Cherici at the Conservatorio di Musica "Giuseppe Verdi".
Since 2003, Giuseppe has been a teacher and lecturer at the Newcastle Conservatorium, University of Newcastle, and more recently has taught at the Sydney Conservatorium, University of Sydney and at the School of the Arts and Media, University of New South Wales. His duties have also included direction and tutoring of guitar ensembles in the chamber music program. At the Newcastle Conservatorium Giuseppe assisted in the development of a new guitar syllabus with colleagues. In addition to Giuseppe’s University teaching activities, he is also a guitar examiner for the Australian Music Examinations Board (A.M.E.B.).
Giuseppe has a deep interest in the research and performance of the nineteenth century Italian composer, Mauro Giuliani. Giuseppe’s research specifically looks at instrumental music created from popular operas of the nineteenth century. Giuseppe also has an interest in the advancement and development of contemporary Australian compositions. He has performed in premieres of solo and chamber works by Australian composers including Rosalind Carlson, Andrew Chubb, Nigel Butterley, Stephen Lalor and Jim Chapman.
As a soloist and chamber musician, Giuseppe has given live broadcasts for ABC Classic FM through the 'Young Australia Series' and ‘Sunday Live’, 2MBS FM and 2NUR FM. He has also performed extensively as a soloist and chamber musician at a variety of festivals and concerts throughout Australia. His concert tours have included New Caledonia with celebrated Australian pianist Simon Tedeschi, an Australian concert tour with noted French guitarist Rafael Andia in the Alhambra Guitar Quartet and this year, a concert tour of Sweden with flautist Sally Walker and the Haga Duo (Sweden). Giuseppe’s recent chamber collaborations include, renowned flautist Jane Rutter, baritone Jose Carbo, violinist Victoria Jacono-Gilmovich, mezzo-soprano Jenny Duck-Chong, and conductor Christopher Bearman.
Recent ensembles/orchestras that Giuseppe has worked with include the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra Nova, Central Coast Symphony Orchestra, Sydney Classical Guitar Society Orchestra, Concertante Ensemble, Christ Church Camerata, Halcyon Ensemble and the vocal quartet Waxing Lyrical. Giuseppe has a keen interest in developing young guitarists to realise their full potential through comprehensive instruction in a fun and enthusiastic learning environment.
Since 2003, Giuseppe has been a teacher and lecturer at the Newcastle Conservatorium, University of Newcastle, and more recently has taught at the Sydney Conservatorium, University of Sydney and at the School of the Arts and Media, University of New South Wales. His duties have also included direction and tutoring of guitar ensembles in the chamber music program. At the Newcastle Conservatorium Giuseppe assisted in the development of a new guitar syllabus with colleagues. In addition to Giuseppe’s University teaching activities, he is also a guitar examiner for the Australian Music Examinations Board (A.M.E.B.).
Giuseppe has a deep interest in the research and performance of the nineteenth century Italian composer, Mauro Giuliani. Giuseppe’s research specifically looks at instrumental music created from popular operas of the nineteenth century. Giuseppe also has an interest in the advancement and development of contemporary Australian compositions. He has performed in premieres of solo and chamber works by Australian composers including Rosalind Carlson, Andrew Chubb, Nigel Butterley, Stephen Lalor and Jim Chapman.
As a soloist and chamber musician, Giuseppe has given live broadcasts for ABC Classic FM through the 'Young Australia Series' and ‘Sunday Live’, 2MBS FM and 2NUR FM. He has also performed extensively as a soloist and chamber musician at a variety of festivals and concerts throughout Australia. His concert tours have included New Caledonia with celebrated Australian pianist Simon Tedeschi, an Australian concert tour with noted French guitarist Rafael Andia in the Alhambra Guitar Quartet and this year, a concert tour of Sweden with flautist Sally Walker and the Haga Duo (Sweden). Giuseppe’s recent chamber collaborations include, renowned flautist Jane Rutter, baritone Jose Carbo, violinist Victoria Jacono-Gilmovich, mezzo-soprano Jenny Duck-Chong, and conductor Christopher Bearman.
Recent ensembles/orchestras that Giuseppe has worked with include the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra Nova, Central Coast Symphony Orchestra, Sydney Classical Guitar Society Orchestra, Concertante Ensemble, Christ Church Camerata, Halcyon Ensemble and the vocal quartet Waxing Lyrical. Giuseppe has a keen interest in developing young guitarists to realise their full potential through comprehensive instruction in a fun and enthusiastic learning environment.
JOSEPH LITTLEFIELD
Bachelor of Music, Sydney University
Joseph Littlefield
Contemporary, Classical, Bass Guitar
Joseph received his Bachelor of Music with first class honours in 2007, under scholarship from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
Joseph has been teaching guitar for over ten years at some of Sydney's most exclusive schools. He enjoys teaching a diversity in styles on nylon-string, acoustic, electric and bass guitars.
Joseph is an active solo performer. Apart from putting on concerts in Sydney, 2015 saw Joseph performed his transcriptions of works by György Ligeti across the U.S. and Europe. He has recently recorded these works and they will be available for commercial release in the near future. He has also performed with Sydney’s top contemporary classical groups including Ensemble Offspring, Halcyon and the Sydney Chamber Opera Company.
He is currently preparing to play a program with the Australian Opera and Balet Orchestra in April 2016. He has performed and recorded with baroque music ensembles and personalities such as Salut Baroque and recordist Alicia Crossley. He also plays with a variety of jazz and African music groups.
Joseph's teachers and mentors have included some of Australia’s leading guitar teachers Gregory Pikler, Phillip Houghton and Jane McClennan. Joseph has worked with some of the world’s best guitarists in Europe at festivals, summer schools and master classes with renowned performers such as Paul Galbraith, Pavel Stiedl, Dennis Azabagic, Miles Okazaki, Dusan Bogdanovic and Carlos Bonell.
Joseph has won various competitions including the Sydeny Eisteddfod, the B’nai Brith Eisteddfod, the Inner West Performing Arts Challenge and was finalist at the 2012 Adelaide International guitar competition.
Joseph has been teaching guitar for over ten years at some of Sydney's most exclusive schools. He enjoys teaching a diversity in styles on nylon-string, acoustic, electric and bass guitars.
Joseph is an active solo performer. Apart from putting on concerts in Sydney, 2015 saw Joseph performed his transcriptions of works by György Ligeti across the U.S. and Europe. He has recently recorded these works and they will be available for commercial release in the near future. He has also performed with Sydney’s top contemporary classical groups including Ensemble Offspring, Halcyon and the Sydney Chamber Opera Company.
He is currently preparing to play a program with the Australian Opera and Balet Orchestra in April 2016. He has performed and recorded with baroque music ensembles and personalities such as Salut Baroque and recordist Alicia Crossley. He also plays with a variety of jazz and African music groups.
Joseph's teachers and mentors have included some of Australia’s leading guitar teachers Gregory Pikler, Phillip Houghton and Jane McClennan. Joseph has worked with some of the world’s best guitarists in Europe at festivals, summer schools and master classes with renowned performers such as Paul Galbraith, Pavel Stiedl, Dennis Azabagic, Miles Okazaki, Dusan Bogdanovic and Carlos Bonell.
Joseph has won various competitions including the Sydeny Eisteddfod, the B’nai Brith Eisteddfod, the Inner West Performing Arts Challenge and was finalist at the 2012 Adelaide International guitar competition.
BILJANA MITROVIC
Bachelor of Music, Sydney University
Biljana Mitrovic completed high school Kosta Manojlovic in Belgrade, Serbia and in 2003 received her Bachelor of Music from the Sydney Conservatorium, majoring in guitar performance.
Biljana has years of guitar teaching experience at various Sydney schools, including the Sydney Conservatorium Open Academy, St Andrew's School and for the past ten years has been teaching at Shore School, North Sydney and Cranbrook School.
Biljana has years of guitar teaching experience at various Sydney schools, including the Sydney Conservatorium Open Academy, St Andrew's School and for the past ten years has been teaching at Shore School, North Sydney and Cranbrook School.
OSKAR DE MARI-JONES
Bachelor of Music (Hons), Sydney University
Oskar de Mari-Jones. Lute, Classical Guitar, Electric Guitar, Music Theory
Born in 1987, Oskar de Mari-Jones has had an eclectic and multi-faceted musical education. His first guitar lessons were with his father at the age of five; aged 10 he took up the trombone and at sixteen, he returned to the guitar to seriously study the instrument, in particular the classical repertoire, studying privately with Giuseppe Zangari.
In 2006, Oskar received an Entry Scholarship to the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, where he studied guitar with Greg Pikler and Phillip Houghton, internationally renowned guitarist-composer and educator. During his studies, Oskar received various scholarships, including the McCaw-Baiton scholarship, the Mary Little Memorial and prizes for high academic results. During this time, Oskar was a core member of the Sydney Guitar Quartet, which recorded the music of Phillip Houghton for a documentary film and won prizes in various ensemble competitions.
In 2008, Oskar also pursued studies of the Baroque Lute and historical plucked instruments with AustraliaÕs leading lute-specialists, Tommie Andersson and Andrew Byrne and attended master classes and private lessons with Hopkinson Smith, Ben Verdery and Ricardo Gallen. On completing his studies, Oskar's Conservatorium of Music Honours Recital and Thesis were awarded a Sydney University Academic Merit Award.
Oskar has performed throughout Sydney, making his Opera-House solo debut in 2005 at the age of 17 for the Sydney Region Music Festival. In 2008 he recorded a program of Lute music for the soundtrack of Serenity, a Music-Therapy DVD. In 2010 he broadcast a solo recital for 2mbs as part of their Young Performer Award, for which he competed as a finalist later that year.
Recently, Oskar has expanded his practice into composition, improvisation and jazz, developing a concept for teaching others to hear and improvise more fluently. Oskar is an Ars Musica Australis Fellowship-holder.
In 2006, Oskar received an Entry Scholarship to the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, where he studied guitar with Greg Pikler and Phillip Houghton, internationally renowned guitarist-composer and educator. During his studies, Oskar received various scholarships, including the McCaw-Baiton scholarship, the Mary Little Memorial and prizes for high academic results. During this time, Oskar was a core member of the Sydney Guitar Quartet, which recorded the music of Phillip Houghton for a documentary film and won prizes in various ensemble competitions.
In 2008, Oskar also pursued studies of the Baroque Lute and historical plucked instruments with AustraliaÕs leading lute-specialists, Tommie Andersson and Andrew Byrne and attended master classes and private lessons with Hopkinson Smith, Ben Verdery and Ricardo Gallen. On completing his studies, Oskar's Conservatorium of Music Honours Recital and Thesis were awarded a Sydney University Academic Merit Award.
Oskar has performed throughout Sydney, making his Opera-House solo debut in 2005 at the age of 17 for the Sydney Region Music Festival. In 2008 he recorded a program of Lute music for the soundtrack of Serenity, a Music-Therapy DVD. In 2010 he broadcast a solo recital for 2mbs as part of their Young Performer Award, for which he competed as a finalist later that year.
Recently, Oskar has expanded his practice into composition, improvisation and jazz, developing a concept for teaching others to hear and improvise more fluently. Oskar is an Ars Musica Australis Fellowship-holder.
JONATHAN ALEJANDRO MORAN
Jonathan is currently in his final year of study at the University of New South Wales, completing a Bachelor of Music majoring in music pedagogy. Alongside this, in these last few years he has undertaken the role as a classical guitar and music theory educator. Additionally, he has been accredited with a Certificate of Performance from the AMEB with an Honours grade and is working towards achieving his Amus.
He has done a variety of performances around Sydney with the Classical Guitar Society Sydney over the past 6 years and is an active member of the UNSW Guitar Ensemble/Trio. He is also part of a Guitar quartet where they rearrange music not seen in the guitar sphere for guitar ensemble.
His main goal for teaching is to communicate effectively with students and parents/guardians in order to craft personalised lessons for each student's pace and needs. Jonathan’s teaching style focuses on building up foundational skills in preparation for both solo and ensemble endeavours. Jonathan is a successful participant of the Sydney Guitar School Teacher-Mentorship Program.
He has done a variety of performances around Sydney with the Classical Guitar Society Sydney over the past 6 years and is an active member of the UNSW Guitar Ensemble/Trio. He is also part of a Guitar quartet where they rearrange music not seen in the guitar sphere for guitar ensemble.
His main goal for teaching is to communicate effectively with students and parents/guardians in order to craft personalised lessons for each student's pace and needs. Jonathan’s teaching style focuses on building up foundational skills in preparation for both solo and ensemble endeavours. Jonathan is a successful participant of the Sydney Guitar School Teacher-Mentorship Program.
TOBIAS DRACOULIS
Bachelor of Music, UNSW
Tobias is versatile with what he teaches and plays and enjoys helping students who want to sing and play guitar and use the guitar as an accompaniment to the voice. Tobias is knowledgeable, patient and knows how to get the best out of each student he works with.
He is well known at SGS having been involved with the school over the last few years. Tobias is happy and experienced at teaching both face-to-face and online classes.
Tobias currently performs with the Sydney Classical Guitar Society orchestra and ensemble, the UNSW Guitar Ensemble, as well as Balinese gamelan ensemble Suwitri Jaya. Tobias completed his Bachelor of Music at UNSW majoring in creative practice. His research focused on the guitar works of Cuban guitarist and composer Leo Brouwer.
He is well known at SGS having been involved with the school over the last few years. Tobias is happy and experienced at teaching both face-to-face and online classes.
Tobias currently performs with the Sydney Classical Guitar Society orchestra and ensemble, the UNSW Guitar Ensemble, as well as Balinese gamelan ensemble Suwitri Jaya. Tobias completed his Bachelor of Music at UNSW majoring in creative practice. His research focused on the guitar works of Cuban guitarist and composer Leo Brouwer.
ALEXANDER FRENDO
Bachelor of Music, Western Sydney University
Alexander is a highly adaptable and proficient professional who possesses a strong passion for both music and technology. He has cultivated a diverse background in various fields, including music teaching, classical guitar performance, audio engineering, lighting technician, photography, videography, and research. With exceptional problem-solving skills and effective communication abilities, he can effectively manage varying teaching situations.
As an accomplished musician, Alexander has had the privilege of performing in Korea through the Australian Embassy: Republic of Korea, at the IMWC, and at the National Gugak Centre, Pungnyu Sarangbang in Seoul. These experiences have given him a global perspective on music and performance, and he has honed his skills in music teaching and classical guitar performance. Additionally, he has given a lecture in Korea on intercultural authenticity towards musical connection.
Furthermore, Alexander holds a Bachelor of Music with High Distinction, and he is currently completing a Master of Research at Western Sydney University. His academic pursuits have deepened his knowledge of music technology and research methodologies. He has also worked at Western Sydney University as a research assistant and a senior technical officer.
Alexander's unwavering focus on music and dedication to staying current with music teaching enables him to exceed expectations and deliver outstanding results. His diverse set of skills and vast experience make him a versatile professional who excels in various domains, making him a "jack of all trades with a master of one."
As an accomplished musician, Alexander has had the privilege of performing in Korea through the Australian Embassy: Republic of Korea, at the IMWC, and at the National Gugak Centre, Pungnyu Sarangbang in Seoul. These experiences have given him a global perspective on music and performance, and he has honed his skills in music teaching and classical guitar performance. Additionally, he has given a lecture in Korea on intercultural authenticity towards musical connection.
Furthermore, Alexander holds a Bachelor of Music with High Distinction, and he is currently completing a Master of Research at Western Sydney University. His academic pursuits have deepened his knowledge of music technology and research methodologies. He has also worked at Western Sydney University as a research assistant and a senior technical officer.
Alexander's unwavering focus on music and dedication to staying current with music teaching enables him to exceed expectations and deliver outstanding results. His diverse set of skills and vast experience make him a versatile professional who excels in various domains, making him a "jack of all trades with a master of one."
REEDE PALMER
Reede is currently in his final year of study at the University of New South Wales, completing a Bachelor of Music – Honours. He has a keen interest in playing and teaching in both contemporary-rock/pop/blues and classical guitar styles.
Reede has been a member of the Classical Guitar Society Sydney since 2019 and has performed as part of the guitar orchestra on numerous occasions and several specialised ensembles, working with visiting and local classical guitarists in Australia. Between 2019 and 2022 Reede was a member of the UNSW Guitar Ensemble, directed by Dr. Janet Agostino.
Reede is a founder and member of 4-Bit Guitar 2021-present: guitar quartet formed from members of the UNSW ensemble creating original arrangements of video game music for the guitar who recorded and launched their first EP, 4-Bit Guitar Plays Minecraft. Reede is also a founding member of Sydney Guitar Collective 2023: brand new guitar collective of UNSW alumni guitarists and Dr. Janet Agostino with the assistance of Dr. Simon Powis
Reede is a successful participant of the Sydney Guitar School Teacher-Mentorship Program and teaches in both Rockschool (acoustic and electric) and Classical Guitar syllabi.
Reede has been a member of the Classical Guitar Society Sydney since 2019 and has performed as part of the guitar orchestra on numerous occasions and several specialised ensembles, working with visiting and local classical guitarists in Australia. Between 2019 and 2022 Reede was a member of the UNSW Guitar Ensemble, directed by Dr. Janet Agostino.
Reede is a founder and member of 4-Bit Guitar 2021-present: guitar quartet formed from members of the UNSW ensemble creating original arrangements of video game music for the guitar who recorded and launched their first EP, 4-Bit Guitar Plays Minecraft. Reede is also a founding member of Sydney Guitar Collective 2023: brand new guitar collective of UNSW alumni guitarists and Dr. Janet Agostino with the assistance of Dr. Simon Powis
Reede is a successful participant of the Sydney Guitar School Teacher-Mentorship Program and teaches in both Rockschool (acoustic and electric) and Classical Guitar syllabi.
SGS Tutors at the 2018 End of Year Concert at Club Five Dock RSL