Teacher

For me, teaching is all about helping my students discover new possibilities within music and within themselves. Over the last two decades I have established private studios in Canberra, Amsterdam, Vienna and now Adelaide. I currently have a thriving studio of primarily adult students including advanced pianists, piano teachers, collaborative pianists, a vocal teacher, and a composer. I also teach enthusiastic amateurs, some of whom are taking the first steps in their musical journey or returning to the instrument after many years. My studio includes limited after-school places for advanced school-age students. Studio successes have included acceptance into the Elder Conservatorium of Music, the Marryatville High School Specialist Music Program, and multiple High Distinctions in AMEB exams.

Regardless of a student’s level, every piece of repertoire provides us with an opportunity to expand their understanding of how music works and how to bring it to life. Based on my extensive study of the Taubman Approach, I work together with each student to replace excess tension with healthy, efficient movement, thereby developing both ease of technique and freedom of expression. 

I’m delighted to support my students if they wish to explore a particular area of interest or as they prepare for an upcoming project. Recent examples include a school teacher wanting to learn all of Bach’s 3-part inventions, a choir accompanist preparing scores for rehearsals and concerts, a university student undertaking several months of intensive tuition leading up to an AMusA exam, and a retiree wishing to change their technique and play without pain. Whatever the context, my constant aim is to foster the confidence, capability and enthusiasm of each student, and to develop their unique artistic voice. 

Each year, my regular adult students have the opportunity to participate in an informal studio workshop, collaborating with a singer or instrumentalist. For others wanting to rediscover the joy of piano playing, or find more ease and facility in their playing, I run a supportive and informal small-group short course, The “Never Too Late” Piano Club. 

As a performer I’ve given recitals at venues including Ukaria Cultural Centre (South Australia), Het Bethaniënklooster (Amsterdam, The Netherlands), and the Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts (NZ). I’ve worked for Opera Queensland, State Opera of South Australia, Bel Canto in Tuscany Summer Opera School (Italy) and the WAAPA International Art Song Academy. I’ve also been an examiner and presenter for the AMEB and adjudicated the National Liederfest (Melbourne) and the SA final of the 5MBS Young Virtuoso Award.