Wellington
Piano Lessons | Artist development, Song Writing Workshops, Theory Lessons, Composition Lessons, Jazz Improvisation Lessons, Online Lessons
Bio
It seems like playing the piano has always been a part of my life. I grew up in a family here in Island Bay in the 1960’s where everyone played an instrument of some sort and we conveniently had a neighbour who was a piano teacher, a student of one of Chopin’s students called Elsie Federoff. She was originally from Rotterdam in the Netherlands. I started playing at about 7 years old and though I had a break of about 5 years without a teacher I kept on playing for my own enjoyment.
When I came back to my original teacher, Elsie Federoff, in my last year of secondary school I had to make a jump from grade 1 to grade 8 very quickly but managed to pass with merit fortunately.
A few years later I went on to take the ATCL in piano performance with Doris Sheppard when Elsie had returned to her native country the Netherlands. I was also very lucky to meet Doris as she had been a pupil of the legendary English teacher Tobias Matthay. From her I learnt not only the relaxation and sound production technique of Matthay but harmony and counterpoint as well.
Since university study I have combined teaching piano and performing with my other passion – painting and art. I have also taught in a number of secondary schools both here and in the UK where I lived between 1998 and 2012. I have performed as a soloist and accompanist in venues such as the Vortex Jazz Club in London, “Larry’s Room” at Pizza on the Park, London as well as “Le Croquenote”. In 2020 I appeared in the Wellington Jazz Festival to launch my solo piano CD – mostly my own compositions.
For my jazz career I was mentored by the famous New Zealand saxophonist and arranger Tony Noorts whose guidance on composition and performance I can pass on to the students I now enjoy teaching so much.
Teaching Info
What you can learn
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Piano performance – classical, jazz or pop styles to suit your needs
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Composition, theory and harmony
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Accompanying and singer‐pianist technique a specialty
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Exam preparation for Trinity College or Royal Schools exams on request
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Support for NCEA study
In my lessons creativity and individuality is at the core right from the start.
With a wealth of experience teaching children and adults both here and in the UK, I don’t just teach piano – I aim to provide a rounded and holistic musical education as well. I can tailor courses for individual interests whether that is classical, jazz or pop, composition, song writing and also NCEA support.
I am also very successful in preparing students for external Royal Schools or Trinity College exams. As a trained and NZ registered teacher I have reasonable rates with the option of learning at your home or at my house in Island Bay.
On a basis of sound fundamentals of correct movement and reading music there is the chance for students to express their particular strengths.