Independent Learning

As a passionate music teacher, my students can expect a lot of questions during lessons!  This is because I want to produce students who are independent learners, actively interested in and enjoying their piano pursuits. There are three values underpinning my commitment to independent learning: simplicity, curiosity and creativity. And so, my students are enabled to simplify a problem, break it down and deduce the answers from information and principles they already know. I endeavour to spark curiosity about the ‘whos, whats, wheres, whys and whens’ of the repertoire and their musical experience. We explore the expressive nature of music and creativity is encouraged.

Idealistic… with a touch of reality!

I aim for the ideal of consistent progress, accuracy in reading notation, development of sound technique and communication of the expressive character of the music, whilst understanding the realities of life can get in the the way. I aim for the ideal of ‘musical’ piano tuition, in which the musical sound is explored before the written symbol, singing before playing, whilst understanding that deadlines can place constraints on that activity. I aim for the ideal of a broad repertoire extending way beyond the ‘three exam pieces per year’ and expanding students’ love for and knowledge of the instrument, whilst understanding that other structures in students’ lives (like school exams) can affect our strategic planning.