About Kathleen

I trained as a classical pianist and have been teaching for over 40 years. My teaching is rooted in the classical tradition, with its emphasis on physical technique, musical understanding, and the development of a genuinely beautiful sound from the very first lesson.

Over the decades I have taught hundreds of students, from children taking their first steps at the piano, to adults returning after years away, to advanced students working towards diploma level performance. Some have been with me for over a decade. Some stay for a few months. All of them matter.

I also spend time selecting music that suits each student individually, not just pieces that match their technical level, but music they will genuinely enjoy playing. A student who loves film soundtracks gets film music. A student who needs to develop finger strength gets repertoire that builds that skill in an engaging way.

Teaching piano properly means covering every aspect: technique, theory, scales, sight reading, listening, finger independence, and musical interpretation. This comprehensive approach, taught with patience, warmth, and genuine joy is what transforms casual playing into real proficiency.

I am patient, encouraging, and rigorous. I believe in proper technique from the start, not as a constraint, but as the foundation that makes everything else possible. I believe in building relationships that last years, and in adapting my teaching to each student rather than expecting every student to fit a single method.

I set short-term targets and long term aims, but I never rush anyone. Parents are welcome to stay and watch their child’s lessons. I am always available if a student has worries or needs to chat on the telephone about their lessons or exams.