Piano Lessons

Lessons always have high doses of fun, support and challenge. I take a student-centre approach to ensure your ambitions are blended with my professional expertise to give you the results you want.

I offer 121 lessons from beginner to post grade 8 diplomas to students of all ages. Students choose whether they want to take part in exams and festivals and when they do they have considerable success. (EPTA Piano Competition Final – second place winner, Cambridge University Music Graduate, Music Scholar, Trophies in Piano Festivals).

Lessons do not just have to take the predictable format of regular weekly events. You may want a short course for audition preparation, extra support with aural, theory lessons, a one-off lesson on a particular piece or composer.

Teacher Training

I regularly work with piano teachers as part of their ongoing professional development. These sessions develop confidence in performing, interpreting and teaching technique.

Very often teachers will also bring questions about their own students. Every session we work flexibly to cover what is current in your work.

Performance Coaching

‘I can play it better at home’ is a common sentiment heard frequently in lessons and after exams. Often the remedy is to spend more time playing to other people and this does certainly help. But there are many other highly effective ways of digging into performance nerves.

• How can you practice better for performance?
• What does the mind have to do with it?
• What techniques will support you before, during and after a performance?
• How can you build on consecutive performances to embed your developing skills?
• What is your unique musical voice?
• How can you find your way to expressing that when performing?
• What does mindset have to do with it?
• Is there a culture of growth around you?
• What impacts are limiting beliefs having on your success?
• How can they be released?
• What does a spinning top have to do with performance?

The good news is, if you want to improve your performance and you have never asked these questions then there are still many options for learning and growth available to you!

If you would like further information, then please contact me to book a session. I take a holistic approach and will work with where you are to design a programme that will be an enriching and rewarding part of your musical AND personal development. When you are ready there is also a wonderfully supportive group of musicians who you can play to as you develop your skills.

Duos and Groups

There is absolutely nothing more joyful than playing piano duets. It is also the most fun way to develop your musical skills. Perhaps you want to restart piano playing but recognise that you also need a social outlet. Well this is your answer. You might come with a duet partner or I can help you find one. Either way, piano duo lessons are a wonderful way to learn a new skills, make a friend and have fun. This option is open to anyone at any grade and any age. Sometimes even regular 121 students pair up for a term for a change of pace. I am very open to any repertoire and frequency of lessons.

As well as my own skills in piano playing I bring the experience of playing in a piano duo. Highlights of which include a masterclass with Katya Apekisheva from the Piano Duo Charles Owen & Katya Apekisheva and performances in Camberly and London.

Group classes incorporate theory, improvisation and keyboard harmony and practice skills.

Thank you for inspiring me!

ND

Roberta is a teacher of exceptional qualities – she has formulated excellent and positive relationships with all her pupils and staff within the department. The qualities of her teaching and administrative duties are of a very high standard. Roberta ensures that her pupils are offered an all-round musical education through her piano teaching – she is aware of the needs of the pupils and develops their needs accordingly, whilst always keeping within professional boundaries. Roberta maintains high standards in her teaching

Director of Music, Streatham and Clapham High School

As a parent, I have found Roberta to be an engaging as well as inspirational teacher. Her lessons are well structured and tailored to suit the individual. Her communication with the student in terms of expectations and discussing short / long term goals help to ensure that progress is consistent. Regular end of term performance concerts help to build confidence in a relaxed informal environment. Under Roberta’s tutoring, my daughter has come a long way in terms of technique, understanding the finer nuances of different composers and appreciation of piano playing as a whole. Roberta is a warm and caring person who gives her best as a teacher

Fiona D’Silva

5 stars out of 5 stars. Roberta’s lessons are always really engaging and I love every minute of them! Roberta is able to push me to get the best out of me, which I really like. I have high ambitions for the future and Roberta is able to adapt her teaching style to fit my needs. I would certainly recommend Roberta to anyone who wishes to learn the piano 😉

Shayna D’Silva

I have been encouraged and inspired by my lessons with Roberta. She has helped me in improving my own technique, and is generous in imparting her wealth of experience of teaching piano students. Especially with respect to keeping the learning process stimulating (and fun!). It is easy to respect her views, because she plays exceptionally well, and her students perform with poise and musicality.

Bronwen

Roberta teachers with infectious enthusiasm and as a mentor and a teacher is both inspirational and inspiring. Roberta motivates and guides with patience and expertise, encouraging you to explore all musically related paths. As a very mature student, Roberta has gently encouraged me to push boundaries and realise my goals.  

Yvonne

Thank you so much for all you help, support and sharing of your wisdom in your teaching

Music Teacher