19620399_1866791783642338_6915439577697734107_o_edited_edited.jpg

Our Teachers and Staff

Our Teachers and Staff

Our teachers are the most important part of your education. We genuinely believe we have found the most energetic, passionate group of educators for you or your child. Our teachers are not only accomplished musicians, but phenomenal educators and they give the gift of music to you in every single class.

Better yet; because we have teachers with different specialties (Jazz, Pop, Improvisation and various instruments too)...students have the option of studying one aspect of their education with one teacher - and perhaps changing specialism later down the track. Whatever you need; we're here to facilitate amazing musicians.

Leadership Team

Nate Franco
Director of Music
BMus (Performance & Composition) • Global Touring Artist • Music Educator (20+ years experience)

Nate is a professional pianist, singer, composer, guitarist and drummer with a career spanning more than two decades and performances in countries all over the world.

He began performing at age five and has since toured internationally with orchestras, ensembles, and contemporary artists — from concert halls to festival stages.

Alongside his performance career, Nate discovered an equal passion for teaching. For more than 15 years, he has worked with students of all ages and stages, known for his ability to break down complex musical concepts into achievable steps while nurturing confidence and creativity.

As our Director of Music, Nate oversees all teaching programs to ensure the highest standard of musical outcomes. He mentors our teachers through coaching, training and curriculum development, leads performance opportunities including choirs, bands and masterclasses, curates and directs our annual concert series, builds student confidence through real-world performance coaching and recording experiences and drives innovation across the school including new programs, resources and curriculum integration.

Debra Black
Studio Manager

Debra Black is the first friendly face (or voice) that most families meet. She joined Pathways in early 2021, bringing with her more than a decade of experience in education, administration, and student services across schools and learning institutions throughout Australia.

Deb is responsible for the smooth running of everything behind the scenes — enrolments, scheduling, communications, teacher support, compliance and parent liaison — making sure that every student, teacher and family feels supported and cared for.

Her superpower is connection: Deb understands that behind every timetable change, lesson plan, or email update is a real family juggling school, work, rehearsals and life. She approaches every interaction with warmth, empathy and an unwavering commitment to exceptional service.

At Pathways, Deb oversees enrolments, calendars and studio operations, supports parents with communication and scheduling, ensures every student has the right teacher, time and learning pathway, works closely with the Director of Music to deliver concerts, events and programs and helps keep the entire studio running smoothly and calmly.

Nahye (Nadia) Giannotti
Head of Piano Studies

Born into a rich musical heritage, Nahye (Nadia) Giannotti grew up surrounded by artistry and performance. Her father, Emilio Arvelo — a celebrated Venezuelan singer and composer — inspired her to pursue a life of music from an early age.

At just five years old, Nadia began formal piano training under renowned Venezuelan composer Blanca Estrella de Mescoli, later becoming a founding member of El Sistema — now recognised as one of the most influential music education movements in the world.

Nadia is an expert in classical piano performance, examination preparation and AMEB syllabus requirements. Her students benefit not only from her technical depth and interpretive insight, but from her passion for music as a language of culture and emotion.

She was the very first teacher to join Pathways and is affectionately known as the Oracle — valued for her wisdom, generosity and her unwavering support of both students and staff.