Information About Erin - Lewisham teacher

Personal Description:

I began playing piano at the age of six and was inspired to make it my career following a chance meeting with a Canadian pianist at the age of sixteen. Having trained as a classical pianist, I gained my ATCL diploma at the age of sixteen and went on to be awarded the title of “Vale of Glamorgan Young Musician of the Year” in 2005. I have been living in London since graduating from Trinity College of Music with a Masters in piano performance in 2008. I enjoy a varied career of performing, accompanying and teaching, as well as working in an administrative role for Trinity College of Music 2 days a week.

In order to further develop my skills as a classical pianist, I have been attending the “Chethams International Summer School and Festival for Pianists” since 2004 and received scholarships to attend the “Birmingham International Piano Academy” (2005-2006) where I had the opportunity to play in public masterclasses for renowned concert pianists such as John Lill and Martin Roscoe and have been given one off lessons by concert pianists such as Yonty Solomon, Noriko Ogawa and Dina Parakhina.

Tutoring Experience:

I am friendly & approachable and very committed to my career as a piano teacher, displaying great enthusiasm and encouragement, as well as patience. I have a great love for music and wish to share this passion with pupils and to see them progress & help them achieve their potential. I welcome pupils of any age or ability.

I am very familiar with the ABRSM examination board system, entering pupils, both children and adults for practical and/or theory of music exams if they so wish. To date, since making my first exam entry in June 2009, my students have achieved a 100% pass rate in their practical exams with an average pass mark of 124/150 (Merit) and for theory exams, passing with an average pass mark of 91/100 (Distinction).

Tutoring Approach:

Although I aim to make lessons fun and enjoyable, learning any instrument requires a certain level of commitment and hard work in order to progress. A typical lesson will include working with flashcards, working through scales/exercises/studies that I have set the pupil with focus on building a solid technique, working through pieces, playing duets and practising sight-reading. Although I have trained as a classical pianist I very much enjoy musical theatre, jazz, blues etc. so the repertoire I cover with students will be classical repertoire as well as more fun stuff. I also do theory with students which I believe is essential for any student wishing to reach a level of competency in piano playing.