We were founded by Richard Lane (1965-2020) as a family run, community focused business with the aim of sharing his love of music with the kids (and adults) of Freo.

Richard was a brilliant musician and a brilliant educator, so continuing his vision for the school, passion and legacy is a key priority for all of us at Penny Lane’s.

Richard was a founding member of The Stems, and had a rich and varied career, with other bands including The Chevelles, The Rosebuds, The On & Ons and The Painkillers. He won awards and recognition including entering the WAAMI Hall of Fame and releasing an Aria Gold Record, but education was a calling for Richard, and so he poured himself into our music school. Many of his students have gone on to form bands, study music further at WAAPA or enter the local scene. Some are now even teaching at Penny Lanes themselves.

Richard also made huge contributions to the WA music scene through his booking label and agency, work at X-Press Magazine in the 90s, and constant mentorship and encouragement of the musicians and people around him.
As Bob Gordon writes:

“He was the most sincere, caring musical friend I’ve had in this business. And he always played music. He always championed artists. New and old. He wanted talented people to be given their due. And he worked with them, behind them and sometimes without their knowledge, to boost their stocks. To endeavour to give them a chance to propel.” - Bob Gordon