Piano lessons and coaching

Piano lessons, coaching, supervision, workshops

Having a great passion for teaching and for understanding the wishes and needs of students, I teach in different kinds of teaching situations, ranging from preparation for conservatoire education in individual sessions to more general music workshops for amateurs, courses in piano-literature, and coaching for specific situations. At the Utrecht Conservatoire I teach music theory, ensembles and do supervision of master thesis’s.

I am a qualified teacher, and continued my education in musicology, music theory and educational science (PhD).

With any questions on teaching or coaching, please do contact me through the contact form.

About regular pianolessons

In 1995 I started teaching on a regular basis to pupils and students of various levels. For a long time I have a teaching practice with children and adults from beginning to advanced level, students from the Schumann Akademie and students who were preparing for vocational training.

Amateurs who are intermediate, intermediate or advanced, as well as professional pianists who want advice in the field of technical and mental preparation for performances or who encounter certain problems or blockages, can contact me. The lessons are about a collaboration between me and my students. We investigate how and why we like, enjoy, annoy or find something difficult. I am guiding the process, but cooperation and exchange are paramount. The most important point in the lessons is learning to make music, learning to make music. This seems obvious, but unfortunately there are people who keep forgetting about this and have too much focus on being able to perform a piece technically perfectly. In the lessons, a balance in the study process is sought together: how do you study and how do you also enjoy the greatest possible pleasure. All students play together, 4 hands, two pianos and with other instrumentalists.

In principle, the lessons take place weekly and last 45 or 60 minutes. Holidays take place according to the school holiday schedule; twice a year there is a student concert, around Christmas and before the summer holidays. For more information about lessons, activities and workshops, please contact us via the contact details.

About coaching

Professional pianists can sign up for coaching regarding a particular part. Such as concentration, technique, study methods and techniques, specific repertoire, etc. I also offer coaching in the field of concert preparation, relaxation and dealing with stress and nerves. Existing ensembles can register for chamber music coaching. In these lessons we work on listening to each other, communicating during rehearsals, learning to feel each other, breathing, phrasing, intonation, pulse feeling, focus, sense of style, technique, etc.

Professional education

The piano training can be completed in 3 to 4 years, depending on the starting level. The training lays a foundation for professional professional practice as a performing pianist, accompanist, teacher or a combination of different professional activities. Through a combination of individual lessons and a group lesson (within the same week) you are trained to become an independently thinking and working musician. The training aspect has priority over the repertoire, i.e. that which has to be built up, such as a solid technique, is leading in the choice of the repertoire. During the group lesson, a certain part is trained (this can be technique, but also a mental exercise or a more general physical aspect). During that week, the students are instructed to work on the aspect discussed, and also to study together. During the group lesson, the students learn to listen to each other and give feedback. During the individual lesson there is time for specific questions from the student. The teacher guides the student in the analysis of these questions and the search for answers and solutions. Important aspects within the training are the development of a flexible attitude, i.e. learning to function in different professional situations, building self-confidence and building a flexible and reliable technique. This includes a proper balance between tension and relaxation, a strong hand with flexible fingers, freedom in arms and shoulders, understanding the relationship between movement and sound. All students play together, 4 hands, two pianos, with instrumentalists and vocalists. Teamwork is an essential part of the training. The training includes various aspects such as:

mental preparation and concentration
physical development and training
development of hearing in general and especially for the piano (sound)
repertoire knowledge and learning to make choices from the diverse repertoire
study efficiently and effectively
communicate with colleagues, other instrumentalists, audience
transferring music & sharing knowledge and experience

If necessary: ​​reduce tension and stress, reduce (over) fatigue and pain in limbs due to incorrect study and learn to eliminate. In addition to possible physical barriers, attention is paid to building up self-confidence with regard to playing in public. It is not just about gaining experience but about being coached in stage situations. You can always contact us for questions about the piano lessons. This also applies to taking a trial lesson. (see contact details)