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Teaching

Alastair now available for online lessons.  Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more details.

Alastair offers lessons on drum kit, Brazilian and Latin percussion, and orchestral percussion, as well as offering a range of workshops and masterclasses.  As an experienced performer and educator, Alastair offers lessons covering all contemporary styles (rock/funk etc), brushes, sight reading, technique, improvisation, jazz drumming and more.  He is also one of Australia's leading pandeiro teachers, being a specialist in Brazilian percussion, and is a specialist in VCE Solo Performance as well as tertiary audition preparation.

As an educator, Alastair is sought out for his excellent pedagogical knowledge. His students benefit from his extensive research, and from his own experiences as a student with a number of world-class drummers and percussionists, including John Riley, Scott Kettner and Ari Hoenig (US), Roberta Valente, Jorge Alabe, Celso de Almeida and Edu Ribeiro (Brazil), and Australian drummers including Simon Barker, David Jones and Hamish Stuart.

In addition to his private studio teaching, Alastair teaches at Monash University, the University of Melbourne, and schools around Melbourne.  He has helped many students fulfil their musical potential, from beginner students to professionals. Alastair has extensive experience in helping students prepare for tertiary auditions, and many of his students have gone on to study at universities around Australia, including Monash, Melbourne University, the VCA, Canberra School of Music, Tasmanian Conservatorium and Melbourne Polytech.

Alastair is highly experienced with VCE Solo Performance students, and his students have consistently scored excellent marks in Year 11 and 12 music. He has also helped many students through St Cecilia, Rock School, and AMEB exams.  Feel free to contact Alastair to talk about your goals.

Alastair has a limited number of positions available for students in his private teaching practice.

Alastair is also available for workshops and masterclasses covering a range of topics, including jazz performance, Brazilian music, group percussion, improvisation and rhythm section workshop. In recent years he has lead dozens of workshops at colleges and universities around Australia, including the VCA, Monash University, University of Tasmania and schools in Victoria and Tasmania.

Credit and debit cards accepted. 

Melbourne Northern Suburbs: Brunswick, Coburg, Fawkner, Glenroy, Campbellfied, Pascoe Vale, Hadfield, Resevoir, Coburg North, Preston, Thornbury

Upcoming Gigs
July 20 Dany Maia - Melbourne Recital Centre
June 14 Panorama Brasil - Wesley Anne
June 15 Panorama Brasil - Paris Cat Jazz Club

Upcoming Gigs

Please click through the tabs for information on our upcoming gigs.

July 20 Dany Maia - Melbourne Recital Centre

Dany Maia

Saturday July 20, 7pm

Melbourne Recital Centre

Immerse yourself in the pulsating rhythms of Brazil as Dany Maia’s impassioned vocals and magnetic stage presence breathe new life into her homeland’s music. From the infectious beats of samba to the soulful melodies of bossa nova, her repertoire encompasses a wide range of Brazilian musical styles, all delivered with her signature flair and authenticity.

Joined by a talented ensemble including Jorge Albuquerque on acoustic guitar, Alastair Kerr on drums, Ben Carr on saxophone, Josh Bridges on cavaquinho and bass, and Matt Boden on piano, Dany invites listeners to experience the rich cultural tapestry of Brazil through her heartfelt and joyful performances. Highlighting both the traditional and contemporary allure of Brazilian musical expression, don’t miss this celebration of culture and rhythm.

Bookings and info here.

June 14 Panorama Brasil - Wesley Anne

Panorama Brasil

Featuring Yael Zamir

Friday June 14, 8pm

Wesley Anne, Northcote

Tix and info here.

Panorama Brasil explore the music of two Brazilian jazz giants – Hermeto Pascoal and Airto Moreira – led by guest musical director, Yael Zamir (flute).

From their early days together in Sambrasa Trio and the legendary Quarteto Novo, Hermeto Pascoal and Airto Moreira have been at the forefront of Brazilian jazz and improvised music. Panorama Brasil explore and re-imagine the repertoire of these two Brazilian greats, diving into interpretations of regional and folkloric rhythms, as well as samba, bossa nova, and Brazilian jazz.

Panorama Brasil:
Yael Zamir (flute)
Jorge Albuquerque (bass)
Matt Boden (piano)
Alastair Kerr (drums/percussion)

 

June 15 Panorama Brasil - Paris Cat Jazz Club

Panorama Brasil featuring Jacq Gawler

Saturday June 15, 6pm

Paris Cat Jazz Club

Panorama Brasil return to the Paris Cat, with special guest vocalist Jacqueline Gawler. Join the group for a tour through the rich musical landscape of Brazil, with songs from Djavan, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Milton Nascimento, and more.

Jacq has been a regular guest with Panorama Brasil over the past 8 years, but she is also well known for her work with groups such as Coco's Lunch, and America do Sul. Her beautiful renditions in both English and Portuguese alongside this stellar band make this a show not to be missed. The best of samba, bossa nova and Brazilian jazz.

New ticket link here.