About

Isabelle Thorn, LTCL, CertPTC, MISM

Qualifications

LTCL Diploma in Piano Performance with Distinction (2015)

ABRSM Grade 8 Music Theory with Distinction (2016)

CertPTC with Distinction (2025) through The Piano Teachers’ Course, the UK’s leading professional development course for piano teachers.

I am also a member of the Independent Society of Musicians and have an Enhanced DBS certificate.

Musical education

I was lucky enough to be surrounded by music from the youngest age. My parents were both amateur musicians and encouraged me to sing and play at every opportunity, whether at home or at a community group. When I wasn’t making music, I was listening to it on CD or VHS, and then eventually on the internet. I was even attempting to play and write music on the piano before my first lesson! While at school, I got involved in choirs, orchestras and chamber ensembles, as well as performing solo and composing; music was always my source of comfort through the tribulations of childhood and coming of age.

Though I enjoy playing a wide variety of repertoire, I was always drawn to 20th-century and contemporary music. My LTCL recital had a programme of exclusively 20th-century pieces by Enrique Granados, York Bowen, Gabriel Fauré, Maurice Ravel, and Olivier Messiaen. My desire to discover new sounds propelled me into the world of underground and experimental pop music, in which I always keep one foot firmly planted.

I have taught piano since 2022, with experience teaching both solo and group lessons, both beginners and accomplished pianists, and students ranging from Year 1s to retirees. I’ve trained with leading musical educators on the Piano Teachers’ Course UK, building creative teaching methods informed by the latest research in best practice, as well as participating in safeguarding and psychology workshops.

Other work and interests

In addition to teaching, I’m active as a singer-songwriter, composer and performing artist, working both solo and in collaboration with other artists. My past work has received positive reviews in music publications such as Pitchfork and The Wire, as well as airtime on BBC Radio 3, and I have performed in legendary London venues such as Café Oto, The Windmill, and The Horse Hospital.

I have also operated surtitles for opera productions at The Grange Festival (since 2018) and Opera Holland Park (2025), as well as playing organ occasionally in West Berkshire parishes.