I am a fully qualified piano, keyboard and theory teacher situated between Canford Cliffs and Lilliput in Poole. I have been teaching adults and children my entire career which now spans over forty years.

At four years of age I started lessons with Beatrice Howie-Baker, one of the last great piano teachers of her generation, and later went on to study with the conductor of the Bournemouth Symphony Chorus the late Geoffrey Hughes. I began teaching at fifteen and have never looked back!

One of the most important things I learned from my early lessons was the value of a truly great teacher, one who encourages students to work hard, builds confidence and always inspires them to enjoy their musical journey.

I aim to develop good technique from the start, helping pupils become truly accomplished in the art of reading music. I place great emphasis on sonority, believing the piano should ‘sing’ even at beginner level.

Having two Yamaha Grand Pianos (side by side) helps in the development of good listening and musicianship, encouraging students to be aware of what is going on in both hands from the very beginning. Both instruments are tuned every few weeks in response to inevitable minor shifts in pitch, so that both beginner and advanced players can have the most rewarding experience possible.

When it comes to exams I have always believed that early preparation is the key to success.

Good performance comes from confidence in technique and musical expression, and also in the supporting tests (scales, aural and sight reading). And though many of my students opt just to play for fun and not take exams these supporting elements must still be enjoyably woven into lessons.

I teach all repertoires from Classical to Modern, always with one aim in mind - to help students appreciate what a wonderful instrument the piano is.