The Approach
Our teaching blends technical rigour with creativity, connection, and exploration—developing well-rounded musicians from the very beginning. Students learn through movement, listening, and expression in a safe, supportive environment.
Technique Mastery
We build healthy, natural technique that promotes ease, freedom, and injury-preventative habits. Students develop precision and control through ergonomic, expressive playing.
Artistic Expression
Students cultivate a confident musical voice through improvisation, creativity, and expressive performance. Music is approached as storytelling—shaping phrasing, tone, and emotional connection.
Theoretical Foundation
Theory, aural skills, and modern music reading are integrated from the start to develop deep musical understanding. Students learn to think critically about music, supporting interpretation and long-term growth.
Meet the Teacher
Miriam Joy Briggs is a pianist, educator, and founder of BAM - Briggs Academy of Music - based in North East Victoria. With over two decades of teaching experience and training from The University of Melbourne, her work is shaped by leading pedagogues and a deep commitment to both artistic and educational excellence.
Her teaching blends strong technical foundations with creativity, confidence, and community connection, supporting students to develop as expressive and capable musicians. Deeply engaged in the local cultural community, she fosters a love of music that extends beyond the studio through performance, collaboration, and shared musical experience.
Qualifications
What Parents Say
— K & T"We have been lucky enough to have Miriam teach our children piano for the last 7 years. She is an outstanding musician and teacher."
"Miriam follows your child's interests whether that is to improvise, compose or to prepare for an exam or performance. She is loved by our children for her kind, encouraging, creative and, most of all, fun approach to learning piano."
— H & N"Our family has been incredibly fortunate to have Miriam as our piano teacher for more than 10 years, teaching each of our four children. Her calm, patient approach, combined with her warmth and enthusiasm, has made every lesson something the kids look forward to."
"Miriam has an exceptional ability to tailor her teaching to each child's age, personality, learning style, and even their week-to-week moods. She manages to encourage, challenge, and inspire them and have made music lessons one of their favourite activities."
"We are so grateful for the positive influence Miriam has had on our children's lives over the years. She is a truly gifted teacher, and we couldn't recommend her more highly."
The Academy
BAM is built on joy, creativity, and community—offering high-quality, holistic music education in a supportive environment. Students grow not just as musicians, but as confident, resilient individuals.
Facilities
BAM has a studio in Yackandandah. We also provide lessons at other spaces in Yackandandah and Wodonga
Community
Students regularly perform, collaborate, and participate in ensembles, building confidence and connection through shared musical experiences. BAM also contributes actively to the local cultural community.
Excellence
Students build discipline, resilience, and musical depth, with many achieving success in performances, concerts, competitions and exams. Progress is celebrated as a meaningful and supported journey.
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