EITHER SKYPE LESSONS OR 1-2-1 LESSONS IN READING ARE AVAILABLE
Hello and welcome to my corner of the world, where since graduating with a first class honours degree and fulfilling the criteria of becoming an Associate of The Trinity College of Music, London, I have the privilege of facilitating people of all ages in their musical journey. I have been teaching piano for over 17 years now, in a variety of settings, from a music school to peoples’ homes to my own home in Reading, a move which became necessary when I had my first child. I have taught well over 200 people including adults, from all walks of life and all with different goals that they want to achieve. My ethos has refined itself in recent years to elucidate that which I feel most passionate about; Music should be a source of joy, fun and contribution. A way for people to express themselves, and to share their musical ‘note’ with others. That is why we learn music, and yet it is easy to lose sight of that sometimes when the joy of music is lost. This is why I teach in the way that I do, to really find the musical expression in each person, and alongside that tackle technique and learning the language of music. The two must go in tandem because otherwise the learning of music simply loses its purpose.
I hope to provide a space for our young people to be seen and heard and related to closely while developing their innate musicianship. My life is always filled with self-development and a commitment to my spiritual path – I am also a Sound Therapist facilitating gong baths and other sound related events. I am passionate about community and am so thrilled to be in Earley in Reading where we are surrounded by such fantastic and similar minded people.
It is my belief that music can play a part in any child or adult’s life regardless of natural ability. I want to help each person to find that role that music can have in their life. Because I am so committed to music being a positive in our young peoples’ lives, I will feedback to you any concerns that I have by email or telephone (it is often not helpful to carry out any discussion which could be seen to be negative in front of your child!) and I encourage parents to come in to the lesson for the last few minutes so that they can be clear what is being asked to be practiced or experimented with. I don’t call it homework! I am in the business of turning out creatives so sometimes the set practice will be composition or experimentation with a technique. I want children to find their own way and discover music for themselves, within themselves. Actually, it is impossible for it to be any other way.
Very best of all is for the parent also to take lessons so that the journey can be undertaken together. I have taught many ‘whole’ families and most commonly, the mother and children. The benefits of this arrangement really can’t be underestimated. However, that is a financial and time commitment that many people can’t take on and this is why I always involve the parent in the learning as described above.
I very much value the opportunity piano tuition gives me to work alongside the very young, very old and somewhere in the middle! I am committed to my own personal and professional development by attending regular teaching seminars both at the ABRSM and further afield. Most recently I have attended courses with Paul Harris on teaching theory and Performance Wellness seminars with Louise Montello. The teacher-student relationship is an extremely important one. Therefore, I am very happy to offer a free consultation before embarking on a course of lessons to ensure that you feel comfortable and relaxed.
I greatly look forward to finding out how I can facilitate the musical journey for you or your child!
Catherine
Getting In Touch
Please feel free to contact me by phone. Please do leave a message or send a text if I am unable to answer and I will call you back promptly. You are also more than welcome to email me directly with any questions you may have:
Mob: 07968 863 197
Email: catlikestoplay@gmail.com