Tracey studied music from age four, learning piano and singing. She sat for yearly exams and performed in eisteddfods and music theatre productions with the Arts Council Music Society in Taree, her hometown. At sixteen, Tracey received the highest grade in the State of NSW for pianoforte sixth-grade exam, through the Australian Music Examinations Board. After finishing high school, she was one of only three students in NSW to receive a study scholarship to the Sydney Conservatorium of Music to learn under the tutelage of Miss Elizabeth Todd and Mr. Frank Taranto.
At the Sydney Conservatorium, Tracey majored in both singing and piano. Her vocal studies fostered her love for German Leider and Italian arias. After graduating with a Diploma of Music Education Degree, Tracey continued her vocal and piano studies privately for another ten years, studying under notable Sydney teachers, Patrica Ortell and Janet Rutledge.
She has tutored groups and taught one-on-one—from prestigious private schools to homeless shelters in Sydney, where she created music programs for teenage street kids. She has mentored and coached at EMI and BMG music studios on album sessions, taught in NSW high schools with the innovative ‘school of rock’ style band, "Roll Over Beethoven' through AUSMUSIC, which was an Australian Government supported program. From 2000 - 2017 she successfully managed her school ‘Blue Mountains Music Academy’ for 18 years.
Since relocating to New York City in 2017, Tracey has continued her thirst for knowledge, taking lessons and masterclasses with some of the finest jazz musicians/masters the city has to offer.
Available for private lessons and teach all ages and levels.
“Everyone remembers their first right?!
Tracey Yarad was mine. She coaxed this shy teenager with a deep desire to sing by opening a music box of songs and genres that remain staples for me today. From blues to country and rock to pop, accompanied by her proficient piano skills I was stretched in singing styles that truly lay the foundations for my future as a pro vocalist today 30 years on. Her warmth, patience and humour make lessons adventurous with her own career an inspiration in itself. She’s one of a kind and worth every minute!”
“Tracey was always a really important role model to me as a musician and as a young woman growing up in the Blue Mountains. She had taught many of my friends before I had met Tracey, and upon meeting, we got along like a house on fire. Tracey is a warm, encouraging, supportive and easy going teacher. She has the ability to make everyone feel comfortable in their ability and in their own self improvement. She always provided me with honest and constructive criticism without making me feel incapable or small. Tracey delights in all of her past and present students, often inviting them on stage with her to sing, which I feel is a major indicator that Tracey teaches for all the right reasons; she lives and breathes music, and shares this profound love with her students. An opportunity to learn with Tracey is not one to be passed up.”
MATAYA
“Tracey is a beautiful soul, musician, teacher and friend. Her passion for music shines through her teaching, creating a fun and safe learning environment to allow her students to explore and grow as musicians. Tracey tailors her lessons to suit your needs, providing patience, motivation and self belief/confidence along the way.”
“Tracey is not only incredibly fun and full of joy, she is also an incredible motivator and unbelievably knowledgable! Her teaching style is flexible, and customised to the students needs. She provides constructive feedback that both supports and improves your performance. She brings happiness and play into music, whatever the style and whatever the mood! I have never, and could never think of a negative word to say about Tracey’s lessons. She has encouraged and supported me to pursue music, write my own work, and become a better person. I wouldn’t be the musician or woman that I am today without her.”