Julie GARNHAM - Teacher Profile

Every student starts piano lessons with excitement, usually after hearing some inspiring music. I endeavour to tailor lessons just for you with your music in mind! With regular study at home, (supported by parents for under 9s) musical concepts and pianistic skills may progressively grow. There is singing, percussion, movement and music of many genres. I teach lots of children but I particularly like to teach ADULTS, either beginners or those returning to learning. Many adults, who had lessons as children, had unproductive experiences, often from the piano teacher in the village who followed an exam based approach to study, students completing an exam per year and playing only the three exam pieces. Times have changed and, since the invention of the internet, other approaches to learning are now shared widely and have promoted a complete turnaround in music and piano teaching. Lessons for adults are more holistic than for those of children and include reflection on the learning process, finding a sense of well being at the piano through cultivating listening and in creating effective, satisfying musical experiences. (You may not have thought this is possible, in as far as our mind set tells us so often only children can learn new things.) The skills and understanding of melody, rhythm, harmony and piano technique (making a beautiful sound on the piano) are gradually acquired through learning music pieces initially by ear, heart, rote and improvisation. Musical literacy unfolds as appropriate. Learning is for the joy it may bring and arises from continued practice, study and progress. Whether you are pursuing a lifelong dream to enjoy piano for pleasure or you are on the path to becoming a concert pianist, I am passionate about helping students make their piano playing a fulfilling part of their lives. I do prepare students for examinations and festivals as appropriate and currently use the ABRSM examinations. I also help with GCSE and A level course work. I hold regular piano parties, often in the beautiful Oak Hall at Rhos-y-gilwen. I have many years teaching experience as a music specialist/ primary school teacher and as a Steiner school teacher. I love playing the piano and I am devoted to a path of study for my own continued development. I also continue to study the art of teaching and I am currently creating a new pathway to musical literacy and designing resources for these activities. It is my aim to teach in such a way that students too ultimately become independent and resourceful learners. Lessons take place in my music studio, home to a Steinway grand piano, in rural Pembrokeshire near the beautiful Preseli Hills!