meet the team
scott davis
Owner & Principal
(Guitar, Bass, Artist Development, Band Class, Chug School)
With 28 years spent learning and writing music and 22 years of teaching experience, Scott operates Riffpad full-time with the goal of helping as many people as possible through music education and by being beneficial to his community.
Scott has worked with award-winning composers, producers, educators and session musicians all across the globe and currently a composer on the Universal Production Music roster as well as Audio Network, Megatrax and more.
With such extensive knowledge of his instrument, Scott is regularly asked to record guitars for remote sessions and has co-produced full tracks for renowned artists such as Ill Niño and brands such as Lenovo.
Availability: Monday, Tuesday & Thursday by appointment only
Laila grace johnston
Teacher
(Singing, Drama/Theatre)
Laila has been singing since the age of six, initially starting out to build confidence and later turning it into a profession. She has training across a wide range of contemporary genres including Pop, Country, Jazz, R&B and Rock.
Laila has been involved in musical theatre since the age of eleven, debuting as Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz” and continuing to perform in productions ever since with international performance opportunities in the United States.
Beyond the stage, Laila has a passion for art, photography, and animals. She hopes to create a positive and welcoming environment for all of her students so they can have their own space to shine.
Availability: Friday 3-7.30pm
MURRAY SMITH
Teacher
(Guitar, Artist Development, Band Class)
Murray started his journey on the guitar when he was just 13 and has followed his passion through to tertiary education where he has just completed his Bachelor of Music degree at the Newcastle Conservatorium of Music.
Passionate about seeing others succeed, Murray's teaching style is relaxed and supportive, yet fun and dynamic. Rest assured, you will have solid footing as a musician with Murray on your side as he is focused on the fundamental building blocks that help create brilliant players.
Murray can be seen out and about playing in his Thrash Metal band "EXYLE" where he not only is the guitarist and principal songwriter, but the lead vocalist. Clearly a "big-on-performance" guy, he will have you shredding in no time!
Availability: Thursday 3-8pm
Waitlist: Wednesday 3-8pm
matt allison
Teacher
(Guitar, Bass, Ukulele)
Matt is laser focused on his students reaching new heights with their playing. Starting his guitar journey at the age of 12, he has honed in on his skills through countless hours of practice and performing live as well as actively mentoring his younger peers before taking up teaching professionally.
With his Blues, Funk and Rock background you can relax knowing that Matt will get you grooving in no time. Whether or not you need to learn the basics or have the fretboard fully mapped out, Matt is reliable in planning the best route forward and has incredible patience with all of his students.
Book a lesson with Matt today and unleash your inner Frusciante, Clapton or Mayer! Also, he LOVES his music theory and loves to make it easy for everyone. If that's something you want to learn, he's your guy!
Availability: Monday 3-8pm
