Patrick’s love for music, creativity and community is giving us all the feels!
Okay peeps, prepare for all those warm fuzzies with this one!
We’re chatting to the wonderful and inspiring Patrick Nellestein, founder and director of River Road Creative Academy.
Patrick is not only a majorly talented musician, with work for big names like Channel 9, SBS, and ABC under his belt, he is also deeply passionate about making music accessible to people of all ages and abilities.
With a background as the Head of Composition and Music Production at the Australian Institute of Music, Patrick brings his dedication, skills, and big heart to his work with the locals here in the Highlands.
How cool is that?
Ready to meet Patrick?
Let’s go!
1 :: Hey Patrick, What sparked the idea of River Road Creative Academy?
Well, I opened the original Tahmoor Studios right after the COVID-19 lockdowns ended. I started with guitar and piano lessons, and as I was teaching, I began noticing a real need for music therapy in the community.
This realisation pushed me to pursue my Masters in Music Therapy, and I became a registered music therapist. Over time, River Road Creative Academy evolved to combine both music education and therapeutic services, addressing the unique needs I was seeing.
2 :: When did your passion for music begin?
My love for music began when I was around 10 or 11, thanks to a schoolteacher with a guitar in the classroom. I asked her to teach me a few chords, and from that moment, I was hooked. By 13, I had formed my first band, playing grunge songs in my parents’ garage, just having fun and feeling like rock stars.
After finishing Year 12, I worked as a plumber for a few years, but at around 21 or 22, I realised I needed to follow my passion for music full-time. That led me to study music at the Australian Institute of Music, where I discovered my love for composition.
I also discovered a love for composing music for film. A friend mentioned that student directors at the Sydney Film School needed composers, so I jumped in. Before long, I was working on music for TV shows, including projects for The Project, Australian of the Year documentaries, and programs for Channel 9, ABC, and SBS.
Later, I was invited to teach at the Australian Institute of Music, where I spent over a decade as the Head of Composition. Teaching there gave me incredible insight into music education, which helped shape my approach to River Road Creative Academy.
3 :: How did River Road Creative Academy make its way to the Southern Highlands?
We have a bus that functions as a mobile music studio, and we take it around the Southern Highlands to villages like Wingello, Robertson, and Hill Top. We work with community associations to engage local youth in music and art activities that promote social cohesion and inclusion.
It’s about using art and music as tools to build community while providing a creative outlet.
4 :: Is that what led you to choose Moss Vale as a spot to set up shop?
This spot in Moss Vale just felt perfect! It’s a versatile space with both indoor and outdoor areas. The outdoor space allows us to hold unique sessions like urban art on the outdoor walls. This kind of environment really opens up new possibilities for creativity.
5 :: So what exactly is Music Therapy?
Music therapy is about providing people with access to music, especially those who might not otherwise have the chance. It’s not just about learning to play an instrument, it’s about helping people find self-expression and joy in music.
We offer therapy sessions for a broad age range, from young children to adults in their 70s. A lot of our work focuses on youth initiatives and mental health, and we’re expanding to include a choir, men’s health groups, and mental health support programs.
6 :: What does a session at River Road Creative Academy look like?
Every class or session is very diverse, but essentially we want students to have a positive first experience with music.
Our group classes are energetic and filled with creative exploration, where students can express themselves freely.
Once they’re comfortable, we guide that creativity toward structured learning, so they’re getting the necessary theory and skills without losing the joy and passion.
For younger kids, we treat music-making almost like finger painting for sound, the end result might not be perfect, but it’s all about the experience.
We have a project-based approach to learning as well.
7 :: What does a project-based approach to learning involve?
Rather than rigid performance goals, we focus on small projects as a vehicle for our students to learn and explore music.
No matter what instrument the student is learning, we focus on small projects for them to create. Then, as we get towards the end of the year, we create a student album.
The album is a fantastic way for the students to show what they have been working on and how far they have come.
8 :: Tell us about the special team you have at River Road Creative Academy?
Our teachers bring a diverse range of skills and experiences including, classically trained pianists, jazz musicians, local artists, improv guitarists along with registered arts and music therapists.
Regardless of their training or qualifications, each teacher is committed to supporting students of all levels and abilities, fostering and environment where every student learner can thrive.
This blend of expertise creates a dynamic and supportive atmosphere, it’s truly a “chessboard” of talent.
9 :: What role does music therapy play in supporting people with different disabilities and needs?
We’re really pleased that Music and Art therapy has been formerly recognised by the NDIS as a support due to the strong evidence demonstrating its real benefits for participants.
These therapies are incredibly powerful for people with disabilities, from helping with emotional regulation to enhancing cognitive awareness in clients with dementia. Each session is tailored to the individual, with music serving as a tool to help them achieve personal goals.
For example, music can offer an escape, a sense of joy, or even a way to feel more present, music becomes a vital resource for growth and healing.
10 :: We love the sound of your ‘Creative Drop In Sessions’, what do those entail?
Every Wednesday evening in Moss Vale, we open the studio for local youth to come in, play music, and connect with others. It’s a safe space where they can play a tune, talk through things, and find their community. It’s informal, which makes it approachable and it gives them a chance to feel part of something.
11 :: Wow, River Road Creative Academy is doing amazing things in the Highlands, right?!
I think so. River Road Creative Academy is designed to be a place where anyone can express themselves creatively and follow their own path.
We offer everything from music and art therapy to private lessons, group classes, and affordable discovery sessions that let kids try different instruments before committing.
And we’re constantly trying new things, we recently launched a ceramic program for adults.
Our goal is to continue building a creative community, expanding our therapeutic services, and providing more youth-focused initiatives. We’re excited to keep growing and to find new ways to help people of all ages express themselves through music and art.
And we’re excited to see it happen!
We’re totally inspired by the amazing work Patrick and the team are doing at River Road Creative Academy.
From the fantastic Moss Vale Arts Factory to their holiday workshops, drop-in sessions, school programs, and community engagement initiatives, their passion for making a difference through art and music runs through everything they do.
If you’re interested in getting involved, whether for yourself, your child, or someone else you care about, visit their website to learn more.
The Southern Highlands is a wonderfully supportive and creative community, and with River Road Creative Academy in town, it’s only going to keep getting better.
***
This article features friends and advertisers of The Fold Media.
We strongly believe in the businesses and information we share with you on The Fold and we fully endorse the content we create and share.
We’re excited to share the amazing stories and adventures of our local businesses, and it is our sincere hope is that it helps create more awareness for these local businesses, helps keep them top of mind when locals and visitors next need their products or service, and most of all, contributes to creating a strong and thriving local community and economy.
We are so grateful to the local businesses who choose to work with The Fold Media. Without their belief and support in what we do, we wouldn’t be able to keep doing what it is that we love to do. Which is to create and share information about people, places and businesses in our wonderful region. We want to help everyone #LoveLivingLocal and make the most of this wonderful place we are lucky enough to call home.
And to you, our readers? We want to say a big THANK YOU to you. Firstly for taking the time to read this article, but also for supporting local businesses in general, as well as our sponsors who help make The Fold Media possible.
Together, let’s continue to support our local business community, in turn supporting their team, and our wonderful community overall. So let’s all choose local, whenever we possibly can.