Whether working in the medium of music or movement - or both! - I aim to help you develop a practice that is uniquely yours; one that will flourish and nurture you as you journey through life. I hope to inspire an energetic and ongoing commitment to these wonderful subjects, that offer so many avenues for intellectual and holistic growth. I consider it a pleasure and a joy to lead and walk with you on this path of learning. I can't wait to learn from you too!

Below is a brief summary of approaches we'll use in your lessons and expected outcomes. Please use the contact form to discuss your individual needs and for more details of how I can help.

PIANO

I welcome all new-comers to piano lessons, both young and old, as well as seasoned musicians. From the get-go we will work on learning small pieces that help you to develop a strong and easeful technique, that also sneak understanding of musical concepts through the back door! We'll gradually introduce recognition of these elements on the written score, prioritising full integration of the music into the body via singing, walking, clapping, conducting and even dancing!

  • work at your own pace, learning music you love

  • play duets (there's nothing like playing with others to improve musicianship, and for fun!)

  • use appropriate study books, exercises, repertoire and technique drills to further your level

  • express yourself through music

  • prepare for exams if you wish, or try performing in small home concerts


Let me hold time and space for you, so you can enjoy the comfort of a sensitive and mindfully supported yoga practice. Using methods from Hatha, Vinyasa and Restorative yoga, along with gentle breath work, we'll build a practice that generates vitality and resilience. During larger classes my primary goal is to create a mutually supportive atmosphere, where everyone is empowered to create and adapt their practice to suit them.

  • find a stronger connection to breath and body

  • move more intuitively and develop a practice that is as flexible as your changing needs day-to-day, season-to-season

  • address issues of pain or tiredeness, and/or work towards a fuller expression of certain yoga postures (asanas) 

  • enjoy improved proprioception, balance, coordination, flexibility, strength, intuition and self-awareness

  • enter into states of rest and stillness more easily

  • move for joy!

YOGA

Hatha Yoga/ Beginner classes

We’ll break down and build up postures slowly, finding and feeling our way into steadiness and an alignment that works for where our body currently is. Sometimes we’ll explore how to give different emphasis to a posture, and understand that alignment is neither ‘one size fits all’ nor fixed. Rather, by supporting our bodies in different and softly challenging ways in each asana, we can move away from the paths of least resistance (habitual patterns) into ways of moving that are alive and refreshing. In this way, we build healthier movement patterns with more variety, space in the body and mind, and increased vitality. 

Vinyasa Flow classes

Vinyasa classes move at a more flowing pace; the dynamism adopted depends on the energy and strength of practice of class participants on the day. Often our Sun Salutation A will be the basic framework for the flow, although sometimes more creative and unique patterns will serve this purpose.

During class yogis learn to move with the breath, and discover the dance of breath and postures, breath and transitions. Sometimes we take a magnifying glass to the transitions themselves, in a way that is exploratory, creative and playful. 

All Hatha and Vinyasa classes involve a warming section that might touch on some functional mobility and/or core work, and a class closing that draws things to a meditative focus, with downward regulation of the nervous system and Savasana (relaxation). Classes are themed energetically & symbolically. They often specifically target one or more areas of the body, or work towards movement skills we’d like to strengthen and progress. Ultimately we use our movement practice to find a sense of inner stillness and calm, and to build resilience in the nervous system that enhances our ability to manage stress and enter states of healing.

Restorative Yoga

A soothing, restful practice using ample props to support the body, while gently moving the spine through its five available directions. The sequence is very slow, prompting muscular relaxation, and allowing the nervous system to shift into a parasympathetic state that supports rest, relaxation and digestion. Breathing is similarly affected, usually becoming slower, fuller and more soft. You will be guided through a nature-themed meditation while you adopt these grounding asanas, enhancing your capacity to enter Alpha and Theta mind-states (relaxed and imaginative!).