Teacher

For me, teaching is all about helping students discover new possibilities within music and within themselves. Together, we use every piece of repertoire to expand their understanding of how music works and how to bring it to life. Over the last two decades I have established private studios in Canberra, Amsterdam, Vienna and Adelaide, teaching students ages 6 to 75. My students play everything from Schoenberg and Piazolla, to Telemann, Rachmaninov, and Vine.

In lessons we focus on ease of technique and freedom of expression. We work together to  replace excess tension with healthy, efficient movement so students can discover how to surpass their expectations. 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.

Each year students in my studio pursue their own curiosity-led projects. These have included chamber music collaborations, exploring atonal works, music theatre and the blues, creating original narratives to accompany their sonata performances, and studying Freiligrath’s poem “O Lieb” alongside Liszt’s Liebestraum No.3. Designed to nurture students’ interest and confidence, these projects encourage students  to develop their individual artistic voices.

I particularly love working with my adult students who include piano teachers, composers, accompanists, and enthusiastic amateurs. For adults wanting to rediscover the joy of piano playing, I run a supportive and informal small-group short course, The “Never Too Late” Piano Club. 

I have been an examiner and presenter for the AMEB, and given masterclasses at the University of Waikato Conservatorium of Music (NZ) and the Accompanists’ Guild of South Australia.

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). 

  • PhD, The University of Adelaide

  • MA (Liedkorrepetition), Musik und Kunst Privatuniversität der Stadt Wien (Austria)

  • BMus, Conservatorium van Amsterdam (The Netherlands)

  • BMus Hons. (University Medal), Australian National University

  • Golandsky Institute Professional Training Program (current) with mentors Dr Therese Milanovic and John Bloomfield
    (Training in the Taubman Approach has been supported by two grants from the Government of South Australia.) 

Qualifications:

About lessons with me

I also provide consultations for pianists and piano teachers wanting to learn more about the the benefits of the Taubman Approach, whether for their own playing or in order to help their students. Teachers are welcome to bring student repertoire and/or videos of their students’ playing for discussion.

Get in touch to discuss your playing or teaching, and how we might tailor lessons to best suit you.

My students take weekly, fortnightly and ad-hoc lessons, either in person or via Zoom.

Testimonials

  • "Penny has enthusiasm for breaking down and solving technical problems and the ability to articulate and demonstrate clearly and in an imaginative and often humorous way.  I have come away from every lesson excited, inspired and motivated to improve.

    Penny has helped me overcome technical issues in my playing through giving appropriate and detailed practice strategies, often from the Taubman Approach. Her encouragement and support have given me some much needed confidence in performing. I have also gained more confidence in my own teaching, especially with regard to teaching the higher grades."

    Carol Bromley, pianist and piano teacher

  • "Penny is an exceptional teacher with an incredible depth of knowledge and attention to detail. When I first started, I struggled to play a piece in time, but under her guidance, I've not only overcome that challenge but can now effortlessly maintain an inner pulse. She possesses the remarkable ability provide intuitive techniques that yield immediate improvement. After two years of lessons, I can confidently say that I've gained a completely new perspective on piano playing. Grateful for the transformative journey with such a dedicated and talented teacher like Penny!"

    Leo Zhang, conservatorium student

  • “I last had regular piano lessons at 20 and now, 50 years later, I have learnt new skills and appreciated old familiar pieces becoming revitalised and appearing new again. I have been inspired by Penny’s unconstrained enthusiasm, her respect and care for the different learning paths we are all on and her ability to translate her vast experiences and knowledge to simple metaphors and guiding principles. For example, “Am I balanced? Am I committed?”, while applied to my approach to the keyboard, could just as easily be instructions for life! I have loved sharing the learning with fellow students. It is purposeful work and a complete joy.”

    Sue Mann

  • “Penny uses the Taubman Approach which is different from anything I've ever done over 62 years of piano playing and I'm 'hooked’!

    We have worked on all kinds of choral accompaniments together. Penny states that ‘I just need more information’ when I’m stumbling on something. That reframing has helped me enormously. She comes up with practical solutions to my technical challenges. Working on where my body is, the positioning of my hands, the timing of their movements, and Penny’s approach to fingering have all combined to help me play more rhythmically and more consistently.”

    Jenny Donovan

The
“Never Too Late” Piano Club

Rediscover the joy of playing the piano!

Photos: Kate Elmes, Lester Wong