My Teaching Philosophy

My mission is to foster a lifelong love of music and piano playing in each and every one of my students, regardless of age or ability.

The most important thing for me is to ensure that lessons are fun and inspire students to practise in their own time. To achieve this, I incorporate boardgames, singing, flashcards, and improvisation games (to name but a few) into the lessons. I am always on the lookout for new activities to help my students remember different music theory principles!

Piano Safari

For the majority of my students, both children and adults, I use the Piano Safari range of method books. These encourage the ‘all-round musician’ and although they do teach notation, this is introduced very slowly and is in no way the sole focus. A good analogy is that we all learn to speak before we read and write! Similarly, this approach encourages learning pieces using patterns, copying, repetition and memorisation, not just by reading. This method also has a heavy focus on developing good technique right from the first lesson. 

I supplement method books with repertoire from a huge variety of other sources - but my favourite thing is when my students ask me for specific songs they want to learn! I will source an arrangement that is appropriate for your current playing ability, and if one doesn’t exist then I will be happy to arrange it for you - or assist you in doing this yourself.

Exams

If you are motivated by the idea of progressing through graded examinations, I can guide you through these. I predominantly use the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) syllabus, as this is the exam board I progressed through myself. However, I also put students forward for examinations with Trinity College - both their classical and rock/pop programmes. I have a 100% pass rate for students taking examinations, and they frequently achieve merits and distinctions. 

If you are interested in learning more about music notation, the history of Western music and the basic elements in harmony and musical structure, I can guide you through ABRSM Music Theory grades up to and including grade 5.

I offer a free 45 minute taster lesson to all prospective students, so you can meet me and decide whether I am the right teacher for you.

Please contact me to arrange this!

Testimonials

  • “Janine is mightily skilful not just in her musicianship but also in her teaching ability. I am intrigued by her diverse musical interests and value her willingness to share her own experience of learning and performing. Lessons are a highlight of my week and that's all because of Janine. You won't find better!”

    David Bell

  • “Great piano teacher. Bags of patience and really manages with my daughter's additional needs. Super upbeat keeping the learning fun. We are so pleased to have found her”

    Richard Lawford

  • “Janine is just the best piano teacher you could ask for. My son absolutely loves her and has learned so much, she's a miracle worker! Can't recommend highly enough.”

    Amy Shaw

  • “We cannot recommend Janine enough, our child's playign has come on leaps and bounds since she has been teaching them. She makes the lessons sooo fun and my child can't wait for their next lesson. We have no trouble getting them to practise every day since Janine has been teaching them and everyone's noticed the huge improvement.”

    Debs Mac

  • "Janine is a great pianist and a great teacher, very good at tailoring the lessons to the student and developing them at a good pace whilst keeping the learning interesting. She has helping reignite my love of piano playing."

    Andy Mather

  • "Janine has been fantastic talking and walking me through some musical theory I just couldn't understand previously. Her approach to teaching has been inspiring, patient, and importantly for me good fun."

    Marcus Bishop

  • "Janine is such a talented piano teacher. She is so kind and encouraging. Her gentle approach has given my daughter so much confidence. My daughter has dyslexia and the different activities she does with her have helped my daughter retain the information. I am proud of my daughter's piano playing, she is a star and Janine has helped her believe in herself."

    Sarah Williams