Tweed Heads Music Academy

Why music matters

Music is more than just learning an instrument — it builds confidence, creativity, discipline, and lifelong skills. Whether you’re a child discovering music for the first time or an adult finally taking lessons you’ve always wanted to try, learning music creates opportunities for growth both on and off the stage.

For children, music lessons can improve focus, patience, coordination, listening skills, and self-expression while giving them a unique creative outlet. For adults, music provides a rewarding challenge, stress relief, and the satisfaction of continually learning something new.

At Tweed Heads Music Academy, we believe music should be enjoyable, practical, and inspiring. Our lessons are designed to help students build real skills, play real music, and develop a lifelong love of music in a supportive environment.

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  • "Mark taught our son Ben drums from the age of seven through to fourteen. He encouraged Ben to join the school bands in both primary and high school. He guided Ben through Trinity Exams. Mark has a gentle supportive approach and works collaboratively with his students to help them develop their skills and confidence, while also ensuring lessons are enjoyable by playing music they genuinely love."

    —Sandy

  • I may well be Errol McDonald’s oldest and probably his worst guitar student. That said, my lack of aptitude is not because of Errol – he’s a great teacher. Errol is very gifted in his own right and is totally punctual, professional and patient. Can’t recommend him highly enough.

    John

  • "Both my kids took lessons with Mark during primary school. My daughter learnt guitar and my son learnt the drums. Both complete beginners. Mark has the patience of a saint and im azazed by his knowledge, experience and flexibility to teach multiple instruments. He made lessons fun and my kids loved going each week."

    —Lisa

  • For the past five years I have studied acoustic, and more recently, electric guitar with Errol McDonald. During this time, Errol has worked with me to develop both my playing technique as well as my understanding of music theory. Whenever I have problem, invariably, he can explain or demonstrate how to solve it, which gives me confidence to try new techniques, to learn about my instrument and its possibilities.

    Claire

  • "Mark was my first drum teacher who started and shaped my music journey. Thanks to Mark inspiring a love of music, i now play drums in a band (MARC) and we have released our original songs on spotify. Mark is a very thorough teacher who dedicates himself to create the perfect learning environment for his students. I am very thankful for all Mark taught me."

    -Miki

  • I have known and worked with Errol McDonald for many years in my role as music teacher at St Joseph's College.  Over the years I have witnessed Errol's unique and highly effective skills as an excellent guitar tutor to the students of the College.  He has a natural ability to connect with students through humour, deep musical knowledge, and interest.  Errol always seeks to understand the musical interests and goals of his students so that each one has lessons that are highly individualised.  

    Louise

  • "Learning from Mark was a great experience. He helped me achieve a 91 in my music High School Certificate as well as tutoring me through multiple Trinity College Exams, university auditions and school performances. I especially appreciated his focus on correct technique which not only helped me learn multiple songs but also how to play them in the most efficient way possible."

    —Chris

  • My three sons all had guitar lessons with Errol for a number of years, and all absolutely loved the time spent with him and the knowledge imparted, so much so that one adult son still regularly goes to lessons. 

    Kerry