IN CONVERSATION WITH ARIA'S MUSIC TEACHER OF THE YEAR 2019
The iconic Antonio Chiappetta with his ARIA, and wife Bianca (Image: ARIA (@aria_official)
The night of the ARIAs marked a night to remember for Antonio Chiappetta. On Wednesday, 27 November, the Marayong local was awarded the nationwide title of Music Teacher of the Year by host Guy Sebastian. In a speech whirred with emotions - part-nerves, part-excitement - Antonio announces ‘It’s a win for music education, and I think it’s a win for Western Sydney,’ followed by a wave of applause and cheer.
Antonio shares the spotlight with Australian TV personality and singer Guy Sebastian (Image: ARIA (@aria_official)
Two weeks later, Antonio slips in this same sentiment one morning at St. Andrews College, his second home. He swerves in and out of the classroom, touching base with students and teachers as he turns the school’s basketball court into a makeshift concert venue - a ‘SAC-first’ annual Christmas carol night in the making, he tells The Western.
In Marayong, Antonio Chiappetta is virtually a household name. A music educator of 15 years, he is a known contributor to St. Andrews College’s arts scene, and is most famously known for running the annual Creative Arts Night music fest that showcases the talents of St. Andrews’ youth in music and dance.
Antonio lives by multiple titles - a music teacher, a gigging drummer, a father, and a husband. ‘I love the combination’ he says, referring to both the musical professionalism and family morale he slides into his music classes. ‘I feel it’s fitting to what I do because it offers kids a true sense of my musical experience, not just in the classroom.’
Antonio has taught many of Western Sydney’s emerging musicians, including soul singer-songstress Clarissa Mei, and indie rock band Breakfast Road. ‘In order to have ultimate satisfaction, these kids need to create their own soundscape’ he explains. As long as his students have a creative vision and undying musical passion, Antonio provides the resources to produce music in his classroom, which, too, is shaped into mini music studios. Separate back rooms are decorated in Ableton keyboards and MacBooks for students to record future ARIA hits in and out of class.
Antonio also expresses his love for Western Sydney music. ‘There’s one thing undeniable about Western Sydney - and that’s the realism,’ he states. ‘The fact that there’s no hiding, and no pretending. People from Western Sydney have a certain level of pride that can’t be ignored’.
He describes how Western Sydney artists have shaped and redefined Australian hip-hop. Citing Mount Druitt drill group ONEFOUR, Antonio recognises their passion and ability to ‘talk about everyday things’ in the suburbs. ‘I think that’s what music is all about,’ he adds. ‘It’s about being real, being true to yourself, and not spreading rumours about what you actually get up to’.
Antonio wants to continue improving the arts scene at St. Andrews in 2020 - a culture that is equally creative and communal. ‘Everyone sees how comfortable our musicians are in their skin, and it enhances the spirit of the place’ he explains. ‘It gives kids a reason to rock up ‘cause they know that everyone comes together to celebrate the wonderful skills of our kids.’
Antonio and his students celebrating his ARIA win. Congratulations Mr. Chiappetta! (Image: St. Andrews College (@sacmarayong)
