I graduated from Liverpool University with an honours degree in music education in 1982 with piano as first study. I have qualified teacher status and taught classroom music in secondary schools on the Wirral near Chester for 15 years. Since moving to Newport over 20 years ago with my husband and two children (who've now long since flown the nest!), I have undertaken some classroom work, gaining additional experience in the primary age range but have concentrated on building up a thriving piano and keyboard teaching business. I consider I have a professional, dedicated and caring approach using up to date and appropriate teaching material to ensure good progress is made. My aim is to offer lessons in which all students are able to develop their skills whilst having fun and feeling a real sense of achievement. I feel very strongly that being actively involved in music making gives students confidence, a sense of achievement and a ‘uniqueness’ that helps them to stand out as being a bit different!
Teaching is my profession; I take it very seriously and am aware that I am fully accountable to my ‘customers’ - both parents and pupils. I encourage regular communication, am always approachable by email or ‘phone to discuss any aspects of tuition and offer annual parent meetings at the end of each academic year. I hold a full enhanced DBS certificate.
"Fiona is a Great Teacher. My son Ed has flourished both as a pianist and as a musician with Fiona's help and support. She not only successfully guided him through the exams culminating in a comfortable pass at Grade 8 this spring but encouraged him to enjoy playing music from a wide range of genres of the piano repertoire, which he still enjoys today. She also taught him music theory which will stand him in good stead as he continues his musical studies as a trombonist at Birmingham Conservatoire. Thankyou for all your hard work Fiona."
"Fiona taught our daughter from primary school until she left for university aged 18. In that time she passed many examinations but more importantly developed a love for playing the piano. Fiona also taught her Theory Grade 5 which enabled her to access the higher grades in piano but also in classical singing and musical theatre. Playing the piano is now something that our daughter does for pleasure and relaxation and this is something from which she will continue to benefit throughout her life. Fiona’s unfailing positivity and caring nature, along with her outstanding teaching, have made learning to play piano a pleasure for our daughter. Thank you Fiona from us all."
"Our son had piano lessons with Fiona for over 7 years; he started at the age of 9 when he first showed an interest in music. From the outset, Fiona made him feel confident at the piano with her encouragement and friendliness. Once he achieved his grade 1 piano, he was off. With each grade he worked towards, Fiona ensured he was absolutely ready before entering him for exams, so there was no disappointing results, and this boosted my sons confidence even further. The lessons each week were backed up with homework and practice ready for the next lesson. Even when his enthusiasm waned from time to time, she always managed to chivvy him along and get him back on track. He is now almost 17 and music is a firm part of his future as he looks to expand into other areas. I would like to thank Fiona for her impeccable teaching, patience and encouragement, but mostly for her kindness with our son as he has grown. He won't admit it but I know she has left a lasting impression on him."
"My daughter has not only made excellent progress in her piano playing with Fiona, she has also developed a love of music and has been inspired to attempt new things. She looks forward to her lessons and chooses to spend hours at the piano practising and composing her own music. It is a far cry from my own experience of being terrified of my piano teacher and I am thrilled that she is gaining pleasure from her lessons as well as skills. She plans to take music on to A Level and beyond and we hope that Fiona will remain a part of that process for as long as possible."