Music has been my number one joy in life since before I can even remember. I want to share and cultivate that joy in others, from children discovering the magic of music to retired adults looking for a new adventure. The pleasure of music-making always comes first, whether you’re preparing for a recital or learning the chords to your favourite song.
I support my students in whatever direction they want to explore — whether playing classical or popular music, or even writing their own songs — helping them to listen thoughtfully and feel in touch with the music. I believe that whatever students learn should be meaningful to them and be understood through inquisitiveness and engaging dialogue. I love when students share their favourite music with me, and vice versa.
Musicianship and pianistic skills always go hand in hand: I offer a holistic education for developing listening skills, musical pattern recognition, good technique, and creativity, as well as note-reading, theory, and practice methods.
Our musical education doesn’t begin with your first official lesson, nor is it restricted to those lessons. Just as we learn to speak and think in words before you can read and write, we must learn to “speak” and “think” musically through singing and embodying rhythm before reading staff notation. To this end, I encourage my students to learn pieces without as well as with sheet music.
My aim in lessons is to encourage my students to challenge themselves and confidently try new things. Every difficulty is just a bend in the road towards achieving their goals and becoming independent musicians.
Izzy Thorn | Piano Lessons in West Berkshire 