My work as a piano teacher and author has led to conversations about why adults learn music, what makes teaching them different, and how better guidance can help them keep going when progress is not quite as immediate as they imagined.
Here you will find selected features and reviews exploring my work with adult learners and my book, Do Re Mi To You.
In 2021, journalist Melanie Kembrey explored why more Australian adults were turning to music lessons and what they found when they did.
The Good Weekend feature followed one of my online lessons with student Steven Godbee and shared the experiences of adults who came to piano for reasons ranging from personal fulfilment and mental stimulation to grief, mindfulness, and the pleasure of mastering something new.
It also explored the particular demands of teaching adults.
Adults bring curiosity and motivation to their lessons, but they also bring questions, self-consciousness, high expectations and a strong desire to understand why they are being asked to do something.
As I told Melanie, I want students to receive honest, constructive correction while leaving their lesson encouraged and confident that they can continue.
Melanie Kembrey, Good Weekend, October 2021
The Australian Financial Review included Do Re Mi To You in its selection of the best music books of 2024.
The annual round-up recognised the book as a practical guide for mature-age music students, drawing attention to its encouraging approach to the challenges adults encounter while learning an instrument.
Australian Financial Review, December 2024
Writing from her perspective as a mature-age piano student, reviewer Evie Apfelbaum described Do Re Mi To You as a practical and relatable guide to learning or returning to a musical instrument.
The review considers the book’s explanations of technique, theory, practice and examination preparation, as well as its treatment of confidence, frustration and the emotional experience of learning music as an adult.
“I think I will be dipping into it for information and advice on a regular basis for a long time to come.”
Evie Apfelbaum, Sydney Arts Guide, September 2024
My work as piano coach and hand double for actor Jessica Barden in the Netflix limited series Pieces of Her belongs to a slightly different part of the story.
The role involved helping make the character’s piano playing physically and musically convincing, both through actor coaching and close-up performance.
I welcome selected media enquiries relating to:
If you are preparing an article, interview, podcast or production, please include the publication or program, proposed topic and relevant deadline when you contact me.
