Principal & Early Childhood Educator
As co-founder and Principal of Penny Lane’s Music Workshop, Cathy oversees the school’s management, guiding everything from daily operations to long-term vision. Her leadership blends professionalism with warmth, ensuring that students, families, and teachers feel supported, welcomed, and part of something meaningful. Having worked in the music and arts industries since the 1980s, Cathy brings decades of creative experience, practical knowledge and deep care to every aspect of the school.
Alongside her leadership role, Cathy is a passionate early childhood music educator and the co-creator of Baba Lala Musical Playtime, Penny Lane’s much-loved early years program. For many Fremantle families, Baba Lala is their first experience of Penny Lane’s — and often the beginning of a long-term relationship with the school.
Cathy’s creative contribution to Penny Lane’s extends well beyond the office and the classroom. She’s been an integral part of shaping the school’s philosophy, programs and community-focused approach since its inception, working alongside her late partner Richard Lane and their daughter Penny Lane to build a place that brings people together, supports families through all stages of life.
Cathy Gavranich
School Muse - Piano, Guitar, Drum, Voice & Violin Tutor
Penny Lane has been immersed in music since the day she was born. The daughter of the late Richard Lane, founding member of iconic WA band The Stems, and founder of Penny Lane’s Music Workshop, Penny grew up surrounded by instruments, rehearsals, songwriting sessions, and the creative energy of working musicians. Music wasn’t just part of her environment — it was the rhythm of her everyday life. The school itself was named after her, and she spent her childhood raised and home‑schooled inside it, helping her parents run the school from a very young age.
Penny has been writing and recording original music since she was 8 years old, exploring styles ranging from indie pop and folk to rock and experimental. She has released several original tracks, available on Bandcamp, Spotify, and other streaming platforms, showcasing her evolving artistry.
She has completed a Certificate IV in Music (Sound) and is currently studying an Advanced Diploma in Music (Music Artist) at WAAPA, further deepening her skills in performance, composition, and sound production.
With a lifetime of performance and teaching experiences, Penny brings a rare blend of lived musical immersion, formal training, and genuine passion to her lessons.
Penny Lane
Bodhi Houraeau-Rose
Drum, Bass, Guitar & Percussion Tutor
Bodhi grew up in a musical household where creativity, collaboration, and regular jam nights were part of everyday life. Accepted into the Gifted and Talented Music Program at Fremantle College at age 11 and later graduating from John Curtin College of the Arts with a focus on percussion, he developed a strong foundation across drums, guitar, bass, ukulele and djembe.
He has performed at venues including Sonar Room, Mojo’s Bar, and The Rosemount Hotel, gaining valuable experience as both a solo and ensemble musician.
Bodhi spent six years working as an outdoor adventure instructor, guiding diverse groups through teamwork and confidence building activities. This experience strengthened his communication skills and his ability to create a fun, upbeat learning environment where students feel supported and encouraged. His blend of musical skill and group‑leadership experience gives him a unique teaching style that is both structured and relaxed.
In 2022, Bodhi began offering freelance lessons to local kids, discovering how much he enjoyed helping young musicians grow. Now part of Penny Lane’s teaching team, he brings enthusiasm, patience, and a genuine love of music to every lesson. Bodhi is passionate about helping students explore rhythm, creativity, and expression across multiple instruments, and he’s excited to share his musical journey with the Freo community
Voice, Piano, Guitar, Drum & Choir Tutor
Hannah is an enthusiastic and engaging music teacher with a passion for igniting creativity in all its forms. As a multi‑instrumentalist and trained vocalist, she understands the joy of making music both as a soloist and as part of an ensemble. Her experience as a performer, singer‑songwriter, and film score composer — collaborating with creators locally and internationally — gives her a rich, diverse musical perspective that she brings into every lesson.
With a strong foundation in vocal technique, Hannah loves helping students explore their voice in new and expressive ways. She incorporates vocal care, performance training, and practical exercises to build confidence and freedom in singing. As a skilled accompanist, she also supports students preparing for auditions or learning to perform alongside other instrumentalists, creating a supportive and encouraging learning environment.
Hannah completed a Diploma in Music Industry (Contemporary Music Artist Stream) in 2018 and graduated with a Bachelor of Music, majoring in Composition & Technology, from WAAPA in 2022. As a composer, she understands the challenges of learning music theory and works patiently with students of all abilities to help them master the fundamentals and communicate their musical ideas with clarity.
Hannah Owens
Alex Wilson
Guitar, Bass, Banjo, Piano & Drum Tutor
Alex grew up in the wheatbelt in a musical family, where the love for music and gardening was instilled in him from an early age. Starting with the guitar at just 10 years old, Alex quickly expanded his musical repertoire to include the bass, drums, piano, and banjo. During high school, Alex delved deeper into guitar studies, collaborating with fellow musicians to showcase his talents in various performances.
In his early twenties, Alex embarked on a journey across Australia as a session musician and a professional guitarist and drummer, playing in numerous touring bands. Being part of a musical family, evenings were often spent exploring improvisation and experimenting with genres ranging from reggae to rock to jazz.
Before joining Penny Lane’s team, Alex dedicated several years to teaching music privately, nurturing students’ talents and fostering their love for music. In 2024, Alex became a valued member of the Penny Lane’s teaching staff, bringing his unique blend of encouragement, theory, and jam-based teaching to the classroom.
Alex’s dual passion for gardening and music continues to inspire their students, fostering a dynamic and engaging learning environment where creativity and exploration thrive. We are thrilled to have Alex as part of our team, enriching our music school with his extensive experience and dedication.
Georgia Hinkle
Guitar, Ukulele & Voice Tutor
Georgia embarked on her musical journey at the tender age of four. She grew up being homeschooled in a musical community in Indianapolis, surrounded by the sounds of instruments and melodies, which deeply influenced her.
Her formal education in music began at Penny Lane's when she was just eight years old. Georgia's profound love for singing and songwriting is evident in her work, where she often draws inspiration from her personal life experiences to create heartfelt and evocative songs.
Her approach to teaching is greatly inspired by her first music teacher, Richard Lane, who continues to be a significant source of inspiration and guidance in her musical endeavors. Having been a long-term student at Penny Lane's herself, she has a unique understanding of the school's distinctive learning journey.
In addition to her vocal expertise, Georgia excels in teaching guitar and ukulele, infusing a creative and contemporary flair into her lessons..
As an enthusiastic and nurturing educator, Georgia is committed to fostering a love for music in young minds. She is dedicated to helping her students thrive, build confidence, and find joy in the music they create. With her students' best interests always at heart, Georgia aims to inspire and support them in their musical pursuits.
Sylas Cristonsen
Cello, Bass, Guitar & Drum Tutor
Sylas, also known by his stage name Understandably Onion, is a versatile multi-instrumentalist. He holds certificates III and IV in music and is currently furthering his education with a Diploma of Music (Sound Production) at WAAPA.
As an artist, Sylas has an extravagant stage presence and flamboyant, often whimsical persona. His artistic style is a unique blend of chaotic and poetic influences, drawing from Romantic Poetry, Balinese Gamelan, Industrial Dance Music, and Slam Death Metal. He is also the drummer for the bands Copper Plains and Blood Meridian, with his music available on Bandcamp.
In his teaching, Sylas channels the same passion and energy that characterizes his performances, while maintaining patience and a light-hearted approach. His students not only learn to play music but also build strong friendships with him, appreciating his engaging and supportive teaching style. Sylas's commitment to his students ensures that they not only learn to play but truly learn how to rock.
Sylas continually seeks new ways to inspire his students, often incorporating elements from diverse musical genres into his lessons. This approach not only broadens his students' musical horizons but also fosters a deep appreciation for the art form.
Sylas is not just a teacher; he is a mentor and a friend to his students. His dynamic personality, coupled with his extensive musical knowledge and innovative teaching methods, makes him a standout figure in the music education community, inspiring the next generation of musicians.