Richard Berkman is the founder and driving force behind Big Music. Following a successful 20-year career in finance and as a Chartered Accountant, Richard made a bold leap in 2009 to pursue a lifelong passion—music—and co-founded Big Music with his brother. Since then, he has poured his energy into building a place where people of all ages and skill levels can discover the joy of making music.

 

Richard’s musical journey began at 15 with a humble acoustic guitar, later enriched by a flamenco guitar picked up on his travels. Over the years, he’s developed his playing, joined bands, performed live, and experienced firsthand the profound impact music can have on personal wellbeing and happiness.

 

At Big Music, Richard’s mission is simple but powerful: to make the uplifting experience of playing music accessible to everyone. Under his leadership, Big Music has grown into a vibrant, welcoming community—one that nurtures creativity, builds confidence, and inspires people to live their musical dreams.

 

Whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned player, Richard believes Big Music should be a place where you feel encouraged, supported, and free to be yourself—because music, at its best, has the power to change lives.

Paul Watson has been with Big Music since day one, bringing decades of experience, passion, and dedication to music education. A drummer from an early age—first inspired by The Beatles and Ringo Starr—Paul had his first lesson at just ten years old with Brian Nixon of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. He went on to study with some of Australia’s top drummers, including Andrew Dickeson and Milan Troha.

 

Paul began performing and teaching soon after finishing school and has played with iconic Australian artists such as the Choirboys, Jon English, Shannon Noll, The Foster Brothers, and Peter Cupples. In 2013, he toured Australia with the award-winning Rock Revolution show and has shared stages with rock legends like Van Halen, Aerosmith, and Def Leppard—including a performance in front of 110,000 people at Stadium Australia.

 

A published author of Zero to Hero Books 1 and 2 and an AMEB examiner, Paul has helped many students become professional drummers and educators. As Tuition Manager at Big Music, Paul has recruited and mentored our exceptional team of coaches, developed our After School and Holiday Camp programs, and authored key parts of our Player Evolution system.

 

Paul believes music education is not only fun but also essential in developing creative, confident, and resilient individuals ready to take on the world.

Ashley (Ash) Rothschild is an accomplished and versatile veteran music educator with a career spanning over two decades. An ARIA-nominated singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Ash is best known as the frontman of ‘90s Australian electro-rock pioneers Caligula, who rose to fame with hits like Tears of a Clown and the acclaimed album Rubenesque. He continues to tour and record with the reformed Caligula, keeping the energy of live performance alive for both new and longtime fans.

 

Beyond the stage, Ash has dedicated over 20 years to coaching, teaching, and mentoring musicians of all ages. As Head of Performance Programs at Big Music, he plays a central role in helping students experience the thrill of playing in a band. Drawing on his wealth of professional experience, Ash guides aspiring performers in everything from stagecraft and songwriting to vocals, guitar, drumming, and studio recording.

 

Ash has a deep passion for nurturing talent and helping students reach their full musical potential. Whether working with beginners or emerging professionals, he’s known for drawing out the best in every performer. His mission is to equip students with the skills, confidence, and creativity to thrive in the vibrant and ever-evolving music industry—while always keeping the joy of music front and centre.