Auckland
Piano Lessons | Keyboard Lessons | Aural Lessons, Theory Lessons, NCEA Music Tutoring, Online Lessons
Bio
As a pianist growing up in New Zealand, Lucy was a featured artist in NZ Music Month 2020. Her national competition successes included 2nd prize at NZ Mazda Foundation Young Performer of the Year in 2008 and the Lewis Eadyitable Trust’s National Award Emerging Artists series in 2011. Her international successes included 3rd prize, the Sonata prize, and the People’s Choice award at the 2010 and 2014 Kerikeri International Piano Competitions, as well being a semi-finalist and encouragement award winner at the 1st Australian International Chopin Competition. She also participated in the prestigious Hamamatsu International Piano Competition in Japan. 2015, she was awarded the SOUNZ prize at the New Zealand Wallace National Piano Competition.
Aside from being an award-winning solo pianist, Lucy is also a passionate and versatile collaborative pianist. She regularly performs recitals with students from renowned faculty members at the Jacobs School of Music. highlights include collaborating with Dale Clevenger in the horn studio recital. From June to August 2019, Lucy worked at the Interlochen Arts as a collaborative pianist, collaborating with students in numerous concerts, recitals, and masterclasses with members of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. She also has experience working as a ballet pianist with IU Ballet, serving as a rehearsal pianist for the production of Prokofiev’s Cinderella and will be working with IU Ballet again in Fall 2021, playing Philip Glass Four Movements for Two Pianos.Lucy was accepted into two prestigious collaborative fellowship programs: the International Bowdoin Festival and the Academy of the West in 2020. She will be returning to the International Bowdoin Festival as a fellow in summer 2021.
Having a special interest in playing New Music, Lucy performed “Wanderlust” for flute, clarinet, violin, cello, piano, and percussion, composed by Josiah Tayag Catalan, at the National Student Composers Conference in 2018.
Lucy worked at Truman State University as collaborative pianist from 2022 to 2023. She collaborated with faculty members such as Xin Gao and Eric Dickson, as well as composers like Victor Marquez and Mary Ellen Childs. She is featured in the CD album “The Moments Between” by Victor Marquez.
Currently, she is pursuing a Doctor of Music degree in collaborative piano and has studied under Anne Epperson, Kevin Murphy, Aram Arakelyan, and Charles Prestinari. She has been an associate instructor at the Jacobs School of Music since 2017. Before pursuing her Doctor of Music degree in collaborative piano, Lucy a Master’s degree in solo piano at the Jacobs School of Music in2018, studying under Edward Auer. Lucy studied with Rae de Lisle in New from the age of 12 until the end of her Master’s degree in Piano Performance at the University of Auckland.
Teaching Info
I teach private online piano lessons for students of different ages and levels, from complete beginners to more advanced players. My teaching focuses not only on technique and accuracy, but also on helping students develop musical understanding, confidence, expression, and long-term enjoyment of music.
Lessons are taught weekly in a one-on-one format and are carefully tailored to each student’s needs, pace, and interests.
What lessons focus on:
* Healthy piano technique
* Musical expression and interpretation
* Reading and rhythm skills
* Practice strategies and consistency
* Building confidence at the piano
* Music Theory
* Exam or performance preparation
I have worked extensively with students in online teaching environments and enjoy helping students build both technical skill and artistic confidence in a supportive setting.
My teaching style combines structure, patience, and musical depth. Piano lessons should not simply focus on playing the correct notes, but also on developing curiosity, sensitivity, listening, and a meaningful connection to music.
I work with students who are learning for enjoyment, personal growth, examinations, or long-term musical development.
Lessons are taught online through Zoom in a one-on-one format.
Online learning allows students to receive consistent, high-quality instruction from home while developing independence, listening skills, and focused practice habits
Lessons are suitable for:
* Children
* Teenagers
* Adult learners
* Complete beginners
* Intermediate and advanced students
Students will need:
* A piano or keyboard
* A stable internet connection
* A device with a camera and microphone
* A quiet learning space
30-Minute Lessons
Suitable for:
* Young beginners
* Students with shorter attention spans
* Casual learners
* Students balancing busy schedules
A focused and manageable lesson length that supports steady weekly progress.
45-Minute Lessons
Suitable for:
* Intermediate students
* Teenagers and adults
* Students learning multiple pieces
* Balanced technical and musical development
This is often the ideal lesson length for consistent long-term growth.
60-Minute Lessons
Suitable for:
* Advanced students
* Serious repertoire study
* Examination or audition preparation
* Students wanting deeper musical exploration
FAQ
Do I need an acoustic piano?
No, a full-sized keyboard is acceptable for beginners, although an acoustic piano or weighted keyboard is recommended where possible.
Are lessons suitable for complete beginners?
Yes. Beginners are welcome, including students with no prior musical experience.
Do you teach adults?
Absolutely. Adult learners of all levels are welcome, whether returning to piano or starting for the first time.
How often are lessons held?
As often as you want but at least once every week to support consistent progress and practice habits.
What styles of music do you teach?
Any style that requires reading of music, and general musicianship, although other styles may be incorporated depending on the student’s interests and goals.
What if I need to miss a lesson?
Please provide advanced notice if possible. Makeup lessons are subject to availability.