About us
Based in Miranda, NSW, Kennedy Music Academy offers quality, fun and engaging lessons for young aspiring musicians. Our qualified and passionate teachers provide Piano, Singing, Guitar, Bass and Drum lessons for students of all ages. We offer group and private classes, an early learning music program, Birthday Parties and School Holiday programs all year round!
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Music Lessons
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Early Learning Music Program
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Guitar Lessons
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Singing Lessons
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Drum Lessons
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Birthday Parties
◼ Music Lessons ◆ Early Learning Music Program ▲ Guitar Lessons ◼ Singing Lessons ◆ Drum Lessons ▲ Birthday Parties
Our Teachers
Dianne Regan
Vocals, Performance Coach
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Dianne Regan is recognized as one of Australia's premier vocal coaches, with a track record of remarkable success in the industry. With a keen eye for discovering talent and a gift for nurturing it, she has been instrumental in the careers of numerous successful artists, including DJ Jazzy, Fletch Pillion (Winner of Australia’s Got Talent), Amali Diamond (Top 5 of Australian Idol), Tarasai Vushe (Top 5 of Australian Idol), and Vlado Saric (Top 5 X Factor), among others.
An ARIA-nominated artist herself, Dianne is also a highly accomplished music producer, songwriter, creative film and television director, talent manager, theatrical producer, social media manager, and content creator. Specializing in artist development, she has played a vital role in preparing artists for major platforms like X-Factor, Australia’s Got Talent, The Voice, and Australian Idol.
Dianne’s innovative approach to creating and presenting artists has led to the creation of many high-profile acts, showcasing her genius for crafting concepts that resonate. She is deeply passionate about mentoring young talent, consistently finding new ways to provide platforms for emerging artists to launch successful careers. Her expertise was further recognized when she served as a judge on Channel Seven's "All Together Now" alongside Ronan Keating.
With over 30 years of experience in the entertainment industry, Dianne is a leader in artist development in Australia. Her experience spans television, film, music video production, recording and licensing deals, and music management, all supported by her exceptional producing and songwriting abilities.
Dianne is also the creative force behind "The Star Girls," a hit pop group for kids, which became the first Australian act to sign with Zomba Records, the label behind global icons like Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, NSYNC, and Justin Timberlake. The Star Girls were one of Australia’s most successful touring acts, performing over 350 shows annually for a decade, both in Australia and the USA. Under Dianne's guidance, The Star Girls released three albums, achieved a #1 video on Video Hits, and were nominated for three ARIA awards. The group also had a television show on Nickelodeon Australia and signed with MTV Network in the US for a fully animated series that Dianne created and co-produced.
Beyond music, Dianne has directed and produced a series of high-quality children's musicals since 2005, including "The Wizard of Oz," "Grease," "Alice in Wonderland," and "Annie Jr.," all of which have played to sold-out audiences across Sydney. Currently, Dianne is one of the producers of Boogie Fever The Musical, which will be performed in Sydney in 2025.
Dianne’s philosophy is clear: “The artist is nothing without the gift, but the gift is nothing without work.” She firmly believes that “Your talent determines what you can do. Your motivation determines how much you are willing to do. Your attitude determines how well you do it.”
Tiffany Kennedy
Director, Piano/Keyboard, Vocals
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Tiffany began learning the piano at age 7 and has always loved singing. She pursued her love of music and completed a Bachelor of Music, majoring in Piano Performance and Vocal Studies at Wesley Institute (now Excelsia College) where she performed at various iconic venues around the world like the Sydney Opera House and toured Europe with the college choir.
Tiffany has also performed professionally with various musicians at events, functions, funerals and weddings in Sydney. With 13 years of teaching experience and a Masters of Teaching in progress, she has taught children and teens of all ages as well as adults.
Kennedy Music Academy has been a long term goal and dream for Tiffany and she is thrilled to play a part in nurturing aspiring musicians of the next generation in the beautiful Sutherland Shire.
Stephanie Swords
Vocals Tutor, Musical Theatre
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Stephanie Swords is a versatile performer with a passion for musical theatre, known for her captivating stage presence and vocals. Stephanie’s notable performances include portraying Lady of the Lake in Spamalot with Regals Musical Society, Wednesday Addams in The Addams Family at Kirrawee High School, and Belle in Beauty and the Beast Jr with Notable Theatre Company.
Stephanie's captivating voice has graced numerous stages and events, earning her recognition as a featured artist and vocalist. From performing at festivals like Pulse Alive and Berry Celtic Festival to being a part of huge productions such as the Southern Stars Spectacular. She has also been part of the Opera Australia's Children's Chorus in productions like Verdi's Attila in 2021 and 2020 and Wozzeck in 2019. Stephanie has also performed at wedding and funeral ceremonies and various church services since 2018.
Stephanie's dedication to her craft is evident in her educational background and training. She has achieved outstanding results in HSC subjects like Music Extension (Band 6) and Drama and has attained a Level 5 in Voice from the Australian Guild of Music Education with high distinction. Stephanie continues to hone her skills as a vocalist and performer under the guidance of mentors like Charmaine Gibbs, Lara Mulcahy, and Alanna Barnes, reflecting her commitment to excellence.
Stephanie is currently studying a Bachelor of Primary Education at UNSW and is passionate about imparting the gift of music and the voice to her students.
Katie Walshe
Piano/Keyboard, MusikMakers Toddler Program
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Katie is a qualified MusikMakers Teacher with over 5 years experience teaching the program and taught the MusikMakers Program at the Australian Institute of Music (AIM) for over 2 years. Katie has also taught piano to children and adults for many years. She has conducted piano lessons at AIM, local music schools & her private studio in Peakhurst. Katie has completed her 8th Grade Piano examination with the Australian Music Examination Board (AMEB).
Katie is also an accomplished live performer – playing keyboard, guitar and singing her own original compositions.
Katie has a passion for sharing her love of music and creative expression with her students and she loves bringing joy and helping our toddlers grow through music!
Jacqueline Torrisi
Piano/Keyboard
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Jacque is a KMA alumni and was taught and trained by our Director Tiffany since she was in Primary School! She is currently studying a Bachelor of Music, majoring in composition, at JMC Academy. Jacque has always had a love for music and teaching, learning multiple instruments, including piano and violin, since the age of 9.
Jacque has participated and performed in various music ensembles including chamber groups and bands during her secondary and tertiary education and has also been an active member of local community musical theatre groups, working backstage with performers and audio equipment.
With a 5 of years of teaching experience already, Jacque understands the importance of expressing one’s self through music and hopes to guide those who are both new and interested in learning in a way that is fun and creative!
Nicholas O’Brien
Acoustic, Electric and Bass Guitar
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Born into a musical family, Nic started learning piano at 6 years old, before switching to guitar at age 9. He developed a love for Rock and Heavy Metal, and would spend hours learning and jamming along to his favourite songs. He would later go on to achieve band 6 in Music 1 in the HSC, and go on to study at the Australian Institute of Music, receiving his Bachelors in Contemporary Music. During his time at uni, he was a member of a function band, playing the bass guitar at parties, weddings, and even at a festival.
Nic is currently working towards his Masters of Secondary Education at UNSW, and has been teaching guitar for 3 years. Through teaching, Nic hopes that he can instill a genuine passion for music in his students, and inspire them to jam along to their favourite songs.
James Donald
Acoustic, Electric and Bass Guitar
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James Donald is a multi instrumentalist from the South Coast of New South Wales. He cut his teeth busking on the streets of Nowra and Sydney, and his strengths lie with Acoustic Fingerstyle Guitar and Electric Bass. He’s released music on Spotify under his name: “James Donald”, recording and producing each of the projects himself including a jazz album “Jazzified”, an album of Christian music called “Firesides”, and the next project soon to be released will be a Folk album titled “Wanderlust”.
James received a Bachelor of Music from UNSW majoring in Jazz Performance and Sonic Arts, graduating with Second Class Honours Division 1.
James has been teaching for 13 years now. He has a deep passion for music and for teaching the next generation of musicians, and has taken the time to hone his teaching craft, making sure to tailor lessons to each individual student.
He is very much looking forward to working with KMA for the foreseeable future!
Nick Amery
Drums and Percussion
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Nick Amery began playing drums at age 12 and after forming his first band in high school, he has gone on to play with a large variety of professional musical groups performing on club, festival, theatre and concert stages ever since.
Nick has had 6 years of teaching experience, holds a Diploma of Music and is currently obtaining a qualification in Training and Assessment. He is also an avid guitarist and songwriter with many years of experience collaborating with professional musicians and producers on recording projects and short films.
Nick enjoys sharing his passion for music and artistic expression to encourage and empower confidence, creativity, and independence in his students.
Bree Jude
Admin Staff
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Bree is the admin queen! Previously a director of a local day care, her leadership, organisational and wonderful people skills help run the admin and processes of our school. Outside of KMA, she keeps busy with her almost 2 year old daughter and enjoys living in the South Coast of NSW.