Our Mission
To help people with an interest or passion in music to experience the creative joy of expression and mastery by providing specialised instrument services.
Technical Precision. Natural Inspiration.
I believe that building a great instrument requires a marriage of a tool-maker’s eye and a musical ear. My name is Brend Bunte. My approach to luthierie is grounded in my background in Precision Engineering and a deep respect for the quiet, focused environment of the workshop.
The Journey: From Leiden to the Yarra Valley
My path started in the Netherlands where I earned my degree in Precision Engineering and Tool Making. In that world, I learned that the difference between a good tool and a great one is measured in fractions of a millimeter. While guitar building is an art, that engineering foundation ensures every instrument I touch is structurally superior and built to last.
In 2006, I discovered the historic workshops of Montsalvat in Melbourne. I was moved by the way technical skill could serve musical expression. I eventually settled in Australia and, in 2015, I was selected as one of only four technicians in the country to study at the Australasian School of Piano Technology (ASPT).
My work has since taken me around the world. In 2018, I travelled to Japan to co-instruct a guitar-building course in Kiso Fukushima. Working out of a community building from the 1800s, we honoured the legacy of the Suzuki craftsmen, bringing traditional lutherie techniques to a new generation of makers.
Brend Bunte
Founder and Principal Technician/Educator
The Workshop at Cottles Bridge
Gourley Music is located in a purposeful, quiet workshop on the edge of the Yarra Valley. I hand-transformed this space to be a sanctuary for craft. Being surrounded by nature inspires a relaxed, creative setting that is essential for the delicate work of building and tuning instruments.
I chose this location because it allows for genuine, undistracted mentorship. Whether I am tuning a concert piano or sitting at the bench with a student, I am there to provide steady support.
A Supported Path to Creation
I have learned that the workshop is often a place where people come to find a circuit-breaker from a high-pressure world. My workshop is a neutral, safe ground where you can slow down and breathe.
I am not a dismissive instructor. I am a mentor who is fully invested in your success. If a specific task is daunting or a joint is particularly tricky, I am happy to step in and guide your hand or take over for a moment to ensure the integrity of your build. You are here to create something beautiful, and I am here to make sure you succeed.
The Gourley Legacy
The name Gourley belongs to my great-grandfather, Harry Gourley, who was a technical educator in Essendon. Backed by the support of my grandparents, I built this business to honor that family spirit of craftsmanship and education. Today, I am proud to have built instruments that are played in the USA, Europe, New Zealand, and all across Australia.
Service Terms and Conditions
Service Terms and Conditions
Valid from 1st February 2025
Thank you for choosing Gourley Music to care for your musical instruments. Please note our service terms and conditions;
Booking
Bookings can be made by phoning 0433 035 451. Kindly let us know any special instructions including access, parking, entry codes etc.
Pricing
Please note, service prices are a guide. We will discuss reasonable service outcome with you for each instrument during the quotation or consultation, and advise you of optional work required to achieve better playability for your instrument. We will always check with you before carrying out any additional work.
Care Policy
We will give your instrument the utmost care while in our possession. In the rare case that your instrument cannot be repaired or tuned, or becomes damaged, we will discuss a fair solution with you.
Payment
Payment is due on the day of service. Payment is welcome via credit card including Visa, Mastercard, AMEX (Card fees apply), cash and bank deposit to Gourley Music; BSB 063167 Account: 11083667. All school invoices are for payment within 7 days to Gourley Music; BSB 063167 Account: 11083667.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation within 24 hours incurs 50% service fee. No show or cancellation when the technician arrives incurs 100% charge of the service booked.
Contacting Us
Catch us straight away on 0433 035 451 , or for detailed enquiries, compliments or feedback, please email us at hello@gourleymusic.com
