Values

Our Core Values include:

• Supporting students to learn and explore music and the creative arts through self expression - which means we don’t impose on the student, or shape them into something they do not wish to be - but rather, we celebrate students individuality and allow them to gravitate to their interests, and use music making and self expression to learn and understand music and the arts.

• We encourage students to: Ask questions, imagine what could be, experiment, and self reflect - meaning, we avoid jumping to instructive learning, but allow students to be learning partners, and engage in musical problems, ask questions, imagine solutions, try and experiment various approaches, and self reflect and self evaluate their own ideas. This supports students to be more independent learners, and aware of their progress.

• We are focused on learning that balances students wellbeing, abilities, and individuality, with inspiration to think big, innovate, and fearlessly create music and art. - meaning we don’t place expectations on students, we all start at different levels, with different ideas, directions and goals. With our personalised and holistic learning models, we factor in students wellbeing an abilities towards fun an engaging projects that inspire students to be themselves, to think big, innovate, be OK to make mistakes, and fearlessly explore music and creative arts.

  
  

Teachers and our Founder Patrick Nellestein

Patrick Nellestein is the founder and director of River Road Creative Academy, a vibrant creative arts factory designed to nurture participants' self-expression through music and the arts. Our innovative approach harmonizes wellbeing with creativity, encouraging fearless exploration in a supportive and dynamic environment.

Before founding River Road, Patrick served as the Head of Composition & Music Production the Australian Institute of Music, transitioning to Quality Manager for Navitas and SAE Creative Institute. His extensive creative background includes composing music for film and television, with notable contributions to Channel 10’s The Project, and various programs on Channel 9 and ABC. Patrick's academic journey culminated in a Master’s Degree in Music and a Master of Music Therapy from Western Sydney University, reflecting his deep commitment to the transformative power of music.

As a Registered Music Therapist, Patrick is passionate about making music accessible to people of all ages and abilities. He believes in music as a powerful medium for self-expression, personal creative development.

As a dedicated community contributor, Patrick has designed and led numerous innovative projects that enhance creative skills while promoting social cohesion and community collaboration. His initiatives include community music groups and choirs, creative youth recording projects, and community outreach sessions. Additionally Patrick operates a mobile creative arts studio, which brings the joy of music and art to remote villages, ensuring these enriching experiences reach even the most isolated communities.

At River Road we provide qualified and highly experienced teachers, combined with content and learning methods designed to the quality found at universities and Conservatoriums.

Teachers

Neill Gray - Drums

Neill is an experienced drum teacher with expertise across a variety of music styles, though his true passion lies in rock music. With a deep love for rhythm, he enjoys nurturing his students' enthusiasm for drumming, creating a positive and motivating learning environment. Neill focuses on striking the perfect balance between building solid technical skills and ensuring each lesson is fun and engaging. Whether working with beginners or advanced players, he tailors his teaching to meet individual needs, encouraging creativity and expression. His goal is to inspire students to grow as drummers while fostering a lifelong love for music.

Bella Chu - Piano

Bella Chu is a classically trained pianist with experience in contemporary and jazz styles, adding versatility to her music. She also leads the Dilly Choir, a community choir in Wollondilly that promotes connection and creativity through singing. Bella’s passion lies in making music accessible and fostering personal growth, whether through piano lessons or choir participation. Her work emphasizes inclusion, wellbeing, and the joy of shared musical experiences.

Sarah Melluish - Singing, piano, songwriting

Sarah is a passionate and dedicated singing teacher with experience helping students discover and refine their voices. She teaches all genres from popular to opera and focuses on building strong vocal technique, enhancing musical expression, and fostering a love for performance and music. With a deep understanding of vocal anatomy and a commitment to creating a supportive, fun, and inclusive learning environment, Sarah guides students of all ages and skill levels toward achieving their full vocal potential. 

William Kiss - Guitar

William is an experienced guitarist, highly skilled in improvised music, and has collaborated with some of Sydney’s top jazz and improvised music groups. With many years of teaching experience, he has worked across leading music institutions, sharing his expertise with students of all levels. William’s passion for improvisation fosters creativity in his teaching, encouraging students to explore their musical voice. His lessons blend technical precision with artistic freedom, inspiring the next generation of musicians.

Jack Andrews - Guitar, and Music Production

Jack is a classically trained guitarist with expertise in contemporary styles, including rock and heavy metal. His diverse musical background allows him to connect with students across genres. Currently halfway through his Master of Music Therapy, Jack is passionate about the therapeutic power of music and its ability to foster self-expression and well-being. His teaching blends technical skill with creativity, helping students grow as musicians while exploring music’s emotional and personal impact.

Glenn Stone - Piano, saxophone, guitar

Glenn is a seasoned musician skilled in guitar, piano, and saxophone, with extensive experience as a jazz musician and arranger. His expertise spans performance, composition, and arrangement, making him a versatile educator and leader. Glenn has managed numerous music groups and choirs, fostering creativity and collaboration. His passion lies in guiding musicians of all levels, helping them grow through diverse musical experiences and encouraging excellence in both individual and ensemble settings.

Erika Dunlop - Violin

Erika is a dedicated violin teacher and experienced educator with over 20 years in the education industry. Her passion for music extends beyond the classroom, as she actively advocates for community programs that promote creativity and connection. Erika’s teaching focuses on building strong technical foundations while nurturing a love for music in her students. She is committed to empowering individuals through music, fostering personal growth, and supporting inclusive, community-based arts initiatives.

Alex Giannetta - Coding and Robotics

Alex teaches coding and robotics, bringing both practical experience and a passion for technology to his students. Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Computer Science, he combines his academic knowledge with hands-on expertise as a coder and educator. Alex’s teaching focuses on fostering creativity and problem-solving skills, empowering students to develop confidence in coding and robotics. He is dedicated to helping learners explore the world of technology and unlock their potential through innovation.

Graeme McKay - Guitar

Graeme has been shredding on the guitar for years, diving deep into rock, jazz, blues, and everything in between. But for him, music isn’t just about playing—it’s about exploring, growing, and sharing music with others.

A proud Dilly local for 20+ years, Graeme knows the power of community. And as also a member River Road’s Men's Music Cave, he’s connecting with fellow music lovers, jamming, and bringing his passion to the mix.

Nathan Walker - Guitar

Many of you may have seen Nathan at our events, like the Thirlmere Steam Festival and Illuminate Festivals, jamming with passersby and creating incredible music experiences - as well as helping out with our youth events and the Tuesday Night Creative Youth Drop In Sessions

Now, he’s bringing that same enthusiasm and creativity to our teaching team! - providing guitar lessons on Mondays and Tuesdays. Nathan has a real gift for inspiring kids to pick up the guitar and make music with confidence with an advanced knowledge of music and guitar technique.

Agile Learning Framework

River Road utilises its own Agile Learning Framework, focused on balancing participant’s creative goals, learning outcomes, and wellbeing to support students creative development and creative aspirations.

Working With Children

River Road is registered as a Child Related Employer (REG0049120)

All River Road teachers and staff (including administrative staff) have current Working With Children Checks (WWCC)

River Road is also a Registered Creative Kids Provider, where you can use your $100 Creative Kids voucher, provided by the NSW Government.

To apply for creative kids voucher, follow this link https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/campaign/creative-kids