Penelope is a highly experienced piano teacher and has a small private studio of piano students. Her students include young children, teenagers and adults, from beginner to advanced level, as well as accompanists and piano teachers wishing to undertake further professional development.
Lessons are focused on developing students’ understanding and love of music and a free, secure technique. For younger students in particular, theory and sight-reading form an integral part of this process.
Penelope has been an examiner and guest presenter for the Australian Music Education Board and supports selected students in entering exams. She encourages collaborative music-making and facilitates chamber music experiences for interested students.
Penelope studied solo piano at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam with David Kuyken, and at the Australian National University School of Music with Susanne Powell. An understanding of the ground-breaking Taubman Approach plays an ever increasing role in Penelope’s teaching. Since 2020 she has specialised in the Taubman Approach as both a pianist and pedagogue with mentors Dr Therese Milanovic, John Bloomfield, Robert Durso and Mary Moran. This has been generously supported by Creative Endeavour and Professional Development grants from Arts South Australia. Penelope’s teaching is also influenced by her fascination with the neuroscience of learning.
In 2023, Penelope is commencing a new pedagogical project, The “Never Too Late” Piano Club. This is a 5-week program for adults wanting to develop their pianistic and musical skills in a relaxed, supportive, small-group setting especially tailored to adult learners. The classes warmly welcome those who previously learnt the piano and would like to pick it up again.
Although long-term studio places are limited, prospective students are welcome to enquire regarding lessons.