MA in Composition, BA (Hons) in Piano Performance
LTCL Instrumental Teaching Diploma
Full Enhanced CRB
PRS for Music, International Alliance for Women in Music
References are available upon request
I'm on LinkedIn

Subjects

(click subjects to see other tutors in this area)

Personal Message

I am an experienced and professionally qualified music teacher who enjoys passing on my skills, may it be within piano playing, composition, theory or aural.

Interview

Which subject(s) do you teach?
I teach Piano performance - from classical, contemporary, chord symbols, jazz and improvisation, as well as accompanying.
I also teach composition, theory, aural and musical knowledge. I tend to mix these subjects if desired, and tailor my lesson plans to suit the individual.
Each year I organise a student concert at a local venue where all students who wish have the opportunity to perform for invited guests.

Tell me about your qualifications.
Having played the piano and studying music since the age of 8, I finally ended up completing my Masters in Composition at Trinity College of Music in 2009.
I also have a Bachelor (Hons) in Performance of Arts, Classical piano - from Leeds College of Music.
and:
LTCL Diploma in instrumental teaching; piano - from Trinity Guildhall
Trained accompanist - with Julian Cima
A-levels in Music, Drama and Dance - from KPVGS, Norway.

When taking my LTCL Diploma in instrumental teaching, I studied various methods of music education, such as the Suzuki method, the Piano Adventures Method, Indian methods (to sing everything before playing it), the Kodály Method as well as both the British exam boards; ABRSM and Trinity Guildhall.
I draw on a variation of methods to suit the individual needs of my students, and I enjoy finding the best of all styles to make a suitable combination.

I normally make a half year plan for each student with suggestions of repertoire, technical exercises, and which other areas to focus on. This is done together with the student to allow them to take part in their own learning process. For most of the students, also the younger ones, this is a fun process as well as giving them a clear goal to work towards. For the students who wish to take exams, we thoroughly study all the aspects of these; the sight-reading, scales and arpeggios, aural, improvisation and theory.

What kind of experience do you have?
I am a performing, composing and teaching musician. I started teaching at a young age and see my teaching as an important part of my music career.
I have now over 10 years of teaching and musical directing experience, teaching all ages - one-to-one tuition, as well as group teaching. I focus on performing skills alongside composing and appraising skills, as well as musical knowledge and understanding. I have also been involved in teaching groups and running creative workshops and masterclasses, and I am experienced in putting pupils in for exams, writing reports and organizing student concerts.

My background from a mixed performance setting allows me to draw on different inspirations to encourage and motivate my students. As an active performer, I am also passionate about teaching how to perform as well as understanding how to reach your full potential aided by good practicing tools and routines. In my company, Midnight Orange Productions, we create and perform work mixing music, movements and other art forms, alongside running creative workshops and sessions. I have performed, and had my music played in venues such as Kings Place, Sadler’s Wells, The Place, Blackheath Halls and other locations in London. My music has also been played at The Norwegian Theatre, Svelvik Theatre, and The Grieg Music Academy in Norway, and has been broadcasted on Norwegian National Radio. My music is published by Musikk-Husets Forlag in Norway, and amongst my publications are a series of books with piano pieces for six hands.

See my websites for more information.

How much do you charge?
I teach from home and my standard rate is £35 per hour or £30 for 45 min.

In the first lesson we will discuss and establish what to study, how to do it, what material to use, what to work towards etc., and then take it from there. I fit my teaching around the student's needs and we will find material to use that one can both enjoy and progress from.

Where do you teach?
I teach from home in New Cross Gate / Telegraph Hill, SE14. I also teach for a few companies and schools.

When are you available?
Daytime and evenings (weekdays), preferably daytime but we will find a time that suits both of us!

Which ages and levels do you teach?
Beginners to advanced, all ages! Grade 1 - Diploma. I also prepare students for exams and auditions.

Which qualifications do you prepare your students for?
ABRSM Exams
or
Trinity Guildhall Graded Exams,
as well as auditions and other exams when needed.

Do you have an up-to-date CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) disclosure certificate?
I have a recent CRB certificate.

Do you belong to any professional organisations?
PRS for Music
IAWM - International Alliance for Women in Music
TONO - Norway's Performing Rights Society

Where and with whom did you train?
I trained as a classical pianist from a young age with Svein Frengan and Ernst Rolf. I then moved abroad to study with Julian Cima and Peter Whitfield at Leeds College of Music. After working freelance as a musician for a couple of years, I then started my Masters in Composition at Trinity College of Music in London to study with Andrew Poppy, Errollyn Wallen and Alwynne Pritchard. I also studied with Stephen Montague, Dominic Murcott and Pete Saberton (jazz piano).

Tell me about some of your current students.
My students in general have a steady progression and enjoyment of the lessons. They have a good knowledge of the piano and how to study an instrument.

Do you have a personal message for students?
As a teacher I tailor my lessons to suit the individual needs of the student and I encourage them to explore different ideas such as improvisation, composition and general musicianship. I enjoy passing on my knowledge and to provide opportunities for all pupils to achieve their full potential within music.