Teaching, Coaching and Accompanying
Rachel writes:“I have been teaching students of all ages and standards for nearly 30 years. I have a PGCE (Post Graduate Certificate of Education) with a specialism in instrumental teaching and am a member of the ISM (Incorporated Society of Musicians).
As well as working at an advanced level, I really enjoy teaching people of all standards including beginners. For me the reward is about helping people to overcome challenges whatever level they’re at and to enhance their understanding and enjoyment of the music.
I sometimes teach people to play by ear, especially those who find note reading difficult and I have experience working with students with special needs including autism and dyslexia.
I have entered many pupils for Trinity and Associated Board exams from grades 1-8, with many achieving a distinction. Many of my pupils like to play in the Springboard festival each year (this is optional of course!) and some have gained places in music conservatoires. Post-covid I will resume hosting concerts for my pupils to play to each other twice a year – these are very informal and social occasions involving tea and cake!
Whilst I am classically trained I teach some jazz and improvising and I’ve worked on jazz and rock exams with students. I like to work with students to find music which inspires them, which often includes a range of music from films, pop music or other songs.
I also teach music theory and musicianship but as much as possible I try to incorporate this into piano teaching for those who want to read music. For example I try to make scales and arpeggios relevant to the pieces being learnt and make students aware of the harmonies they are playing.
For students taking exams I offer practice exams with marks and written feedback. My marks are usually very accurate, with students improving by around 10 marks in the final week before the exam.
I have studied many different piano techniques and have had Feldenkrais and Alexander technique lessons. I was lucky to study with Carola Grindea (founder of ISSTIP, the International Society for the Study of Tension in Performance) and Alan Fraser (Alan Fraser Piano Institute) and I encourage students to understand the role of a good technique and posture in achieving musical aims and preventing tension and pain from practice. I have led workshops in practice techniques and tension in performance.
Just get in touch if you have any questions and come for a trial lesson. I have a very good grand piano in a room large enough to be covid-safe.”
Here are some testimonials from students
“Rachel is an incredible teacher. She’s always attentive to your needs as a musician, and has an impressive breadth of knowledge and experience. I am lucky to have had her as my teacher.”
Juan Pablo Hinojosa, Pianist and Composer.“As an adult who took up the piano again after a break of thirty years, I found Rachel to be an excellent teacher. She is patient, encouraging, honest and enthusiastic – also very knowledgeable and experienced. I thoroughly recommend her.”
Pam Tylor“Rachel taught me for 3 years whilst at sixth form and prior to attending the RNCM. I honestly owe my place at conservatoire to her! Rachel built up my technique and musicality in equal measure, helping me to express my own voice through my playing. She introduced me to wide-ranging repertoire, from Bach to Richard Causton, and provided opportunities for me to perform and build my musical confidence. I’m now a piano teacher and music therapist, and continue to look back on my studies with Rachel with fond memories. Thank you!”
Sarah Denman
Coaching and Accompanying
Rachel writes:
I have been accompanying since the age of 14 when I used to accompany my friends in concerts and exams. As well as playing professionally as an accompanist / chamber musician in recitals, I love accompanying any instrument (including voice) and any standard. I’ve been accompanying students at the East Sussex Academy of Music for nearly twenty years where I’ve helped students get really good marks in their A level and Btec performance as well as other exams, playing a very wide variety of music for many different instruments.
If you need help with getting your part together with the piano I am very experienced at this and always try a variety of different teaching styles. If you would like help with polishing a performance I can give tips and ideas on how to interpret a performance and get the right mood for the piece. I can also record the accompaniment into a phone at the speed you like and sing your part over the top for you to practice along to (if you want me to!).
As well as knowing the core repertoire for most instruments and voice, I’m a very good sight-reader. So if you want just a short rehearsal before an exam or performance due to limited time or budget I’m happy to help with this too.
I have played most instrumental duo works in the repertoire including Beethoven, Brahms, Chopin, Debussy, Franck, Janacek, Poulenc, Prokofiev, Rachmaninov and Ravel, lots of brass and wind accompaniments and many songs, both classical, pop and songs from shows.
Worried about the sight-reading and aural tests?
I am experienced at and happy to help with coaching sight-reading and aural skills grades 1-8 for Trinity, ABRSM and jazz ABRSM. I can help with anything ranging from basic singing coaching to advanced musicianship and everything in between.