Auckland
Piano Lessons | Keyboard Lessons | Theory Lessons, Composition Lessons, Jazz Improvisation Lessons, Online Lessons
Bio
Tomas Iglesias is a film composer, arranger, and orchestrator based in Auckland, New Zealand. He has written music for more than 30 projects, including short films, documentaries, video games, and in-flight Air New Zealand music videos. He holds a Bachelor of Music in Composition from the University of Auckland and has undertaken advanced studies in harmony, counterpoint, fugue, orchestration, piano, and continuo.
Tomas is the director of the School of Musical Arts, where he teaches piano to over 30 students. From 2025, he is also the Music Director at Auckland Normal Intermediate School, conducting the orchestra, chamber music ensembles, jazz band, and choir.
In addition to his teaching and composing work, Tomas has developed a sight-reading piano app called Piano Tree. For this platform, he has orchestrated over 2,000 original and adapted pieces, allowing students to play piano while hearing a full orchestral backing track. This approach helps students develop strong sight-reading skills, rhythmic stability, ensemble awareness, and musical confidence in an engaging and modern way.
Tomas has also created an online course covering Classical Harmony, Counterpoint, Improvisation, Partimento, Composition, and Figured Bass, available here:
The Practice of Harmony
He has co-authored books on Tango and Jazz Piano Arranging, available here:
Tango Piano Secrets
For film and media scoring work, visit:
www.tomasiglesiascomposer.com
Teaching Info
What Students Can Expect in My Piano Lessons
I teach students from age 5 and up, with occasional exceptions for 4-year-olds who show strong focus, coordination, and readiness. I also work with teenagers and adult learners of all ages and musical backgrounds.
Over the years, I’ve taught students ranging from 5 to 71 years old. This has reinforced something I strongly believe: anyone can learn music, regardless of age or starting point. I’ve worked with absolute beginners as well as advanced students, including those with university-level training—and at every stage, there is always more to discover and refine.
Each lesson is structured, supportive, and personalised, adapting to the student’s age, ability, and individual goals. Lessons are taught on acoustic grand pianos in a positive, encouraging environment, with a strong focus on long-term musical development rather than quick fixes.
Material Taught
Students may study a tailored combination of:
- Classical piano (technique, repertoire, sight-reading)
- Jazz piano (chords, voicings, rhythm, swing)
- Improvisation and creativity
- Harmony and arranging
- Popular and contemporary styles
- Exam preparation (ABRSM, Trinity, and other syllabi)
- University music entry preparation (Jazz Piano and Composition)
- Teaching Style
My teaching balances strong technical foundations with musical enjoyment and creativity. Lessons place emphasis on:
- Healthy technique and posture
- Reading skills, listening, and rhythmic accuracy
- Musical understanding and expressive playing
- Confidence-building through performance, including annual concerts
Whether a student is learning purely for enjoyment, preparing for exams, or aiming for advanced study, I guide them with clear goals, structured progress, and consistent encouragement—helping them develop not just as pianists, but as well-rounded musicians.
I would highly recommend Tomas - his passionate teaching makes you feel as though you are bringing life to your music, and not just following what’s written in front of you.
Chloe
Thank you Tomas for your excellent work with Yuan and Lan. We are fortunate to have such a caring, gentle, patient, passionate and knowledgeable piano teacher like you. They are truly enjoying their time with you and have been making progress under your guidance.
Dandan
Hi Tomas, My parents sent me a video recently of Summer playing when she stayed with them and we were impressed with how she has progressed in the few lessons she has had with you.
Summer
Tomas is exceptionally talented, patient, and dedicated, making each lesson a delightful and enriching experience.
Julianna
Totally recommended! Tomas has an impressive understanding of diverse music styles and teaches improvisation in such a cool and methodical way. Each lesson is a blast!
