Elizabeth Winters

If you are looking for piano, violin or viola lessons you are in the right place!  I  teach at my home in Central  Canterbury Kent. 

I am dedicated to giving my pupils the best learning experience. Above all, I understand that learning a musical instrument is not just about acquiring a skill for life but it should be fun too!

I offer viola lessons for children and adults, from beginner to diploma standard,  violin lessons to grade 5 and piano lessons to grade 7 to 8. I also offer recorder lessons to grade 5, as well as music theory and composition.

About me

I have been teaching private pupils of all ages and abilities for over 20 years, starting out when I was still an undergraduate. I have a BMus (Hons) degree, an MMus in Composition and I am also a qualified teacher (Primary PGCE). I teach in several schools in the local area and also privately from my home in central Canterbury.

I offer lessons for both children and adults in piano, viola, theory and composition. I also teach violin and recorder up to grade 5. I have an 100% pass rate in both practical and theory exams (ABRSM), with the majority of students gaining merit or distinction grades.

Piano Lessons

Students of all ages and abilities are welcome to enquire. Children can start piano lessons from age 4, although with younger children especially, some pre-instrumental musical training is usually necessary before starting more formal lessons. This creates a gentle, but structured, approach to beginning to play an instrument and will ensure that they make good progress in the early stages. Adult beginners are also most welcome, and lessons can be tailored to work towards a particular goal.

Violin and Viola Lessons

I am happy to start children on the violin or viola from age 4 upwards. As with beginner piano, the initial lessons will consist of both playing by ear and music reading, which is introduced when the child is ready. I also teach several adult beginners, many of whom learnt piano as a child and who have now decided they want to learn a string instrument. As I am mainly a viola player, I teach violin up to grade 5 and viola from beginner to advanced.

Recorder Lessons

Children can begin learning the recorder from the age of 5. This is a great instrument to begin playing, either in its own right, or as an introduction to another wind instrument when they are old (and big) enough.

Exams and Practice

Many of my pupils are successful in graded music exams; however, others prefer to learn for their own enjoyment. All I ask is that you have your own instrument and are willing to commit to regular lessons and regular practice! Younger children will only be required to practice for a short period each day (for example 10 minutes). This will gradually increase with age and/if they wish to enter for grade exams.

Duration

Lessons are usually weekly, but I can accommodate fortnightly lessons for adults or older children. The length of the lesson ranges from 30 minutes for younger beginners through to 1 hour for more advanced students. For students preparing for ABRSM exams, 45 minutes is the optimum lesson time.

Theory and Composition

I enjoy teaching music theory, and the majority of my students have gained distinction in their theory exams. I also offer one to one coaching for GCSE and A level music and help with GCSE or A level composition work. In addition, I can help more advanced composers build a portfolio of work or work towards a specific composition goal.