Meet The Team!
“No one can whistle a symphony - it takes a whole orchestra to play it"
Please scroll down for FULL biographies and background credentials for all teachers.
Claire Kelly
Dip L.C.M, M.I.S.M, C.E.O,
ABRSM Registered Teacher,
ADHD & ASD Trained
PIANO Teacher,
Author & Founder
Regular judge in the music circuit (Young Musicians,
Sing for Southport)
Theatre Reviewer
(Southport)
Glenn Howard
Technical Director & Studio Manager
ORGAN, PIANO & THEORY
(Haskayne & Mobile)
Stewart Hankinson
SINGING, PIANO &
CLASSICAL ORGAN
(Churchtown, Leyland, SMA Studio & Mobile)
Claire Coggins
PIANO & THEORY
(Churchtown, SMA Studio & Mobile)
Jon Taylor
SINGING, PIANO, ORGAN & IMPROVISATION
(Southport)
Milly Rigby
GUITAR, PIANO & THEORY
(Formby)
Joe Bloom
SAXOPHONE, COMPOSITION, PIANO & THEORY
(Southport)
Craig Manchester
JAZZ PIANO & SINGING
(Banks & Mobile)
Ian Wells
PIANO, THEORY, ORGAN, CLARINET & RECORDER
(Hillside & Mobile)
Matthew Cook
DRUMS & BEATBOXING
(Churchtown, SMA Studio)
Daniel Kirk
VIOLIN, SINGING & GCSE MUSIC
(Birkdale)
Katie Lang
TRUMPET, TROMBONE, FRENCH HORN, TUBA, THEORY
(Churchtown and mobile)
Emma Perju
PIANO & THEORY
(Ainsdale)
Chris Skellam
UKELELE & GUITAR
(Birkdale)
Pia Kwasnica
CHILDREN'S SINGING & PIANO
(Birkdale)
Susan Raymond
UKELELE & GUITAR
(Birkdale)
Jasmine Lindsay
CLARINET, CHILDREN'S PIANO & BEGINNERS THEORY
Student Teacher
(Ainsdale)
Gina Tavagoh
PIANO
Student Teacher
(Churchtown)
Stuart Eminson
CLARINET, SAXOPHONE & FLUTE
(Churchtown, Mobile & Online)
Daniel Fell
STREET DANCE
(Southport)
Heidi Wilkinson
PIANO
Student Teacher
(Formby)
Individual Biographies:
Claire Kelly
Dip L.C.M, M.I.S.M
C.E.O
ABRSM Registered Teacher,
ADHD & ASD Trained,
PIANO Teacher,
Author & Founder
Regular judge in the music circuit
(Young Musicians,
Sing for Southport)
Theatre Reviewer
"Hi, I'm Claire. Teaching piano is my passion! I love to see our students grow in confidence through discovering their musical ability.”
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Claire taught in primary schools for over ten years before opening a private piano studio, then founded Southport Piano Academy in 2012, gradually building a team of over twenty like-minded teachers, which has now expanded to include many different instruments.
Claire holds a DipLCM, a Distinction in Grade 8, a diploma , with Merit in Musical Theatre and is part of the Musician’s Institute . She also has a diploma (with Distinction) in Business Communications.
Claire is a regular judge in the music circuit, most recently a judge for ‘Sing For Southport’ (2023) and ‘Young Musicians Competition’ in 2020. Claire is also a respected theatre critic, writing reviews on local musical theatre productions, as far as Liverpool.
Claire has written a published piano course book and a music theory course, sharing her methods, which are both soon to be available for purchase on Amazon.
Claire strongly believes in encouraging performance, which is how the biannual student charity concerts have evolved, as well as regular performances in local venues; such as rest homes, fetes, and garden centres.
Music and theatre have always been a big part of Claire’s life. In her youth, Claire travelled around Europe, performing with a band and has played several lead roles in theatre productions, as well as ran and directed her own drama group.
Claire is still advancing her skills whilst managing Southport Piano Academy and teaching- by recently trying her hand at learning to play the violin and has recently gained a Distinction in her first violin exam, Abrsm Grade 2. Claire believes it is never too late to learn something new!
Claire has a special interest in complex needs and has recently been awarded a diploma in understanding ADHD and ASD. Claire is a mum to 3 boys, one whom has autism and type one diabetes, and believes that being a mum helps her to relate to the students even more.
Claire holds an enhanced DBS certificate
Glenn Howard
Technical Director & Studio Manager, ORGAN, PIANO & THEORY
(Mobile Teacher)
"Hi, I'm Glenn, I have a real passion for music and love sharing my knowledge in music to others and encouraging pupils. As well as teaching piano I am also an accomplished organist, playing in many churches around the North West for services, weddings and funerals. I am also a choir master for my local parish church choir.
I believe that teaching music should be relevant to today's society and that communicating it in a fun way is important; which is why I am teaching for Southport Piano Academy!"
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Glenn is married with two young children. He graduated from university with a BSc(Hons) in maths and Computer Science. He established his own computer company in 2002, supporting many local primary schools, businesses and charities, providing IT support, repairs, sales and installation, along with website management and hosting. Music was never far from him during this time, he was still managing his own choir and playing regularly. He joined the teaching team back in 2015 and has built up a large amount of mobile students. Glenn now manages our own website together with Claire. He also assists with interviewing for our staff team and organises our online teaching resources for teachers.
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Glenn's passion has always been music. Listening to the organ in Church on a Sunday morning, he always knew he was destined to play. Glenn continues to play regularly in churches around the North West for Sunday services, weddings, funerals and baptisms, and is in much demand.
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Glenn has entered many students in for ABRSM exams, many achieving merits and distinctions.
He has also helped organise many of the bi-annual concerts for Southport Piano Academy, and organised charity concerts for other organisations too.
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Glenn's methodical teaching and student encouragement has been invaluable to the students of Southport Piano Academy.
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Glenn is one of our Mobile Teacher travelling to homes around Southport teaching adults, children and teens.
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Glenn can also provide classical organ lessons and theory lessons through Southport Piano Academy.
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Glenn holds an enhanced DBS certificate.
Stewart Hankinson
VOCAL COACHING, ADVANCED PIANO & PEDAGOGY, THEORY, CLASSICAL ORGAN
(Churchtown, Leyland, SMA Studio & Mobile)
“Hi, I'm Stewart and I've been singing and playing the piano since I was six. I always wanted to be a teacher, to help other aspiring musicians to achieve their potential and to share the absolute joy of making music. I believe all students have the ability to improve and succeed and that my role is to guide and direct them on the right path.
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One of my favourite quotes about learning music is this one by Confucious:
"We are told and we forget; we are shown and we remember; we do and then we understand".
It's all about experiencing music by creating it! “
Stewart Hankinson is a highly-qualified, professional musician with many accreditations to his name. (MMus, Bed in Music Education, LLCM, LGSM,LNCM, AMusNCM, FGMS, FSCO, MISM) Stewart also holds a Master’s degree in performance and pedagogy (with distinction).
After many years teaching piano, organ, singing and musicianship as a private tutor and in schools and colleges, Stewart has now returned to his roots as a portfolio / freelance musician. His current work includes teaching piano and singing , accompanying singers and instrumentalists for performance and exams, conducting and directing community choirs and musical theatre groups, directing music in several churches, as well as performing as a guest soloist. Stewart is also a freelance organist, playing for weddings and funerals across Lancashire and is also teaching at the University of Liverpool, when not teaching for us!
Stewart’s previous employment and experiences include: ‘Head of Music and Performing Arts’ at a large comprehensive school, ‘Lecturer in Music and Performing Arts’ at Runshaw College and Blackpool and Fylde College, ‘Musical Director’ of Bolton Chamber Choir and the Ainsdale Village Singers, ‘Producer and Director’ of Opera and Operetta (various) and Thornton-Cleveleys Operatic Society ‘Musical Director’, just to name a few!
Stewart’s performance experience has included singing with opera groups, guest soloist with several choral societies and orchestras, and performing at The Royal Albert Hall. A passion for singing and choirs has always been at the heart of his work and this has complimented his love of language, expression and communication.
Many of Stewart’s former students have progressed to advanced study at universities and conservatories and are working professionally in classical music and musical theatre.
We are very honoured to have Stewart on our staff team at Southport Piano Academy to share his expertise and teach singing and advanced piano; up to diploma level. Stewart can offer mobile lessons to your home or online lessons.
Stewart holds an enhanced DBS certificate.
Claire Coggins
PIANO & THEORY
(Churchtown, SMA Studio & Mobile)
"Hi, I'm Claire, I have been playing the piano for over 20 years, music is my passion and I feel that it should be learnt in a fun way! I’m so thankful for my childhood piano teacher who passed on such a special gift of playing the piano – and I would like to do the same for others! “
"I follow the ABRSM exam syllabus for piano practical and music theory. It is great to see pupil’s achieve their music grades and develop in confidence! I have lots of patience and tailor my lessons to meet the pupil’s individual needs. I love my role within the academy and find it rewarding to have the opportunity to pass on my knowledge of music.”
Claire has taught for us for a number of years with extremely successful results and feedback from all families. She is an asset to the team with many very dedicated pupils and a 100% pass rate with all, including merits and distinctions.
Claire had the pleasure of working in a primary school setting for 10 years, before having her little boy and joining the Southport Piano Academy team. As a member of school teaching staff, Claire regularly played the piano during school assemblies and for the Christmas nativities.
Claire has years of experience of working with children of all ages and also those with additional needs.
Claire had a very musical upbringing learning flute and guitar from an early age; as well as piano and music theory study. Later on, in her youth, Claire also performed herself in jazz bands, played for church services and weddings.
Claire teaches from her home studio in Churchtown, where she has a digital baby grand piano.
Claire holds an enhanced DBS certificate.
Jon Taylor
SINGING, PIANO, ORGAN & IMPROVISATION
(Southport)
"Hi I’m Jon, I have a passion for teaching piano / keyboard improvisational skills, and interpretation of pop music. I particularly enjoy the music tech side of playing and I am a skilled performer, regularly playing piano in bars and restaurants and for weddings. I also offer vocal coaching and singing accompaniment. I believe that anybody at any age can learn an instrument and particularly enjoy teaching teens and adults. I am DBS checked."
Jon likes listening to music and then interpreting songs and pieces into his own style of playing. Influences involved are Greats such as Liberace and Jools Holland.
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Jon studied a music diplomacy at University in York. He has sung solo in both of Liverpool’s grand cathedrals, toured the U.K with his university chamber choirs and has also sung several times at York Minister for University graduation ceremonies. His inspirations include, the great Italian tenors Pavarotti and Bocelli and the legendary Frank Sinatra.
Jon also specialises in confidence coaching for performance and, being a regular experienced performer himself, is an inspiration to his students.
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Jon holds an enhanced DBS certificate.
Milly Rigby
GUITAR, PIANO & THEORY
(Formby)
"Hi, I’m Milly. My music years have taught me a discipline in focus, determination, competitiveness, teamwork, and commitment. Now in my twenties, I am eager to pass on my skills to young children, through fun and interesting lessons."
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Milly is an extremely talented young musician who first started learning the piano at age 7, then the guitar and the violin to Grade 8 ABRSM. She went on to study at the prestigious Royal Northern College of Music where she focused on national piano competitions both solo and as part of an orchestra playing violin.
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Milly has also gained 2 ABRSM piano diplomas (dipABRSM and LRSM) both before the age of 18.
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Milly can offer guitar and violin lessons for beginners as well as piano lessons.
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Milly holds an enhanced DBS certificate.
Joe Bloom
SAXOPHONE, COMPOSITION, PIANO & THEORY
(Southport)
“Hi, I’m Joe and I live for music, I strive to spread my passion and knowledge to my students so that they can better embrace this musical world.”
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Joe was introduced to music at the age of seven. Joe was found to have an exceptional talent for music and achieved Grade 8 ABRSM and a music A level.
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In 2019, Joe was admitted to Chetham’s School of Music as a joint pianist and composer.
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Joe is now studying on the intensive BMus course at the Royal Northern College of Music on composition and the LRSM and LMusTCL diplomas in piano and music theory.
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Joe is proud to have attended both Chetham’s and the RNCM and to have had his works workshopped and performed at both institutions. Previously, he has had commissions including music for a commemoration of the centenary of WWI, amongst others.
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In 2020, Joe was highly commended for BBC Young Composer on his ‘Fragments of an Unstable Mind’. Presently, he is working on a new piano trio, motet, brass quintet, and percussion quartet.
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Joe’s performance experience comes through various festivals and recitals at venues including the Stoller and Bridgewater Halls; accompanying in shows; conducting his own works on stage; and numerous masterclasses, while his teaching experience includes piano, saxophone and theory on a regular basis to beginner and developing students.
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Joe hopes to attain a PhD in music and lecture on music theory, analysis and the Romantic and 20th Century eras in the future, alongside writing, as well as works for concert, film and television.
Matthew Cook
DRUMS
(Churchtown)
“Hi I’m Matthew, I have a passion for drumming and love teaching rhythm to all ages. I have taught for Sefton Music Service and regularly gig professionally.”
Matthew started playing drums at the tender age of 6! He continued to play percussion and was awarded musician of the year in high school.
As a talented drummer, Matthew went on to train in teaching and taught at Sefton music service every Friday, teaching for 5 years before gigging professionally as a career.
Matthew has played drums in the Edinburgh fringe festival with a soul/blues/funk band, jazz/blues clubs and also classical orchestras, not to mention numerous rock/heavy metal and punk bands. He also plays African and Samba percussion.
Matthew was ranked in the top 16 UK beat boxers, Competing in the UK beatbox championships. Since then, he has held beatboxing workshops and is keen to encourage this with students now that beatboxing is recognised at GCSE and A level as a performance instrument.
Craig Manchester
JAZZ PIANO & SINGING
(Banks & Mobile)
“Hi I’m Craig! Please get in touch if you would like to learn how to play the piano. I can teach through the grades or just for your own pleasure!”
Craig Manchester is a professional piano teacher with a BA Hons in Music and a PGCE in Music Education. Craig has previously been a music teacher in a high school teaching GCSE music. He now, as well as private teaching, runs a successful business making and selling prestigious digital pianos:
Digital Piano Conversions – PERFECT PIANOS. (www.digitalpianoconcersions.co.uk)
Craig has a wealth of experience, currently the regular pianist at the prestigious Grand in Southport, Craig has also played gigs with many rich and famous people and appeared on television several times. These include playing in the BBC Jazz festival, on E4 and playing with BB King in New York.
Craig was also the only non-original member of The Commitments on tour. He has performed in many countries around the world.
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We are honoured to have Craig as part of the teaching team. Craig specialises in jazz piano, improvisation and also sings.
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Stuart Eminson
CLARINET, SAXOPHONE & FLUTE
(Churchtown, Mobile &Online)
“Hello! I’m Stuart, a fun, easy-going clarinet, saxophone and flute teacher. My aim is to provide a good, enjoyable and inspiring experience- and to motivate and communicate the love i have of music to others. It's also a huge transferable asset to have! Whether you are a total beginner, discovering your chosen instrument, an experienced player auditioning for music conservatoire (for clarinet), or an adult trying something new as a hobbie, don’t hesitate to get in touch!”


Originally from Nottinghamshire, at 18, Stuart moved to London after gaining a scholarship for the Royal Academy of Music.
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Now, 20 odd years later, his musical accolades are wide and varied having accrued a fine reputation as a clarinettist. He has played with many of the major orchestras, played for radio and TV work, played at music festivals, and played for large international shows amongst many other ventures.
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Some highlights include, playing with Shirley Bassey, playing at The Last Night of the Proms, the BBC tv show ‘The Maestro’, Romeo and Juliet at the Royal Albert Hall, playing for the Symphony Orchestra of India and many many more.
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In the last 10 years or so, Stuart has been an orchestra/band member of shows including Wicked, Phantom of the Opera, Cats, King and I, Bedknobs and Broomsticks and most recently My Fair Lady.
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Throughout his playing career, he has always taught and enjoyed passing his knowledge onto the next generation of players. Stuart can teach Clarinet, Saxophone and Flute.
Daniel Kirk
VIOLIN, SINGING & GCSE MUSIC
(Birkdale)
“Hi I’m Daniel , I hope to help younger beginners of violin and intermediate level players to exceed and improve their playing ability; getting them to a good standard.I also love helping young children flourish in their singing ability.”
Daniel is a very talented Grade 7 violinist, receiving many distinctions along the way. Daniel played in an orchestra in Southport and toured many countries around the world playing both classical and folk at festivals, in arenas and on large stages, in front of thousands.
Daniel first began teaching the violin basics as a child, to family friends. Once in high school he taught some of the younger students violin tips to become better. Now as an adult, He is very good with children and he has previously been a scouts, beavers and cubs leader.
Daniel is also a talented singer as a baritone. At High school, Daniel was part of the prestigious ‘Mundo Africa’ choir (singing bass and tenor), which is one of the U.K’s best school choirs.
Daniel has performed with Mundo Africa at the Educate Awards, the Albert hall and also several philharmonics. He has also sang in countless churches and cathedrals; performing in the Alder service in Liverpool cathedral. Daniel can also offer Childrens’ singing lessons as well as GCSE music help to any age, as fully understands the GCSE music course.
When Daniel isn’t teaching and studying he has fun improvising and learning contemporary music on the violin. As he has an exceptional natural ability to play violin by ear, he can play anything.
Daniel teaches from his home studio in Birkdale.
Emma Perju
PIANO & THEORY
(Ainsdale)
"Hi, I'm Emma. I believe that learning to play music is an enjoyable and creative hobby for children to have and one that will last a lifetime."
Emma has been a qualified primary teacher for 17 years. She has studied music theory extensively and played piano for school. She has also travelled around Europe singing with a choir. Music has always been an important part of Emma's life and she feels there is nothing more rewarding than teaching and seeing the enjoyment that people get from learning to play the piano.
Emma holds an enhanced DBS certificate.
Chris Skellam
GUITAR & UKELELE
(Birkdale)
“I love teaching in general, having taught maths, physics and chemistry in high schools I have a vast experience. Now, in my retirement seeing students flourish through my 1-1 music instruction is very rewarding to both parties.”
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Chris loves music and has played music since buying his first guitar at the age of 12, with his first gig being only 2 years later,playing in a Skiffle group to raise money for a local primary school.
By the time Chris reached the age of 21, he had broadened his scope of music to include Blues and Soul continuing to play as well as teaching maths in secondary school as a qualified teacher.
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Chris plays guitar, ukelele, electric bass,double bass and keyboards and has played in many bands here in Southport over the last 20 years; including the Brian Franklyn Band, the Memphis Pete Band, Route 66, and Sweeping Brush.
Five years ago Chris taught ukulele to a small group of adults which led to the formation of two ukulele bands, the Uke-Rhythmix and the Ukulele Buddies.
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Chris teaches ukulele on a one-to-one basis now. Together with his wife, Sue Raymond, as a duo he entertains regularly in local care-homes and day centres, and also has individual students learning various aspects of guitar playing, from basic chords to soloing.
Pia Kwasnica
CHILDREN'S SINGING & PIANO
(Birkdale)
“Hi I’m Pia, when there are no words, music speaks! I’m thrilled to be teaching for Southport Piano Academy and I'm keen to share my love and passion for music to my students, and have a fun experience along the way!”
Pia has played piano and performed for around 10 years. When not being a singer / songwriter and composing her own music, Pia regularly plays background music to coffee mornings and gatherings in the area. She has also performed in choir concerts and many other public performances, singing and playing over the years. After studying GCSE music, Pia studied music composition with theory of music and history of music.
Pia began teaching piano as a young teen, first to her younger siblings, whilst studying for her Grade 5 theory and Abrsm Grade 6 piano exam then progressed to a wider clientele. She also coached children’s gymnastics just to gain more teaching experience.
Pia is a complete natural at working with children and everyone who learns with Pia leaves with a big smile on their face! We are thrilled to have such a talented young lady on the team.
Pia can offer children’s piano and musical theatre / pop singing Lessons.
Susan Raymond
GUITAR & UKELELE
(Birkdale)
“Hi I’m Sue, I love teaching music, especially to adults, as I love seeing people blossom and find out how to do something completely new that they have never done before.”
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Coming from a musical background, Susan is an experienced performer , currently a guitar/ vocalist in The JKH Band, having been involved in various bands over the years, including Route 66, Memphis Pete Band, The Teachers and The Sue Raymond Band.
Susan started playing guitar and ukulele banjo in clubs from the age of 14 in the ‘70’s, along with her Dad who was an established vocalist and entertainer.
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Now in addition to playing with the JKH Band Sue is now devoting a lot of her time to teaching ukulele and guitar. Along with her husband, Chris Skellam, Sue has been working with ukulele groups for the past five years, resulting in the formation of two ukulele bands, the Uke-Rhythmix and the Ukulele Buddies who are now independently playing on the ukulele festival circuit.
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Sue and Chris also, together, entertain regularly in local care-homes and day-centres with their guitars and ukeleles and they both have individual students learning various aspects of guitar and ukulele playing.
Ian Wells
PIANO, THEORY, ORGAN, CLARINET & RECORDER
(Hillside & Mobile)
“Hi, I’m Ian. I have taught music in the classroom and on an individual basis for almost 40 years! l am passionate about passing my love of music on to others whether they are beginners or more experienced, young or old! I encourage my pupils to always strive to do their very best and to really cherish the great gift that they have. I particularly love teaching piano, organ and music theory but can also teach recorder and beginner clarinet.”
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Ian’s whole life revolves around music! He is currently the official organist at Liverpool Parish Church and the assistant choral director and honorary deputy organist at Liverpool Cathedral.
Ian was also the Head of Upper School and Director of Music at Tower College, Rainhill, from 2001-2020.
Ian has performed in concerts and tours throughout Europe including Paris, Chartres, Barcelona, Brussels, Prague, Amsterdam, Cologne, Venice and Riga.
Ian was Director of Music of Holy Trinity Church, Southport from 2008-2017 and Conductor of the Southport Bach Choir from 2008-2012.
Ian holds an enhanced DBS.
Daniel Fell
STREET DANCE
(Southport)
"Hi I’m Daniel, a passionate dancer from Southport with over 27 years experience- ranging from ballet, tap, modern, jazz, contemporary to street dance styles such as Popping, locking, house, hip-hop, krump and break dance. My best advice for any new dancer was lol something I was taught and that’s to take everyone's corrections as your own. If your teacher or choreographer is telling someone a specific correction about the choreography, take it on board. It gives you a head over people who are not paying attention."
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Dance describes movement as his medicine and has been dancing since the age of 5 years old. Daniel first started dancing in Pantomimes at The Southport Theatre and loves performing as a whole. Daniel was an active member of Southport Dramatic club from 2002 - 2007, performing in the likes of
Shakespeare, Romeo &Juliet, A midsummers night’s dream and Whistle down the Wind. In January 2007 Daniel also had his first TV experience in the BBC Production of Waterloo Road.
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After secondary school Daniel went to college to study Performing arts. Daniel danced in ‘The Cultural Dance Experience’ at the Liverpool Echo Arena in Feb 2008. He played the part of of Riff (leader of the Jets) in his second year of college and Finished College with a Triple Distinction.
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After college, Daniel went on to train at ‘Phil Winston’s theatre-works’ in Blackpool and then studied Dance at Thames Valley University of west London. This is where Daniel developed the majority of his street dance style by learning Poppin, Lockin, House, Hip-hop, Krump and Breakin.
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During University Daniel also began to Busk (Street Perform) which also gave him the extra time to really harness his ‘Get down’(funk) and ‘Throw-down’(flavour) while performing on the spot. After graduating university with his Dance Degree, Daniel started dance competitions and got to the Top 16 in Popping Rounds at ‘Juste Debout in 2012 and also managed to get to the Quarter finals, In Popping rounds at MSB (Multi-Style Battles) in 2015, also getting to the Semi finals, an All styles rounds at the same battle event.
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In 2016 Daniel choreographed a piece called ’Through the looking glass’ that he performed with two of his friends at FUZE in Bristol. (UK’s largest student-run fashion, dance and music show. ) They also got to perform it at Breakin Convention at Sadler’s Wells Theatre.
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Daniel has taught Poppin and Animation for various groups such as Funk supreme, Hype Dance, Walkmans Studio and more. He has performed in the Streets of London, Slough, Windsor & Eton, Manchester, Liverpool, Blackpool, Southport , Bristol, Reading, Amsterdam, Cardiff, Swindon and Bournemouth.
Daniel has also been a Blue coat at Pontins in Southport and a Funstar at Haven in Scarborough.
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Daniel says “I always find time to dance, whether its in the street, teaching a class or even just jamming in my back garden. I believe Dance is my way of expressing myself to the world. Either your having a good day or a bad day your always winning. You can always use that energy to create something magical.”
Katie Lang
TRUMPET, TROMBONE, FRENCH HORN, TUBA, THEORY
(Churchtown and mobile)
"Hi, my name is Katie and I teach Brass instruments and Theory of Music. I have over 25 years of experience and have had several pupils who have gone on to study at Junior conservatoires, playing in the NYO (National Youth Orchestra) and those who have studied Music too! My passion for teaching is to ‘Pass on my enjoyment of learning to play.’"
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After graduating from Music College, Katie Lang (Graduate of the London College of Music) was a freelance professional French Horn player and started to teach brass instruments and music theory. She teaches French horn, Trumpet, Trombone and Tuba. Having spent almost 30 years in London and the home counties playing and teaching privately and for various Music Services. She has now decided to make a return to her original roots in the North.
Brass instruments are not as hard as you would imagine. Once you can play a few notes it is often possible to join a music group e.g. a wind band or orchestra which then brings its own advantages of playing with others. Katie teaches one to one lessons and shared lessons. If there are two friends who would like to learn together, she would be happy to teach them together and it’s also a nice way of trying an instrument with someone else you know too.
If students do want to work towards an exam, she is happy to prepare them. It is important to find the right style and the most enjoyable pieces to play whilst working towards these qualifications. so enters students for ABRSM, Trinity Guildhall and MTB (Musicians Teachers Board) exams in agreement with the families.
As with most things now you can get instruments that are designed for smaller children; this includes brass instruments and Katie is happy to teach ages right through from 6-7 years old to adults.
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Katie has an enhanced DBS
Student Teachers:
Gina Tavagoh
PIANO
(Churchtown)
“Hi, I'm Gina. I'm very passionate when it comes to music and I would like to pass on my knowledge and skills to young children. So, like me they can enjoy the wonders that music can bring to their life.”
Gina is a young accomplished pianist who has been playing piano for 8 years.
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Gina has performed solo in many public performances, in Senior school, in a band and also was part of the piano marathon for ‘Leonard Cheshire Disability.’
Gina has 5 years experience in teaching and has also coached gymnastics to children.
Gina has achieved ABRSM exams up to Grade 7 level at present but is furthermore training to go higher and is keen at this time to teach beginners how to play. We are delighted to have Gina on our team.
Heidi Wilkinson
PIANO
(Formby)
““Hi, I’m Heidi! I love music and live to play the piano. I believe the journey of learning music should be an endlessly enjoyable experience and every lesson should be fun and filled with a passion to play. I love to help young children flourish in the world of music, share my knowledge and experiences, and guide them through their journey to become talented young musicians.””
Heidi is a talented young pianist, singer and composer who has been teaching beginners for the last year. Heidi’s accolades include many performances at The Atkinson and other local venues.
Heidi has studied music academically and with ABRSM, achieving many merits and distinctions for exams up to Grade 6 and also grade 5 theory. Heidi has just been offered a place at music school due to her exceptional piano playing to pursue her career in music. In her free time, Heidi writes her own songs and has a huge talent for improvisation and making her own music.
Heidi can listen to a piece of music just a couple of times and has a gift of being able to play it by ear straight away! We are thrilled to have Heidi on the team and know that her passion and enthusiasm for music will be a real inspiration to her students.
Heidi is available for lessons in the Formby area.
Jasmine Lindsay
CLARINET, CHILDREN'S PIANO & BEGINNERS THEORY
Student Teacher
(Ainsdale)
“Hi, I’m Jasmine! I love music and want to help young children develop their love of music too. I am excited to have an impact on young lives and see budding little musicians developing!”
Jasmine is a young, talented and confident musician who has just joined the team. Jasmine learnt piano from a young age and also plays the clarinet. She has played piano in many local concerts and performed clarinet for ‘Sefton Music Service’ With Sefton Wind Band. She also plays with Clarinet Ensemble, Wind Band and the Orchestra at Greenbank School.
Jasmine has taken on several leadership roles whilst studying GCSE music. These include being house captain, a mental health ambassador, and being appointed as a school ‘Angel’, to help younger years settle into high school. She is also a ‘guides’ patrol leader.
Jasmine is working on Grade 6 (practical) in piano and Grade 6 clarinet and soon taking her Grade 5 music theory exam.
We are very happy to have young, enthusiastic musicians on our team to inspire little ones. Lessons are guaranteed to be fun too, which is our motto!
