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.
AMÉLIE GNATEK (Mondays and Wednesdays)
Amélie Gnatek is a contemporary musician, singer, pianist, and experienced music educator. A graduate of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music (2024) and the Talent Development Project (2021), she has built a strong reputation as a piano, vocal, and music theory tutor. Amélie has taught at reputable music schools including the Dr Lee Music Education Centre and Sieff’s Music, as well as providing private lessons. Her teaching approach focuses on fostering discipline, musicality, and confidence, drawing inspiration from her rich educational background. She studied piano under renowned pedagogues Alexandra Vinokurov and Miroslaw Galczynski, and honed her skills further through programs like Voiceology Australia and the NSW Arts Unit Schools Spectacular and Solo Vocal Camp. Alongside her teaching, Amélie is an accomplished performer. She has recorded at Sony Studios, performed widely across Sydney as a soloist and accompanist, and worked with industry professionals such as Peter Cousens AM and Bec Caruana. In 2023, she was selected by JBL Australia as one of the top 10 up-and-coming artists in the country. Her original music is available on all major streaming platforms.
NEON FAN (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays)
“My child has been learning piano with Neon at All Hands Piano Academy, and we’ve been really happy with the progress. Neon is warm, patient and knows exactly how to bring out the best in young students. She helped our child build a strong foundation in both technique and reading music, and recently guided him through his Grade 1 exam, which he passed confidently. Highly recommend Neon to any parent looking for a supportive and effective piano teacher.” – Rahul Sabharwal
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.
POLINA POLYAKOVA (Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays)
“My 7-year old son has been learning piano with Polina, and we feel so lucky to have found her. She’s incredibly patient and has a gentle, encouraging teaching style that really suits Will’s personality. Polina takes the time to choose songs that he loves—popular tunes that keep him motivated and excited to learn. She also helps him fine-tune his singing, which has added another layer of enjoyment to his lessons. I’ve seen growth in both his confidence and his musical ability. Highly recommend Polina for any child starting out on their musical journey!” – Trishia Jandu
Polina Polyakova is a graduate of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music (2023) receiving a Bachelor of Music majoring in contemporary music practice. Polina started her early music career classically trained in vocals and piano, but has since progressed to more contemporary styles such as pop, rock, jazz and R&B. During high school, she has also completed her AMEB Rockschool Vocal exams with a high distinction, along with AMEB piano & theory. Polina has previously taught students from as young as 4 to 60 at Sneaky Keys & currently at Ignite Music, where she’s focused on building her students skills both practically & theoretically, while allowing for a fun environment with games and activities for young musicians to gain an understanding and interest in music. Outside of her teaching, Polina’s musical journey began with performances in the Australian Girls Choir and the Sydney Children’s Choir. More recently, she has established herself as a songwriter and music producer under the name “Lina Kova.”
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.
LEAH GANDER (Mondays and Saturdays)
A graduate of the Sydney Conservatorium, Leah Gander has had a diverse career as both a performer and music educator, spanning six different countries. An experienced AMEB piano and theory teacher, as well as teaching pop and jazz, Leah brings a wealth of experience, and specialises in meeting students where they are at, finding what will motivate and inspire them to continue growing in their musical journey. With a post grad in Composition, Leah also enjoys composing and performing original music.
ANDY GANDER (Mondays and Saturdays)
As one of Australia’s foremost jazz drummers, Andy has toured, recorded and performed as a sideman with many international artists including Bobby Shew, Kenny Wheeler, Johnny Griffin, Ernie Watts, Jim Pugh, Alan Vizutti, Ray Brown, Kenny Kirkland, Micheal Brecker, Randy Brecker, Eugene Pao, Gabriel Guerrero, John Irabagon, Joe Pass, John McLaughlin, Larry Coryell, Harry Connick Jr. and many others. In Australia, he is an active collaborator on the jazz scene playing with artists such as Vince Jones, James Morrison, Paul Grabowsky, Joe Chindamo, James Muller, Dale Barlow etc. As a studio musician he has played on many album recordings, TV shows and concerts all over the world with commercial artists such as Vanessa May, Paul Young, Tom Jones and Gypsy Kings. He is also an experienced drumset educator, having conducted clinics and master classes at music institutions and drum festivals all over Australia. He holds a Masters Degree in Music Performance (University of Melbourne) and a Ph.D (University of Sydney).