Piano teaching

Learning piano should be fun. I want to make sure that everyone who studies with me loves the whole process. Lots of music teachers are very focused on results and, in some cases, this can take out all the fun. I believe that it is possible to achieve both – the fun and the results.

If someone is really motivated and talented and is prepared to work hard then there is no reason not to take exams.

If you want to learn just for yourself and have fun playing the piano then you don’t need to worry about the exams.

Lots of my pupils have taken ABRSM exams and most of them were merits or distinctions.

If a student is interested in some other exam board, then I can prepare them for those exams, too.

Learning the piano should be pain free! Lots of professional musicians suffer from pain in their arms, shoulders, neck or back, or suffer performance anxiety, etc.  These are often exacerbated by our habits of sitting, moving and practicing the piano, etc. But you can learn how to perform all of those activities without undue tension.

In the piano lessons I pay lots attention to students’ body use. If a student sits slumped behind the piano, the function of their arms is also affected. Playing an instrument is much harder when you sit badly and when your body is very tight.

Ideally I would recommend having Alexander technique lessons and piano lessons together for some time.  It is my belief that if you are free in your body, then you will be much better at piano playing or in any activity you choose to do. And you will probably handle the problem of performance anxiety much better as well.

The Alexander Technique is practiced by musicians all around the world, and taught in most music schools.  In the UK it is taught in: Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Trinity College, the Royal College of Music, the Royal Academy of Music, in the music departments of Oundle School and Uppingham School, etc.

In Estonia, where I come from, the Alexander Technique is more and more recognised by musicians. It is part of the curriculum in the top two music schools in Tallinn (Tallinn Music High School and G. Ots Tallinn Music School, where I introduced the AT) and in the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre.

As an Alexander Technique teacher, I have witnessed many musicians recovering from their injuries or performance anxieties. As a piano teacher, I have seen how the Alexander Technique has helped young musicians discover their potential and be much better musicians and pianists.

On my website you will find more information about the Alexander Technique