Contact
Contact info
For further information or to enquire about enrollment, please contact us at:
Inna Kogan’s Music School
1/26 Kingussie Street
Kenmore QLD 4069
Send us message
Use the contact form below to send us a message:
(07) 3878 3329
For further information or to enquire about enrollment, please contact us at:
Inna Kogan’s Music School
1/26 Kingussie Street
Kenmore QLD 4069
Use the contact form below to send us a message:
Single reeds specialist Nathaniel Smorti has ten years of experience teaching clarinet, saxophone, and beginner woodwind. In the classroom and studio, Nathaniel focuses on pedagogy which engages and inspires, connecting with students from as young as 4 to adult learners. Nathaniel enjoys coming alongside developing musicians, whether that be the very first beginner steps, or preparation for tertiary exams and beyond. Outside of the classroom Nathaniel is an active freelance performer and has masters and doctoral level education across music and education.
Olivia graduated from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music in 2018 and has been teaching the violin and viola for the last 10 years.
Olivia’s goal when teaching is to inspire students to appreciate and build a love for music while also endowing them with the technical capabilities to play the violin or viola. She strives to create a fun, nurturing and enjoyable learning environment, allowing and helping each student to flourish into a well rounded musician.
While studying Olivia played in the Australian Youth Orchestra, was the concertmaster of the central coast chamber orchestra, was selected for the Henderson Travellers Scholarship to go to Europe with her Quartet as well as receiving the Helen Bainton award for an outstanding violist on two occasions. In 2016 Olivia was awarded 1st place in the Central Coast Concerto Competition. She has also attained her AMusA Diploma of Music.”
Tamara is a graduate of the Queensland Conservatorium of Music. She is passionate about music education and fostering an enjoyment of music in her classes. Graduating from the QLD Conservatorium of Music in 2015, she has been teaching for the last 9 years on a variety of instruments around Brisbane. She is passionate about teaching and collaborating with others through piano accompaniment.
Instrument trainer : Piano
Lorraine has been teaching piano and violin for the past eight years. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts (extended major in Music) in 2017 and is currently in her third year of Medicine at UQ.
Lorraine received First Prize at the Third Kawai Asia Piano Competition in 2010 and is a prize-winner at numerous prestigious international and national piano competitions including the 2011 IIYM International Piano Competition in Kansas USA. She was awarded a full scholarship to attend the 2012 SouthEastern Piano Festival at South Carolina, USA. She has broadcasted on Kansas Public Radio and Fine Music 102.5. She has attained her AMusA, LMusA and LTCL diplomas in piano and violin, all with distinction. In addition to this, she has received her FTCL for piano performance in 2013.
Instrument trainer : Piano
Michelle Jaques graduated from the QLD Conservatorium, Griffith University, with a Master’s Degree in Aural and Keyboard Musicianship. For 35 years she has taught piano, organ, and theory in both individual and group lessons. Michelle operated a Yamaha Music School for over a decade on the Gold Coast. Michelle also plays piano accordion, flute, recorder and has recently started playing cello.
Instrument trainer : Voice
Inna strongly believes in the benefits of learning a musical instrument and it’s positive influence on emotional and intellectual development of every child. In her teaching, Inna follows the “accelerated learning” method that she has developed over a period of 35 years, to which she continues to perfect and adjust. The concept is to find an individual ‘key’ to each child’s learning capability through a structured, friendly and nurturing environment which eventually expands the students’ potential to it’s fullest.
Instrument trainer: Piano
Grace’s Pedagogical philosophy centres upon creating a holistic learning environment in which each singer will learn to enhance their natural talents with the most up-to-date training and guidance.
Instrument trainer : Voice
A graduate of the QLD Conservatorium of Music, Jason joined our school in 2018. Jason is a prominent member of the QLD Symphony Orchestra and a very thought after percussionist amongst top Australian Orchestras. Jason is a very devoted teacher and achieves great results with all of his students through his determination to cater for each of their needs.
Instrument trainer : Percussion
Juan was born in Bogota, Colombia in 1991. He received his undergraduate degree in Music Performance from the University of the Andes in Merida, Venezuela (Universidad de los Andes de Venezuela) and his Master of Music Studies degree with a specialization in Cello Performance at Queensland Conservatorium.
He has taken part in multiple international tours with the Colombia Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, including tours in the USA, Germany and Austria. In addition, he was part of the Cuenca Symphony Orchestra in Ecuador and the Colombia Symphony Orchestra.
Instrument trainer : Cello
Roger Cui is a Chinese born Australian concert Pianist and a Teacher. Roger completed his B.Mus with 1st Class Honors at QCM and in 2013 he completed his Masters Degree in Baden-Wüztemberg, Germany
Roger is a 2nd prize winner of the 2007 Lev Vlassenco Piano Competition as well as numerous other piano competitions in Australia, New Zealand and Germany
Natalia Studies Bachelor of Music (honours) with a major in Piano Performance. She attended the Queensland Academy for Creative Industries where she graduated top of her class in the International Baccalaureate music program. She has also completed her grade eight AMEB piano exam. Natalia has studied the piano for twelve years and she has been teaching for four years. Her love for music spans across performing, composing and conducting however her greatest passion lies in teaching.
Instrument trainer : Guitar
Kaitlyn first picked up the violin at age 6 and from there her love for music has blossomed; some days you’ll find Kaitlyn in a classical orchestra and some hanging upside down to play her violin. Her passion for music education runs deep, and she hopes to one day transform the curriculum for classroom and instrumental music in schools. At the moment, Kaitlyn is currently studying for her Bachelor of Music, playing in the DeepBlue Orchestra, and writing covers as a solo artist.
Samantha holds a B.Mus degree from the QLD Conservatorium of Music, Griffith University majoring in Piano performance. Samantha has been a student of Inna for several years prior to her tertiary studies. She has been teaching for the last 5 years, in her free time Samantha enjoys cycling, walking and playing with her dog.
Instrument trainer : Piano
Instrument trainer : Woodwind/ brass department
Jacqueline has been teaching for the last 8 years. She strongly believes that music should be taught in a nurturing and relaxed atmosphere with great attention to the individual needs of each student. She was a principal violinist of the QLD Youth Symphony Orchestra and still performs extensively on top of her teaching commitments.
Instrument trainer: Violin
Karl is a well rounded musician/teacher with a passion for all styles of music. He teaches Bass, Guitar and Drums and has taught group and private lessons in Dublin Ireland and at Yamaha Music School in the UK.
His approach to teaching is focused around developing an ear for all types of music and rhythm whilst mastering the chosen instrument. Karl provides a fun and relaxed atmosphere focusing on what works best for each student and is always happy to get his students playing to their best ability and get them out into the music world. Whether it is creating, recording or gigging, or simply finding the right musical instrument, Karl offers a broad range of skills.
Instrument trainer : Guitar (Electric/Acousting, Bass)
Daniel was born in Mt.Isa, QLD. A winner of many piano prizes, such as Yamaha Keyboard Awards in 1998 & 99, a “most outstanding Yamaha performer of the year ” of 2000 and a n Arts in Focus Championship winner, in 2001, Daniel holds B.Mus from QLD Conservatoriumin & post grad studies from School of Creative Arts, Southern QLD. Daniel loves teaching, performing & adjudicating. He is joining our staff from the beginning of 2020 .
Instrument trainer : Piano
Rory graduated from the Queensland Conservatorium of Music with a Bachelor of Music (jazz guitar). Rory has performance and teaching experience in Jazz, Blues, Rock, Contemporary, Folk and flamenco. He is proficient in composition, music theory and guitar technique for all abilities. In his spare time he performs in a local jazz group having performed at national festivals around Australia.
Mark Connors graduated from the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University in 2016 with a Bachelor of Music (performance). He has also attained A.Mus.A with distinction. Mark has been teaching at IKMS since 2015. Mark is also in demand as an accompanist for choirs as well as for classical singers. He regularly accompanies the Queensland Choir, performs with the Underground Opera Company and in 2017 began working casually with Opera Queensland as a rehearsal pianist.
Instrument trainer : Piano
A recent graduate from the QLD Conservatorium of Music and recipient of the University Medal, Crystal has been teaching for the last 6 years. Crystal is passionate about performing and teaching, and enjoys composing and arranging music.
Instrument trainer : Piano
Ben Anderson graduated from the University of Queensland in 2019 with a Bachelor of Music (Honours class 1) majoring in classical piano performance, and also achieved his A.Mus.A in 2013. Ben endeavours to see students develop an attitude of enquiry and a critical mindset in preparation for a lifetime of learning.
Instrument trainer : Piano
August, 2013
Nicola W – Junior Aggregate Trophy (for highest total points score)
Nelson H – Intermediate Aggregate Trophy (for highest total points score)
Sean D – Piano Solo (Grade 7); Piano, Classical or Romantic (10-11 years)
Nelson H – Piano Solo Award (12-14 years); Piano, Classical or Romantic (12-14 years); Piano, Diploma Level
Nicola W – Piano (Grade 6); Piano Solo Award (8 years)
Lilian Jia – Piano (Grade 8); Piano, Classical or Romantic (12-14 years)
Charmaine Cheung – Piano (Grade 1 Open)
Karen Xiao – Piano (Grade 4); Piano Solo Award (9 years)
Lachlan Cheung – Piano (Grade 5)
Breseya Clark – Piano (Grade 3)
Sean Daniskevicius – Piano Solo Award (10-11 years)
Nicola Wallace – Piano, Classical or Romantic (8 years)
Charmaine Cheung – Piano, Classical or Romantic (7 years)
Breseya Clark – Piano, Classical or Romantic (7 years)
Ryan Daniskevicius – Piano, Classical or Romantic (9 years); Piano Solo Award (10-11 years)
Sophie Mauracher – Piano (Grade 1 Open)
Congratulations to Lilian, 14, for receiving an AMusA Diploma in March 2015
Alena T.K. – violin – “A”
Rachael B – trumpet – “A”
Sophie M – piano – “A+”
Tia F – piano – “A”
Sathya G – violin – “A”
Tara M.R. – piano – “A+”
Molly Y – piano – “A”
Anna C – piano – “A”
Ashwini K (prelim) – piano – “A”
Ashley K (prelim) – clarinet – “A”
Tara M.R. – theory – “A+”
Madeleine C – theory – “A+”
Joanna M – theory – “A+”
Yenn R – theory – “A+”
Oliver B – saxaphone – “A”
Fumiko W – piano – “A”
Cherise M – piano – “A”
Rachel B – trumpet – “A”
Curtis M- piano – “A+”
Nadia C – theory – “A+”
Rubin N – piano – “A”
Bella S – piano – “A+”
Oliver B – saxaphone – “A”
Hillary B – theory – “A+”
Jonathan W – piano – “A”
Nicola W – piano – “A+”
Sean D – piano – “A”
Lillian J – piano – “A”
Sarah S – piano – “A”
May-June, 2015
Breseya C – 10/under, Piano Solo
Sean D – 14 to 15 years, Piano Solo
Charmaine C – 10/under, Baroque Period composition
Joanna M – 10 to 12 years, Piano Solo
Sean D – 13 to 15 years, Baroque Period composition
Sean D – 13 to 15 years, Music of the 20th Century and beyond
Samantha S – 16 to 20 years, Music of the 20th Century and beyond
Benjamin L – 7 years, Piano solo
Lachlan C – 11 years, Piano Solo
Jonathan W – 13 years, Piano Solo
Sean D – 13 to 15 years, Sonata
Samantha S – 16 to 20 years, Piano Solo
Samantha S – 16 to 20 years, Sonata
Joanna M – 10 years, Piano Solo
Nicola W – 12/unde, Music of 20th Century and beyond
Nicola W – 11 years, Piano Solo
Sophie M – 9/under, Piano Solo
Cherise M – 10 years, Piano Solo
Nadia C – 10 to 12 years, Piano Solo
Lachlan C – 12/under, Music of the 20th Century and beyond
Nadia C – 11 years, Piano Solo
Jonathan W – 13 to 15 years, Sonata
The following students are congratulated on their exceptional 2015 AMEB results. Well done!
Xinyang G – piano – “A”
Rachel F – piano – “A”
Alena T-K – Violin – “A”
Anna C – piano – “A+”
Hien P – piano – “A+”
Ethan S – clarinet – “A”
Patrick C – trumpet – “A”
Natasha V – theory – “A”
Fumiko W – piano – “A”
Nadia C – theory – “A+”
Joanna M – theory – “A+”
Yenn R – theory – “A+”
Rubin N – theory – “A+”
Bella S – piano – “B+”
Rachael B – trumpet – “A”
Rubin N – piano – “B+”
Breseya C – piano – “A”
Joanna M – piano – “A”
Nadia C – piano – “B+”
Monique E – theory – “B”
Monique E – piano – “A”
Hilary B – piano – “A”
Jonathan W – piano – “B”
The following students are congratulated on their exceptional 2016 AMEB results and Trinity College Exam results. Well done!
Nina W – clarinet – “A”
Xynuan Z – piano – “A”
Sophie M – piano – “A”
Ethan S-clarinet -“B+”
Benjamin L – piano – “A”
Joanna M – piano – “A”
Izzy G – piano – “A”
Ella N – piano – “B” (TCL)
Alicia L – piano – “B+”
Kylie L – piano – “B”
Emily Z – piano – “B+”
Nicola W – piano – “B+”
Monique E – piano – “B+”
Inna Kogan is a well known and much respected teacher, adjudicator, motivational speaker and mentor to a younger generation of professional music teachers.
A third generation musician- with a renowned piano teacher for a mother and a concertmaster violinist of the State Symphony orchestra as a grandfather- Inna’s path to a music career started early. At the age 5 she was accepted to study at a special music school for gifted children in Baku, Soviet Union, and after graduating with distinction, continued studies at the State Music College.While studying she participated and won many student competitions, including the State Shostakovitch Competition at the age of 10.At the age of 12 she won a youth piano competition and, as a winner, was given a chance to perform with the State Symphony Orchestra. Performing with the Orchestra, Inna performed the Grieg Concerto at the age of 12.
Inna and her family migrated to Israel when she was 17. She double majored in Bachelor of Music Performance and Music Education studies, graduating with First-Class Honors and then studied Master of Music from Jerusalem Academy of Music under a tutelage of renowned former Moscow Conservatorium Professors Boris Lvov and Michael Boguslavski..
While studying, she participated and won 2nd place at the Israeli New Talent competition in 1978 and the State Bartok competition in 1980. Graduating at the top of her class, she was awarded a prestigious Sertegy scholarship that allowed her to continue her Master of Music studies.
In 1986 Inna moved to Brisbane, following an invitation to take position as the Head of the Piano Department at the Stoliarsky School of Music. Two years later she established her own music school which she still runs to this day, with a large amount of students and teachers. As of today, the music school is a multi-award winning institution with such accolades as “Excellence in Teaching” and “The best private music school in QLD” awarded by the Brisbane Eisteddfod Committee. Many of Inna’s students have become professional musicians and are performing and teaching in various parts of the world. She has also developed her own “accelerated learning” method. This method allows students of above average potential to explore their limits and reach a high level of performance at a young age. Many of Inna’s students have been awarded A.Mus.A diplomas between the ages of 12-14 and L.Mus.A and A.T.C.L Diplomas before completing High School.
Inna has adjudicated Brisbane, Toowoomba, Central Highlands and Gold Coast Eisteddfods, QLD Piano Competitions, ASKM Gold Coast and Motee Rogers Toowoomba Piano Competitions. She gives frequent master classes, conducts workshops for students and teachers at her school as well as various private studios. She has been invited to Gold Coast, Mt. Isa and Cairns where she has conducted series’ of piano and theory workshops.
Inna Kogan’s Music School was established in 1989 to cater for a growing need, as I felt, for students taking private instrumental lessons to interact with others. Receiving my first music education at a music school where learning music meant frequent public performances, group theory lessons, ensembles, exams and student competitions, I felt that this was a more enjoyable and effective way for young children to learn music.
Learning a solo instrument, especially the piano or any of the keyboard family can become daunting and even lonely after a while.Arriving in Australia after teaching for ten years overseas, I was very concerned about an unusually high ‘drop out’ rate among-est instrumental students, especially at high school age.
This period, just as a student is approaching a higher level of playing, with much larger and more exciting repertoire to play, proved to be a critical ‘crisis’ age for local youth. That resulted in the discouraging fact that a high volume of young teenagers were quitting music before they really started enjoying it. Unfortunately, the level of performance skills gathered during the first two to three years is insufficient for anyone to retain this knowledge long-term, meaning that the above years were basically a waste of time (and money).
Two main factors seemed to have the biggest impact on this age group: an increased pressure from high school work and often insufficient earlier performance experience resulting in overrated nervousness and stage-fright, especially in the 10 – 16 year old age groups.
I was very keen to prove with my students that with the proper approach to piano practice from the very beginning, including an early start and frequent public performances from a very young age, could help the later transition become very smooth if not unnoticeable.
Another emphasis of the school bases on my 30 years research into exploring student’s potential. I always strive to bring every student to his or her full potential. I encourage even the youngest children to think at their lessons and in their home practice, teach them to analyse their own work and evaluate their achievements. Here the atmosphere of a music school with its concerts, an occasional beat of a friendly rivalry and even a simple interaction on a weekly basis becomes very useful.
It is my first priority to give every student proper professional skills such as reading, counting and memory development from the very first note they play. Students that show an above average talent are then given choice and opportunity to move at a faster pace. Parents play a very important role in supervising and encouraging their children’s exercise routine and in attending lessons, if they wish to do so. They also play an important role in deciding on how much weight should be put on their child’s music activities.
Full course studies in our school include weekly individual lessons of either 30, 45 or 60 minutes, depending on student’s age and level, plus a 45 minute weekly group theory lesson. A part-time course consists of one weekly individual or group (when available) instrumental lesson. Although theory classes are optional, they are strongly recommended to be taken as soon as a student starts to learn music, as they are of a strong benefit to a well-rounded music education.
All teachers employed by the school are professionals in their field with tertiary qualifications and often second degrees. In my choice of teachers I place great emphasis on choosing the right type of people who genuinely love and care for children and are dedicated to their work. I am in constant communication with all of my teaching staff, sharing my expertise, helping with repertoire choices and gathering information about every student’s progress.
Public performances are strongly encouraged at the school through our monthly school concerts, active participation at local competitions as well as Trinity College and AMEB exams.
Inna Kogan
Brisbane, 5th January 2007