Piano lessons that build musicians for life, not just exams.

Not every piano teacher is the right fit for every child, and that's perfectly normal.

Some teachers excel at preparing students for competitions. Others love teaching beginners or guiding children who need more patience. Some offer a relaxed introduction to the piano. Different approaches suit different families.

So, am I the right teacher for your child?

Most of my students learn piano as a hobby, and I'm perfectly happy with that. But I believe it's difficult to truly enjoy playing music without making progress.

That's why I place so much importance on building strong foundations. Without getting the fundamentals right, students will struggle as they move on to more difficult pieces. Try singing while riding in a bumper car, with all the sudden jolts and bumps. That's what playing can feel like when the rhythm is uneven and the accents are all over the place!

Of course, overcoming challenges should be part of the fun. There's a special satisfaction in finally being able to play something you once struggled with.

A child doesn't need to be exceptionally talented. Curiosity, commitment and a willingness to try matter far more. Parental involvement is important too, especially when children are young.

And was I a hardworking piano student myself? Not exactly!

I disliked practising, frequently arrived at lessons unprepared, and my first teacher eventually gave up on me! It wasn't until I was an adult that I realised why I had struggled to read music notation in the beginning: I have dyslexia. Luckily, it all ended well. I developed more discipline and earned my ATCL diploma.

How do you know if your child loves playing the piano? Look for that sparkle in their eyes when they're first introduced to the piano and sit down at the keyboard.

I also believe that teachers shouldn't forget what it's like to be beginners. I'm currently attending Toastmasters and learning the viola. Both remind me how frustrating, rewarding and humbling learning something new can be.

Learning the viola also reflects my love of making music with others. I enjoy ensemble playing even more than playing solo, and I like introducing students to duets and accompanying other musicians.

To me, music is a lifestyle, not something that ends after Grade 8. Some of my former students have continued their musical journeys elsewhere, sometimes taking up a second instrument. I find that especially rewarding because it means music has become part of their lives, rather than simply another qualification.

Personally, I enjoy making music with others even more than playing solo. That love of ensemble music is one reason I took up the viola.

It's also why I enjoy introducing students to duets, ensemble playing and accompanying other musicians. Music opens up a whole new world when you learn to listen, respond and create something together.

Sometimes a child is bright, diligent and musical, seems to be doing everything right, yet progresses surprisingly slowly. Why? Often, the mistake we hear is only a symptom of a deeper problem. I enjoy piecing together the clues, finding the missing link and working out how to help that particular child. After 19 years of teaching, I've developed something that feels almost like a sixth sense for spotting learning difficulties. The real value of experience is noticing what others might miss.

I prefer to teach students who live near one another because it makes organising group lessons much easier. I want my students to have opportunities to meet, play music together and inspire one another. Learning the piano can sometimes feel like a solitary journey, but being part of a group creates a sense of belonging, mutual encouragement and a special energy that individual lessons alone cannot provide.

Looking ahead, I'd love to introduce workshops where students can go deeper into music. It's something I'm hoping to develop in the future.

Ultimately, I don't expect every child to become a professional musician. I just hope they'll enjoy the process of learning, take pride in overcoming challenges and develop a love of music that stays with them long after their piano lessons end.