Music teacher, Karen Bernard-Mills, founded Opus18, early in 2014, as a music studio with a difference. Employing an eclectic style, as well as drawing on a multiple of disciplines to enhance the students experience.
Not only will the student enjoy the making of music he or she will solve the mysteries of how music is an integral part of our lives.
Aimed towards both adults and children, Opus18, welcomes students of all capabilities. Past students have been as young as 3 and as old as your grandparents.
To make learning music fun and enjoyable;
To integrate other disciplines into learning music such as mathematics, language, poetry, history and dance;
Completely involve the three senses (hearing, sight and touch) to enhance learning and enjoyment;
To ensure the lessons are parent and/or client driven so their goals are achieved.
In memory of both my mother and grandfather and in honour of my great grandmother who also was a music teacher, all of whom enjoyed and played the music of Sergei Rachmaninoff.
My absolute favourite work: Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No.2 in C Minor catalogue was the inspiration for the name Opus18.
Driven by my love of 'Rach 2' I bring to you the musical teachings of Opus18, in the hopes that you can enjoy music as much I do.
After many years as a psychologist and counsellor, I returned to my first love: music. I studied under the flamboyant Andrew Hunt and then at university under the masterful hands of Wendy Lorenz, formerly of the world renowned New England Ensemble.
With a teaching degree in high school music I worked for the NSW Department of Education and Training while continuing my private practice. After some years, I then worked in Papua New Guinea.
As music director and choir master many opportunities were afforded me to widen my musical skills and talents such as performing as a bass guitarist with various groups, promoting my vocal quartet, composing for large vocal groups, and producing musicals. For many years, the Kambubu Choir under my baton could be heard every weekend on the NBC of PNG.
Since going back as a private music teacher, I have performed in many concerts at QPAC as part of the QPAC Choir performing with instrumental groups as well as the Queensland Pops Orchestra and the Queensland Symphony Orchestra.
Just recently, I performed in a four part female ensemble unaccompanied at QPAC.
I hope that my joy for music will become your joy too.
NSW Music Teacher Education Scholarship;
J. S. Albert Music Scholarship;
Awarded Senior Teacher Status
Bachelor of Arts in Music;
Graduate Diploma in Secondary Education;
Teaching Certificate;
Graduate Diploma in Psychological Studies;
Bachelor of Psychology Hons.;
Master of Arts in Counselling.
Beginning, intermediate, and advanced piano Learning rhythm, melody, and harmony at various levels
Clarinet tuition – all levels
Saxophone tuition
Oboe tuition
Flute tuition
Trumpet tuition – all levels
Bugle tuition
Tuba tuition
Instruction in composition and arrangement
Reading music for adults
Musicianship all levels
Theory all levels
Beginning keyboard
Voice training
Choir conducting
