Testimonials

[JAZZ GUITAR] I have always loved singing and for years I played folk guitar by ear with a few basic chords. I knew there was more that I wanted to be able to do, so I started lessons with Robert in 2017. We have covered a broad field, to a depth that I could only previously imagine. Jazz guitar, music theory, picking and strumming, barre chords, arpeggios, keys, modes, sight reading, jazz piano, drum rhythms, voice – a long list. It was always at the level I was able to cope with at the time. I am very pleased with my progress and I am loving my sound more than ever.

Rob has an encyclopaedic knowledge of music due to his formal training and his work as a session musician on bass, guitar and drums. His mastery, and long teaching experience, mean he has never been unable to answer a question on the fly, or provide an example, or name an album to listen to, or patiently break down a technique in a new way. It is like having a coach who customises what you need to know, with where you want to go next. And I have seen his wonderful, considerate interaction with young and old students at all levels.

Bill S.

[DRUMS] I've been studying with Rob for over a year now, and I couldn't recommend him highly enough.

Before meeting Rob, I had only played drums once, but thanks to his patience, knowledge, and encouragement, I've made more progress than I ever expected. He explains things clearly, makes lessons enjoyable, and always takes the time to help you improve at your own pace.

Rob is a fantastic teacher and has made learning drums a great experience!

C. McIndoe

[CLASSICAL GUITAR] I highly recommend Rob as a music teacher. As a child I learnt the Piano and Cornet, but the rate at which I am accumulating knowledge and understanding of the guitar has astounded me. Some people are born to be healers, others to be teachers, and some were born to teach music. This is Rob, he has a natural talent for music, and music is his passion, his reason for getting up in the morning. He intuitively seems to know just how to give you what you need at each stage of your growth as a musician, keeping you excited, engaged and progressing at a rate of success that drives the hunger for more.

Michael Crockett

[ELECTRIC GUITAR] I look forward to each and every guitar lesson with Rob. As a mature aged student I am challenged, encouraged and cajoled by Rob to continually improve, albeit sometimes very incrementally.

Whether learning scales, chords, techniques, or a broad range of genres including blues, jazz, classical and other rhythms, Rob shares his wide knowledge of musical forms with patience, humour and understanding. I wish I had started my musical journey with Rob years ago.

Cheers
Phil B

[ACOUSTIC GUITAR] Rob, the guru who shares his love & understanding of music in the most patient, understanding& engaging way.
Works one on one, feels safe making mistakes!!
Rob is professional and encouraging & makes every lesson worthwhile and more importantly fun !!!
Can only speak this highly of someone I truly regard & recommend as a music teacher and mentor.
Laurie H
( Greenwood )

[DRUMS] Since my 13 year old son began lessons with Robert, it has been wonderful to see his confidence and ability grow. Rob is patient, encouraging and knows how to make lessons enjoyable while helping him continually develop his skills and confidence. I also really appreciated Rob's friendly and professional communication. He is always approachable, keeps me updated on my son's progress, and genuinely cares about his students and their families. It has been a pleasure working with him, and am grateful for the positive impact he has made on my child's musical journey. I would highly recommend Robert to anyone looking for a talented and dedicated drum instructor.
Ligia.T. :) :)

[GUITAR] We have found Rob to be friendly and welcoming. Our grandson Luke, aged 11, has been learning guitar with Rob for the last 2 years. Rob's patience and sense of humour have given Luke a happy learning place. Whilst learning theory and technique his musical interests have also been accommodated. Thanks Rob!

Sue and Mike

[ELECTRIC GUITAR] My daughter has been taking guitar lessons with Rob for over a year now, and it’s been such a wonderful experience. We first heard about him through a friend and several homeschooling families who couldn’t say enough good things — and now I completely understand why. Rob is warm, welcoming, and has this incredible gift for teaching music in a way that feels personal and inspiring. His knowledge spans everything from classical to jazz to whatever’s trending, and he always finds a way to connect it to what my daughter loves.

He hasn’t just taught her how to play guitar — he’s opened her ears and heart to so many different genres and decades of music. He’s an amazing musician himself, with a library of musical knowledge that seems endless. No matter your age or skill level, Rob makes learning fun, challenging, and completely tailored to you.

We would recommend him in a heartbeat to anyone — young or old, beginner or experienced. Rob and his family are truly beautiful, loving people who make you feel uplifted and grateful just to know them.

Adene R.

[DOUBLE BASS/ELECTRIC] After many disappointing, frustrating and costly experiences in my attempt to learn an instrument and play, really play, music I cannot speak highly enough of Robert Arathoon- an outstanding
music teacher.

Robert's dedication to his students is truly exceptional—he goes above and beyond to ensure that every learner feels supported, challenged, and inspired to grow. And, what sets Robert apart is
the remarkable diversity of instruments he teaches, making music accessible to students with a wide range of interests and abilities.

What I see in Robert is a unique ability to identify each student’s needs and provide practical, effective solutions to help develop their technical skills. Whether it’s refining technique, improving
confidence, or overcoming specific challenges, his guidance is always insightful and encouraging.

Equally impressive is the way Robert teaches music theory in context. Rather than presenting it as abstract concepts, he integrates theory naturally into lessons, helping students understand how it applies directly to the music they play. His approach makes learning both meaningful and engaging.

Above all, Robert is patient, his adapts each lesson to the needs of his students. As a long-time student, Robert encouraged in me and others “progress through targeted practice”, knowing what to practice and why. He actively encourages students to explore and listen to a wide variety of genres, broadening their musical horizons and fostering creativity. His passion is contagious, and it motivates students to keep learning and discovering.

There is so much more I could say but I will end with this Robert, is an exceptional music educator in every sense—highly recommended.

Salvatore Phillip Befumo
Bsc UWA. Grad Dip UWA (Math and Science Teacher. Perth WA)

[PIANO/DRUMS] Our family have known Rob since my oldest daughter was 9, she is 21 now. She did guitar lessons with Rob, and enjoyed jamming with him. My youngest daughter is currently doing drums with Rob for a few years, and piano too, since she was interested, also dipping her toes into songwriting.

Both my kids really enjoyed/are enjoying their sessions with Rob. His relaxed friendly manner makes it easy and fun to learn. Highly recommend him to anyone young and old who wants to venture into the music world. Thank you, Rob!

Maretha V, 2026

[GUITAR] I first met Rob when my daughter began taking guitar lessons with him. She thoroughly enjoyed the lessons, which have complemented her ongoing piano studies.

About a year ago, I decided to start learning guitar myself and asked Rob to teach me. My background includes service in the Special Air Service Regiment (SAS) and later as a Police Detective. I have also spent many years training in martial arts. Across these pursuits I have been fortunate to learn from many instructors and have been exposed to a wide range of teaching methods. As a result, I understand the importance of quality instruction and what separates a good teacher from a great one.

Rob is an exceptional teacher with a rare ability to share his extensive knowledge in a relaxed, engaging, and enjoyable way. He explains concepts clearly, adapts his teaching to the individual, and creates an environment that makes learning both enjoyable and rewarding.

I would highly recommend Rob to anyone looking to learn guitar, whether you're a complete beginner, an experienced musician, a child, or an adult.

Dave M.

[PIANO/COMPOSITION] Rob is an incredible music teacher. I have been getting music lessons from Rob for the past 5 years - and he has been instrumental (excuse the pun) in helping me achieve my music goals.

I came to Rob with a background in classically trained piano and a desire to learn more jazz chords, improvising and jazz standards! Since then my chordal knowledge has expanded and I have learnt things I have never considered before. Every lesson, Rob is encouraging, patient and incredibly knowledgable!

Recently, Rob has helped me with songwriting, and I am excited to say that I am recording 4 songs to be released this year that Rob helped me to arrange. He will also be playing double bass on the tracks!

Whether you are looking to build on your current musical skill-set or learn a new music instrument, or looking for a teacher for your child, with Rob's easy going nature, incredible musical knowledge and skillset, you will be in safe hands!

Sascha Burrows

[DRUMS] Rob has been an outstanding teacher for our boy over the last 12 months. He has a fantastic way of connecting with kids, making lessons fun, engaging, and enjoyable while still helping them develop their skills and confidence. His communication is excellent, keeping both students and parents informed and motivated.

Most importantly, Rob is incredibly patient, always encouraging and supportive no matter the challenge. We highly recommend him to anyone looking for a talented and dedicated music teacher.

Damian S.

[PIANO/DRUMS/WAAPA PREP] Rob is an exceptional music teacher who brings enthusiasm, flexibility, and a genuine passion for helping his students succeed.

He helped my very apprehensive son gain confidence and discover a love of music by first engaging him with drum beats and rhythm before gradually introducing the piano. Rob tailored his teaching to my son’s individual interests, making lessons enjoyable and helping him feel comfortable enough to give it a go.

Rob has also been an invaluable tutor in preparing my daughter for her WAAPA application and entry into her chosen course. He encouraged her creativity and mentored her in a way that allowed her to remain true to herself and her in her writing style and voice.

Rob has a wonderful ability to connect with students of all ages and abilities, meeting them where they are and helping them grow in confidence, skill, and self-belief. I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a talented, engaging, and supportive music teacher.

- Krissy

[ELECTRIC BASS] Rob has been teaching my son Connor since 2022 and has been exceptional from the start — patient and encouraging throughout.

His depth of musical knowledge is remarkable and clearly extends well beyond bass across a range of instruments.

He's one of the kindest and most genuine people we've come across, and we couldn't recommend him more highly.

Mike M.

[FUSION: GUITAR/FRETLESS BASS/PIANO/DRUMS/COMPOSITION] I've been learning with Rob for over 10 years, studying guitar, keyboard, bass guitar and drums, and Rob has been a great teacher in all of them.

He has a deep knowledge of music and theory, as well as extensive experience playing, performing and composing. He's also friendly and easygoing, and adaptable to the interests of the student.

Piper R.

[ELEC.. BASS/THEORY/IMPROV] I have received music tuition from Rob during my retirement because I had played cello and bass guitar as a teenager and wanted to play the bass guitar again.

Rob has been the perfect teacher for me because he is not only an extremely capable and knowledgeable musician but is also very understanding.

Like me, he realises that I am not going to be a star of stage and screen – my cerebral and physical capacities are not what they used to be. However, Rob appreciates that the challenge of relearning a musical instrument and what I learn from of our discussions about music theory, great musicians and musical genres that are new to me, are enjoyable and therapeutic.

I strongly recommend Rob to other potential
pupils.

Martyn French (Floreat)