Quality piano lessons with expert teachers, for all ages and stages.
All Hands Piano Academy is founded by pianist and songwriter Emma Stephenson (PhD, Bmus). Please read about our teachers below.
AGNES KRISTIANTO (Mondays and Tuesdays)
“Agnes is a terrific teacher. I’m having piano lessons for the first time in my life, at 50, and I am very happy that she is teaching me…” – Scott L.
In her home country of Indonesia, Agnes had early success as a pianist, winning several prizes including the first prize and second prize in Riau’s Piano and Violin Competition (2009 and 2011). At the age of seventeen, Agnes gave her first solo recital in Indonesia before pursuing her degree in Bachelor of Music (Performance) at Sydney Conservatorium of Music. She has recently completed her Master of Music Studies (Performance) degree. In 2022, Agnes won first place in the Sydney Eisteddfod Piano Competition, the category of 20th and 21st Century Music.
As a teacher, Agnes is enthusiastic in teaching children and/ or fellow music lovers of all ages the beautiful language of music. She aims for a lesson structure that is fun-filled but also effective in building critical and independent musical thinking. Agnes is flexible in different teaching strategies to suit each student’s goals. She believes in
adapting piano techniques as early on to elevate students’ upmost musicality.
NEON FAN (Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays)
“Neon is a very polite and kind person and she would go extra miles to care for students needs. We were very pleased with the musical progress made whilst learning with Neon. My daughters had improved a lot on their skills and interests during the time.”
– Melissa Mu
A graduate in piano collaboration at the prestigious Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Neon has over a decade of extensive experience in both classical piano and contemporary keyboard performance. Neon has studied and performed abroad in New York City, in world-renowned venues such as Carnegie Hall and with professors from the distinguished Juilliard and Manhattan schools of music. In Sydney, Neon’s musical forays include cross-disciplinary collaborations and compositions in Opera, chamber music, pop/rock and film music genres.
Neon is a warm, bubbly teacher who is particularly well-suited for young children and loves to create fun and engaging lessons, curating a personal method for each student to share the enjoyment of working towards their own individual goals. Neon is also a well-rounded teacher for young students and adults wanting to pursue piano grading exams.
ERIN FORD (Sunday afternoons)
Erin has been working in education for the past 15 years, completing a Bachelor of Education (Primary) in 2009. Throughout high school she completed AMEB practical and theory examinations, studying Music for her HSC with an emphasis on musicology and performance. After University, Erin spent several years working as a classroom teacher in local schools, focusing mostly on Kindergarten to Year 2. During this time she also had the opportunity to coordinate the primary school choir and various musical groups. In 2015 Erin trained as a Kindermusik Educator, running group classes for 1-6 year olds developing foundational concepts of music, movement and dance. These classes were central to Erin developing a passion for the early years of music learning. In 2021 Erin returned to teaching in the form of in-home individual piano and vocal lessons. She has particularly loved creating personalised learning activities that nurture her students skill, technique, theory and enjoyment of music. Erin is also a mother of three young children and brings her compassionate understanding of the holistic needs of young people to teaching her students. She believes any learning journey is a partnership between student, home and teacher and is eager to support families in fostering a love of music and a commitment to improvement. Erin endeavours to make lessons fun, engaging and comfortable. It is so important to her that her students look forward to their lesson each week!
TIM FISHER (Tuesdays)
Tim Fisher is a graduate of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music receiving a Bachelor of Jazz Performance in piano. While at the Con he studied with Judy Bailey, Mike Nock and Matt McMahon, and harpsichord with Neal Perez da Costa.
He was a long time member of the Craig Scott Quintet, and also featured in John Morrison’s rhythm section for a number of years. He was a Freedman Jazz Fellowship Nominee in 2019.
He has performed with James Morrison, Sydney Symphony Orchestra, George Golla, Jeff Clayton (USA) Bobby Rydell (USA), Wendy Matthews, Gregg Arthur, Dan Barnett, Phil Burton (Human Nature), Nic Jeffries, Emma Pask, Marie Wilson, Catherine Hunter, Jacki Cooper, Glen Shorrock (LRB), Swing City, Dave Panichi Big Band, The Sydney Jazz Orchestra to name a few.
Since June 2014, he has been working as full time pianist with the NSW Police Concert band and continues to perform as a freelance solo pianist/accompanist outside of these commitments.
GRACE OH (Saturdays *limited availability*)
Grace is a passionate and dynamic pianist with extensive teaching expertise. She holds an Associate Diploma (AMusA) and AMEB Grade 8 Flute with Honours and has also achieved AMEB Grade 6 Theory of Music. Her exceptional musical talent earned her a perfect score in HSC Music III and Band 6 in Music II.
Grace was accepted with a full music scholarship to the Sydney Conservatorium for a Bachelor of Music (Education) under the tutelage of Dr Bernadette Harvey. In addition to her classical training, she has explored Contemporary, Jazz, and Gospel genres, creating a well-rounded foundation to cater to a diverse range of students.
Currently, Grace teaches music at a prestigious private all-girls high school in Gordon. She also brings years of teaching experience from Cherrybrook Technology High School, Marian College, and Cherrybrook Public School, where she delivered personalised, well-structured lessons. Grace is dedicated to providing differentiated instruction that meets each student’s unique needs, offering a balance of theory and performance. Her teaching philosophy goes beyond technical proficiency; she aims to inspire students to explore the deeper meaning of music and build confidence through their musical journey.