Services
Working With Children Check
I have undergone this necessary check so rest assured that your child is completely safe at my home studio. You are most welcome to sit in on the lesson or maybe sit with a younger sibling, enjoy a cup of tea and watch television. Maybe you prefer to leave and return when the lesson is finished. All of these options are fine. My home is child friendly and relaxing.
Each younger student is rewarded continually with a sticker for good playing/trying/listening. Pip’s Passpawt affords Pawprints alongside this. When a student has received 10 pawprints in their Passpawt, a reward will be given. This may be a gift of a pen/musical rubber etc.
Each lesson is tailor made for the individual student, whether from beginner level or through to
AMEB Grade 8. Every student is unique. Some just want to play for leisure whilst others want to pursue a graded method. My focus is on you to get the best experience of this wonderful language.
My pedagogy is very simple and inspired by visual as well as written music which makes it easier for the younger beginner to engage. It is a magical time to learn and rewarded with stickers and Pip’s Passpawt treats (see later).
Once your child is in Kindy through to Year 6, the dynamics for learning change each year. As a parent myself, I know this. The teaching books are designed to encompass this age range and accompany your child as they go through to Year 6 and begin to have an insight into other areas of music. I love to teach the music that their family may be listening to or maybe are learning in a band practice. Let me compose an arrangement for the music they love alongside their piano teaching books. Bring music to life.
Now the students are aware of many different genres. Although we have to go through the fundamentals, who – seriously – at that age, wants to play ‘When The Saints Go Marching In’? They are going to be far more interested in playing a piece of music whether contemporary/rap that is on their Playlist – and why not?? This is where I can help. We can learn from the teaching books but integrate all the music you want to learn so that the student can leave here, knowing that they are able to play something recognisable and of interest to their friends.
Many adults come to me asking if it is too late to start learning. It is never too late!! Some may have learned as a child and want to revisit lessons, some may have held a lifelong dream to learn. Many parents want to learn alongside their child. It is such a fantastic experience and so exciting to see people accomplish their goals.
Whilst many students want to learn for fun it is equally important that students, should they wish, are able to undertake AMEB examinations, for which I am a recognised teacher with all of my students achieving a B plus at the minimum. This is an exciting time and one I certainly recommend, although I understand that some students may perfer not to. Should you wish to do your examinations, let me help you. I achieved Grade 8 when I was 13 so understand the enormity of each exam and want to give you as much guidance as possible.
Theory can be a daunting subject and one that many people find understandably confusing. I try and break it down into manageable and bite size pieces and demonstrate each lesson with pieces of music that the student can relate to so they can see first hand how it all works.
We all have an inner songwriter in us! If you/your child is showing an interest in writing their own pieces, this is to be absolutely encouraged. It is wonderful to see this creativity and harness it in a positive way. We can work together in understanding key changes/ chord progressions and all of the other beautiful dynamics involved in composition.
Ever since I was a little girl age 3, I knew the piano was my instrument and life. I was very blessed to win a scholarship the world renowned Chethams School of Music when I was 10
I’m so grateful we found Pip! My son JD has been learning piano with Pip since
May 2017. Pip doesn’t just open a book and teach, she understands JD and
knows how to harness his natural talent what to do to help him learn what
doesn’t come so naturally. Pip is a beautiful, kind and gentle soul with such an
intense love for music and teaching it. JD often says he just feels nice at Pip’s
place. He has formed a great friendship with Pip, he feels safe, understood and
uplifted in her company. We are so grateful to have Pip as such a positive
influence in our lives.
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"From my first chat on the phone with Pip, to having my initial lesson through to actually be able to play something audible on the piano, I have experienced Pip to be a relaxed, experienced, creative teacher who has turned my learning of the piano into a lot more fun than I thought possible."
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My 7 year old daughter took up piano with Pip earlier this year and has come along further than we could had hoped for. As well as already being able to recognise notes and follow a structured first piano workbook Pip has encouraged Phoebe from the start to choose music she wants to play, which has made practice at home a very positive experience. We look forward to the lesson every week and hope to spend many more enjoyable musical moments with Pip.
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