Love of Music: I started playing the piano when I was 7 years old, and I can’t remember a time when I couldn’t read music! I worked my way up through the grades from 8 – 18 yrs of age, often driving my piano teachers mad with frustration because of my lack of focus! I now know how they feel!

Singing came a little bit later through secondary school, and formal training came in my late teens and early twenties. Although I trained classically I fell into a love of musical theatre, and do more of that than anything else.

My Philosophy of Teaching: Every student coming for lessons is unique, and so I try my best to tailor lessons to individual needs & goals. The first time we meet will be an opportunity to explore your aims and objectives. I have a wide range of students from children to adults, beginners to advanced level. Some are keen to do exams whilst others wish to play or sing simply for pleasure. All students are offered the chance to play or sing in a concert at least twice a year. I encourage all students to take part in concerts to build confidence.

My Qualifications: I have been teaching music either full or part time for over 30 years. I am a fully qualified piano teacher, holding the Diploma of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (Dip ABRSM) in teaching; In performing I hold the Associate diploma of the Royal Schools of Music (ARSM) the Licentiate Diploma from London College of Music (LLCM), and the Fellowship Diploma with London College of Music (FLCM) in performing, this is the highest-level qualification awarded.

I also hold a Master’s Degree (MA) in communication. I have a wide experience of teaching all grades (over 50 grade 8 passes) and up to diploma standard (over 25 diploma passes). My Piano Teaching practice is mainly Classical Music based, and my Singing Teaching practice is mainly Musical Theatre focused.

My Expectations: It’s really important to understand that learning music is a partnership of lessons & practice. My pledge to you is that I will commit myself to working hard for you & with you in your lessons. In return, I expect students to commit to attending lessons as agreed, and doing the necessary practice for their stage of learning. It is a combination of both that will help you progress further in your learning and ultimately help you achieve your goals.

PIANO TEACHING

The piano is a wonderful instrument, but also one of the hardest instruments to learn! So, to succeed on this instrument you will need to give it lots of time & practice. Most people enjoy working through the grades (both children and adult learners) and students tend to do about one grade per year. There are 8 grades, and grade 1 is the entry level, working up to grade 8. I try where possible to bring the exam board to my home, so that you can sit your exam in a familiar environment.

SINGING TEACHING

The voice is a unique and wonderful instrument, but it’s very demanding to learn to sing properly – and students are often surprised at what is involved in developing a good vocal technique, and stamina. All singing is based on good breathing control & therefore as well as learning songs, you will need to do a good amount of vocal warm ups and technical practice each day. Many of my students enjoy doing the Musical theatre grades & diplomas.