Global House of Music

It is both a solitary and social instrument. Learning the piano requires patience, discipline and, above all, a deep love of listening. I would argue that the piano is one of the most demanding instruments to learn technically – but one of the most creatively rewarding. My technical and theoretical teaching methods draw largely on institutionally recognized classical board examinations and content (mainly UNISA and ABRSM). I also try my best to enhance students’ learning experiences through community music philosophies that view education as a collaborative effort. To me, while tried and tested examination methods and teachers’ experience and wisdom provides the backbone without which an artistic discipline quickly becomes directionless, teaching a student must additionally mean providing them with the means enough to continue learning no matter the point at which they leave us. There is only so much that perfecting one’s technique and sharpening one’s musical knowledge and vocabulary can do – this is just the first part of a teacher’s job.

The first thing I do with all my students, no matter what type of music they sing, is to uncover their vocal range using a number of exercises and skills I’ve picked up over the years. Once I have a good understanding of their vocal range, it’s much easier finding music that is well suited to their voice type. It’s always good to have students present me with music they prefer to sing, but sometimes that music may not be the right fit. The fun part is finding that fit!

Once we’ve found music that the student relates to and is suitable, I approach learning the music with a strong theoretical, technical, and practical approach. It’s always good to understand a bit of music theory, a bit of bodily technique and a bit of practical application in order to best perform any piece of music! The fun then begins!

If a student has previous knowledge of the guitar, I firstly gauge their ability by taking them through a few basic exercises that allow me to assess both their technique, as well as their practical development. Once this is done, I go through the same process I do with my beginners, and develop their talent through an integrated curriculum that focuses on technical, theoretical, aural and practical development simultaneously, regardless of the syllabus they pursue. By enforcing this multi-faceted focus, I ensure that a student can feel comfortable when they approach a new piece of music, knowing they have the technical groundwork to fall back on. Additionally, I aim to foster a sense of creativity and fulfilment for my students as they progress through their learning. By learning to understand music technically and theoretically, my students can articulate themselves creatively. With experience performing in band and ensemble situations, I also aim to cultivate a student’s abilities such that they can write and perform in group situations without trepidation.