About UME
UME is a contemporary music performance certification organisation dedicated to supporting confident, creative and well-rounded musicians.
Our team brings together experienced educators, performers and assessors with extensive backgrounds in teaching, performance and musicianship development.
Every assessment is conducted by a specialist with strong understanding of both classical and contemporary repertoire, ensuring students are supported by professionals with genuine practical expertise.
At UME, we value not only musical excellence, but also positive human connection. Our assessors are approachable, encouraging and deeply aware of the needs of both students and teachers.
We believe certification should support musical growth, creativity and confidence - helping students develop as versatile musicians in today’s musical world.
Michelle Madder, Director
Thanks to the wonders of modern technology, Michelle now mentors teachers and students around the globe.
Coaching & Consultation with Michelle Madder
You’re warmly invited to book dedicated one-to-one time with UME Director, Michelle Madder. With decades of experience as a pianist, composer, educator and examiner, Michelle brings a highly practical, approachable and supportive style to every session.
Sessions are conducted online and are tailored to your individual goals, interests and musical pathway.
The 15-minute option is ideal for a brief consultation, troubleshooting a specific issue, or gaining clarity around your next steps. Longer sessions are recommended for tuition, coaching or ongoing support.
Sessions may include:
piano tuition
composition and creative development
improvisation and accompaniment skills
arranging and notation
performance preparation
musicianship and theory
teacher mentoring and coaching
resource development
goal setting and pathway planning
technical troubleshooting
preparation for certification, assessment or performance
Whether you’re developing as a performer, building creative skills, preparing students for certification, or simply looking for experienced musical guidance, sessions are designed to provide clear, practical and personalised support.
If you’re a teacher or certification candidate seeking general clarification about the UME framework or syllabus, simply email exams@umexams.com.au for a prompt complimentary response.
Click here to book a coaching session or lesson with Michelle.
Michelle is an Australian pianist, composer and teacher with decades of experience. As a young person, Michelle was well recognised as a pianist and composer, winning the ‘ABC Young Composer’s Competition’ and several prestigious piano awards.
Michelle studied composition with Peter Sculthorpe at Sydney University and graduated with Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance and Composition and then went on to further study of Composition at the Sydney Conservatorium.
She founded Australian Music Schools in 1993 and over the ensuing years expanded to offer quality music education in locations across Sydney.
As director of AMS Michelle designed a piano exam system which proved successful over many years of operation. She further developed the syllabus and established UME - a quality music system focused on the needs of students and teachers. As head piano examiner of UME, Michelle brings experience, empathy and musical expertise to what can be a stressful time for students, teachers and parents.
Michelle spent several years establishing music programs in Kenya, training staff, providing resources and running camps and classes for children in the slums of Nairobi. She continues to support the teachers in Korogocho and Kibera, engaging in weekly sessions to refine their skills. You can read more about that here.
Michelle is highly respected as an adjudicator and examiner in Australia. She continues to teach and to train teachers in classroom music, piano pedagogy and composition. She enjoys writing music for students and is the co-author of the Blitzbooks Sight Reading series with her friend and colleague, Samantha Coates.
