Joseph Tabua

There’s something I’ve been reminding my guitar students lately. Practice is a lot like watering a plant.

If you water it consistently, give it attention, and care for it over time, it grows. Slowly, steadily, beautifully. But when you stop showing up for it, the plant begins to wilt. Leave it long enough and eventually it fades away completely.

The same thing happens with music, creativity, fitness, relationships, and almost anything worthwhile in life. Growth comes from commitment. Not perfection. Not talent alone. Commitment.

I’m under no illusion that every student wants to become the greatest guitarist in the world, and that’s completely okay. Everyone has different goals and different dreams. But I also believe there’s something important about not settling for mediocrity. Not from my students and not from myself.

If you care about something, give it your attention. Show up for it regularly. Water the plant.

Little by little, those small daily efforts become confidence, discipline, skill, and belief in yourself.

This philosophy goes far beyond guitar. It applies to everything we do in life.

Commit. Practice. Grow.

Last week I got a last minute call to play Guitar 1 for Shrek The Musical with Cheltenham Girls’ High School — their first musical production in 21 years.

What an absolute joy it was. The guitar book was a fun challenge, full of great moments, and the students brought so much energy and heart to every rehearsal and performance.

One of the best parts of these experiences is being able to mentor young musicians along the way. Watching students grow in confidence, step up musically, and bring a show to life is always incredibly rewarding.

Huge congratulations to everyone involved for creating something so special. I had an absolute ball being part of it.

There’s something really special about being part of a show that connects so deeply, with both the audience and everyone on stage. Performing in Come From Away with Campbelltown Theatre Group has been exactly that kind of experience. For this production, I also threw myself into something new, teaching myself how to play the mandolin. It wasn’t easy at first, but I stuck with it, figured it out, and ended up diving headfirst into a world of sea shanties, Irish jigs… you get the idea.

I’ve had the absolute joy and challenge of playing bouzouki, mandolin, octave mandolin, and acoustic guitars throughout the run. It’s been one of the toughest scores I’ve ever tackled, no exaggeration. I’ve never had to solo this much in a musical before, and honestly, it’s been equal parts terrifying and exhilarating. The kind of challenge that keeps you on your toes, but also reminds you why you love doing this in the first place.

What’s made it even more rewarding is the response. Audiences have been incredibly warm and engaged, and heading into our final week, we’re completely sold out, which is just amazing to say out loud.

The band has been phenomenal from day one, tight, musical, and deeply supportive, and the cast, truly extraordinary. The chorus, in particular, is something else. I’ve never heard a sound so rich, so full, and so unified. It genuinely fills the room, and my heart every night.

Grateful to be part of something like this. What a ride it’s been.

I’ve just wrapped up an incredible run with PACA Productions Sydney performing in Footloose The Musical, and what a journey it was! I was called in last minute to take on the Bass Chair, and it turned out to be one of the most rewarding musical theatre experiences I’ve had so far. The score itself was an absolute joy to play, full of energy, groove, and so many memorable tunes that made every performance a thrill.

One of the highlights was rehearsing at NIDA in Kensington, an inspiring environment that really elevated the process. The band I worked with were not only exceptional musicians but also supportive colleagues who made the entire run a true pleasure.

On a personal level, this production stretched me in all the right ways. My sight-reading skills improved immensely, and I learned so much about adaptability and trusting my musical instincts.

I’m truly grateful to have been part of this show, and I look forward to crossing paths with many of you at the musical theatre stage door again soon.

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Hit Factory 2025: New Music Forged Across Cultures
Free Concert – Friday 1 August, 6pm | Bankstown Arts Centre

What happens when four musicians from vastly different cultural traditions are given just 16 hours together to create? The result is Hit Factory 2025—a bold residency project that pushes the boundaries of collaboration and celebrates the unifying power of music.

Held in June 2025, the Hit Factory Residency brought together:

• Yacou Mbaye – Senegalese drummer & dancer
• Rose Ramiz – Syriac vocalist
• Joseph Tabua – Fijian-Australian guitarist
• Simon Kong – Chinese-Australian bass and oud player

Over the course of the residency, the artists exchanged stories, explored rhythms and melodies from their homelands, and developed new works that reflect Australia’s diverse cultural landscape.

The residency will culminate in a free public concert on Friday 1 August, 6pm at Bankstown Arts Centre, featuring the premiere of their collaborative music along with special guest performances.

“This project is about more than music—it’s about cultural storytelling, listening to each other, and finding common ground through creativity,” said Richard Petkovic. “Audiences can expect something truly unique, made right here in Bankstown.”

Funded by Create NSW and presented by Sacred Currents Inc, the project is delivered in partnership with Bankstown Arts Centre, South Coast Arts, Cultural Arts Collective, and Settlement Services International (SSI).

Event Details
Hit Factory 2025 Concert
Date: Friday 1 August 2025
Time: 6:00pm
Location: Bankstown Arts Centre
Tickets: FREE

A special thank you to Bankstown Arts Centre for their ongoing support of this residency and concert.

Bryan Brown Theatre

In April and May 2025, I had the privilege of performing Guitar 1 in the Broadway classic They’re Playing Our Song. The production was especially meaningful as it marked the final show of Musical Director Greg Crease’s incredible career.

Greg played Keys 1 in the original 1970s production at the Theatre Royal Sydney, making this a truly full-circle moment. It was an honour to work alongside him, to learn from his wealth of experience, and to share in such a significant chapter of his journey.

Thank you, Greg, for the opportunity and the inspiration.

I am deeply honoured to stand before this incredible mural, a tribute not just to me, but to the vibrant and generous community that makes this place so special. Birchgrove and Balmain have always been about connection, through music, shared experiences, and the simple joy of coming together.

To everyone who has been part of this journey, thank you. This moment belongs to all of us.

Embarking on the journey of learning to play the guitar is both exciting and rewarding. Whether you’re strumming your first chord or refining advanced techniques, understanding the most effective practices can accelerate your progress. In this guide, we’ll explore data-backed insights to help you become a proficient guitarist.

1. The Power of Consistent Practice

Studies have shown that regular, focused practice significantly enhances skill acquisition. According to research, dedicating at least 15 minutes daily to practice can lead to noticeable improvements in technique and muscle memory. Consistency, even in short sessions, is more beneficial than sporadic, lengthy practices.

2. Setting Specific Goals

Goal-setting is a proven strategy to maintain motivation and track progress. A study published in the Journal of Research in Music Education found that musicians who set specific, attainable goals practiced more effectively and showed greater advancement than those without clear objectives. Whether it’s mastering a particular song or technique, defining your goals can provide direction and purpose.

3. Utilising Effective Learning Resources

Access to quality learning materials can significantly impact your development. Online platforms offering structured lessons, tutorials, and community support have been associated with higher retention rates and skill levels among learners. Engaging with diverse resources can cater to various learning styles and keep the process enjoyable.

4. The Role of Feedback and Self-Assessment

Receiving feedback, whether from instructors, peers, or self-assessment, is crucial for improvement. Research indicates that musicians who actively seek and reflect on feedback tend to progress faster and avoid reinforcing bad habits. Recording your practice sessions and reviewing them can provide valuable insights into areas needing improvement.

5. Embracing a Growth Mindset

Adopting a growth mindset—the belief that abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work—has been linked to greater resilience and success in musical endeavors. Embracing challenges, persisting through setbacks, and viewing effort as a path to mastery can transform your learning experience.

Sources:

• Journal of Research in Music Education

• Music Education Research

Harmonizing Life: My Journey Through Music, Teaching, and Wellness

Life as a musician is a constant dance between creativity, discipline, and a touch of chaos. For me, this year has been a symphony of exciting projects, commitments, and personal growth. Balancing the demands of playing in five bands, teaching, protecting the temple (this being), and even making time for the gym, I’ve learned that living a creative life is about harmonizing passion with purpose.

Playing Across Five Bands

Being part of five different bands has been an incredible experience. Each group offers its own unique flavor and energy, allowing me to explore a variety of musical styles and stretch my creative boundaries. It’s thrilling to collaborate with such talented musicians and be part of something bigger than myself. Whether it’s in the studio, on stage, or simply jamming, each band fuels my love for music in a way that words can’t quite capture.

Recording With Avaye Rood

A highlight of this past year has been recording an album with Avaye Rood. This project holds a special place in my heart, as it combines cultural heritage with contemporary artistry. Pouring countless hours into composing, recording, and refining these songs has been a deeply rewarding process. I can’t wait to share this labor of love with the world and bring our music to new audiences.

Solo Endeavors: New Material in 2025

As if working with multiple bands weren’t enough, I’ve also been focused on my solo material. 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year, as I’m set to release new solo work that reflects my growth as an artist. This upcoming music is deeply personal—an exploration of my thoughts, emotions, and experiences in sonic form. I’ve poured so much of myself into this project, and I can’t wait for you to hear it.

A New Collaboration with Sydney’s Jazz Elite

On top of these projects, I’m thrilled to announce an exciting new collaboration with some of Sydney’s finest jazz musicians. While the details are still under wraps, I can promise this venture will be something truly special. Jazz has a way of capturing raw emotion and creating spontaneous magic, and I’m honored to be working with such accomplished artists. Stay tuned for more updates—I have a feeling this project will turn heads!

Teaching and Protecting the Temple

Beyond performance, teaching continues to be a cornerstone of my life. Guiding others on their musical journey is not just fulfilling; it also deepens my understanding of the craft. It’s a privilege to pass on the knowledge that has been shared with me.

Meanwhile, “protecting the temple” remains a mantra I live by. Regular trips to the gym aren’t just about physical fitness—they’re about maintaining balance, focus, and resilience. The discipline I build in the gym fuels my creativity and helps me stay grounded amidst a packed schedule.

Looking Ahead

With so many incredible projects in motion, the future feels bright. Whether it’s releasing new material, exploring fresh collaborations, or simply sharing the joy of music, I’m grateful for every opportunity to grow and connect through my art.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. There’s so much more to come—stay tuned!

I’m beyond thrilled to share that I had a small acting role in the newly released George Miller film, Furiosa! Last week, audiences got to see me as a Praetorian guard, standing watch at the front gates of the citadel when the evil Dementus and his crew arrive in Gas Town. I just watched the film, and I am overjoyed to be a part of the iconic Mad Max universe.

It feels surreal to think that when I was just 9 years old, I watched Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome for the first time. Now, years later, I have a role in Mad Max: Furiosa! This experience has truly shown me that you are the architect of your own fate and reality.