Welcome to Downtown Creative Studios
Every great song starts with an idea. Ours started over coffee.
Downtown Creative Studios was founded by university friends and music graduates Samantha Perren and Kathleen Meakin, who shared one simple belief: music has the power to inspire confidence, creativity and connection.
After completing their Bachelor of Music, their paths took them in different directions. Kathleen went on to perform across Australia, completing three national tours in musical theatre productions and tribute acts, while Samantha focused on writing original music, performing in bands and recording two original EPs.
Although their careers looked different, one passion remained the same — teaching music and helping others discover their own creative voice.
Four years after graduating, their paths crossed again over coffee in a Milton café, where they began dreaming about the kind of music school they wished existed. A place where students could learn more than just notes and technique — a place where creativity was encouraged, confidence was built, and music was something to be genuinely enjoyed.
That conversation became Downtown Creative Studios.
Now, years later, we’re proud to be a creative hub for musicians of all ages and abilities. From a student’s very first lesson to helping experienced musicians develop their craft, our goal remains the same: to create a welcoming space where everyone can explore, create and fall in love with music.
Meet the directors
Miss Kathleen
Director/ Singing Teacher
As well as completing her Bachelor of Music, Kathleen has recently completed her Graduate Certificate of Music Studies majoring in Vocal Pedagogy. Kathleen is always looking forward to new creative opportunities, putting her incredible energy into developing the talents of the students she teaches at Downtown Creative Studios.
Miss Sam
Director/ Guitar Teacher
Samantha is a Bachelor of Music Graduate who now performs professionally around Australia as a solo artist whilst writing and recording original music. She is passionate about teaching guitar and believes that while technical ability is important, it is equally important to teach the student to love and appreciate music and their instrument as a whole.
Our Mission
If you’re thinking about joining the Downtown Creative Studios family, here’s what to expect!
At Downtown Creative Studios we promise to:
1. Always put the needs of our students first.
We understand that not everyone learns the same way. We accept this and tailor each lesson around the individual students needs and goals.
2. Create a safe and comfortable environment to learn in.
We don’t expect you to be the very best at your chosen instrument, especially at the beginning! Our teachers are here to help you improve on your personal musical goals in a safe and nurturing way.
3. Provide performance opportunities for our students
We believe performing is the best way to build your musical confidence. At Downtown, we strive to provide as many performance opportunities as possible for the students who wish to partake in them.
4. To provide correct and relevant information during lessons
All of our teachers are highly trained and very qualified to pass on relevant information to students regarding their chosen instrument.
5. To make learning music as enjoyable as possible
Music is there to be enjoyed! We want you to have as much fun learning music as we do teaching it.
We hope you enjoy learning from the team at Downtown Creative Studios and we look forward to watching your progress!
Kind Regards,
Samantha Perren and Kathleen Meakin (Directors)