About Us
The Music Garden has been operating continuously since 2004. Our carefully structured classes are taught by experienced and qualified Suzuki Music Teachers with a passion for working with babies and toddlers, and a deep belief in the potential of every child. Over the years we have worked with hundreds of parents, babies and toddlers, guiding parents on how to work with their child in class, and how to nurture their child’s development at home. We are proud that so many families choose work with us for the long term, from newborn to toddler to pre-schooler and honoured to support our parents and be a part of a child’s life during these tender, formative years. We are committed to inclusion and diversity at The Music Garden, and welcome children of all abilities. We have experience of working with children with ASD, Williams Syndrome and sight-impairment as well as a range of different developmental delays, and are very comfortable adapting what we do where necessary. We are very keen to talk with any families who would like their child to benefit from our classes and discuss if our classes would work for them.
"The Music Garden is by far one of the most positive Early Childhood Education experiences both my children and myself have experienced. Alina and Ester are so passionate about and committed to their “work”. They have such a wonderfully welcoming and calming presence. No matter what kind of day you and your children may be experiencing outside class, The Music Garden is an opportunity to connect, to become absorbed in the music and everything seems so much better for having been to class. A very uplifting experience."
Sonya, Music Garden Parent
Alina GOLLNER
Founder and Lead Teacher
Alina began Suzuki music as a student aged 6, and began her teaching career (piano and flute) as soon as she finished school. After completing a Science degree she decided to follow her passion for education, and spent a year at the Suzuki Talent Education Research Institute in Matsumoto, Japan, studying with Toshio Takahashi, founder of the Suzuki Flute Method, and graduated as a Suzuki Flute Teacher in October 1996, the first Suzuki flute student in Australia to do so.
After completing a Masters of Teaching on her return to Sydney, Alina continued her Suzuki training both here in Australia and the US studying with inspiring teachers from around the globe. She established The Music Garden in October 2004, one of the first Suzuki ECE programs in Sydney. In recent years, Alina has been invited to train and guide the next generation of Suzuki Early Childhood Music Teachers and Flute teachers.
Parenthood, and seeing the impact of The Music Garden first hand on her own children has only deepened Alina’s appreciation and understanding of this work along with the challenges and delights of the 0-3 and 3-5 age groups. As a result, she is able to provide a unique blend of expertise and insight to support both children and parents through the journey of these precious early years and beyond with respect, love, and of course, music.
“It is an immense privilege and honour to be working with babies, toddlers and parents, witnessing the joy of discovery and learning unfold week after week. It is my hope that all our Music Garden children continue to love music and learning, and grow into kind, sensitive adults who help create a better world"
Carolina CUENCA CARDOZO
Lead Teacher
Originally from Colombia, South America, Carolina grew up immersed in a musical environment, and has spent her life learning, playing and connecting with people around the world through music.
In Colombia, Carolina was a teacher of the BATUTA foundation of the Presidency of Colombia, which aims teach music to all children, especially children at risk, and received the Colombian Minister of Culture award. She was also part of the chamber group Camerata Alferez Real, that gave her the experience of playing music with love, responsibility and a vision for the world. and learned that music can a tool to create wellbeing. From this, Carolina created a cycle of concerts called ‘Meditation In Sound’, which she performed at local libraries, nurseries and children hospitals.
After moving to Sydney in 2009, Carolina has continued her music work for charities and community centres by creating music programs for families, children and babies around Sydney. An ever curious and life-long learner, Carolina also has a BSc in biology along with a BA in Music pedagogy many other qualifications. Convinced and passionate about the benefits of music for babies and toddlers, she started the Suzuki Early Childhood Music training in 2020, and we are thrilled to have her wealth of experience and creative spirit at The Music Garden!