Meet Sabrina Surace of Viva School of Music in Camberwell Junction

Spreading the joy of making music is what Sabrina Surace is all about.

After years of teaching from home, she opened Viva School of Music in the heart of Camberwell Junction and hasn’t looked back.

“I had three spaces in my apartment and there came a time to make the move,” Ms Surace said.

“Moving into a commercial space was a big move – a bit daunting at first – but it was definitely a good move.”

Separating home life from professional life was one benefit of the move but more than that Ms Surace was able to create the friendly music hub she had long dreamed of.

Students from aged four years and up come to the Burke Rd music school for one-on-one tuition, although there are some group classes, too.

Ms Surace loves music, having studied in Adelaide and Melbourne. She wanted to be an opera singer and taught music as a side hustle.

However, most opera work involves overseas travel and a physical disability made that quite tricky.

“I enjoyed living in Melbourne and the teaching eventually took over,” Ms Surace said.

“I love teaching. It is wonderful to see a little student – or an adult student – start out not knowing anything and in a year or two they are fully playing or singing.”

Spreading the joy of music

Ms Surace said she is passionate about teaching people of all ages the joy of making music.

“Singing and piano playing are amazing skills for individuals to have, with benefits elsewhere in life,” she said.

Ms Surace believes music and singing help to improve confidence, brain function and voice quality, which helps not only with singing but speaking.

“Music is a valuable source for any professional to have in their life and, of course, I am happy to also take people to the next level in their musical careers, if that is where they would like to head,” she said.

The good news is, you’re never too old to learn.

“I love to see adults coming back to music they gave up when they were young, or trying it for the first time,” Ms Surace said.

“We are building a musical community here and all age groups are a welcome part of it.”

‘A welcoming place’ for everyone

More than 200 students use the six teaching rooms at Viva School of Music on an average week, and with 15 teachers, there’s one to suit everyone.

The school offers trial lessons, where you can meet a teacher and try other teachers if the first one doesn’t feel like the right fit for you.

“That is important,” Ms Surace said.

“So, it’s great we have a big group of teachers. We all get along well and meet regularly for workshops to make sure we’re up to date with our knowledge and skills.”

The school is centrally located, with plenty of nearby parking and just a short  walk from Camberwell train station and nearby areas via tram.

If you’ve always wanted to sing, learn an instrument, take up where you left off years ago, or have children who are ready to embark on their musical journey, Ms Surace and her team are sure to have what you need.

“This a welcoming place,” she said.

“Come in and talk about what you’d like to achieve. We’d love to see you.”

Visit the school