Lina

Hey there! :) I'm Lina. I hold Master of Arts Degree in Music Education and Qualified Teacher Status obtained in England. I studied piano and accordion performance, improvisation, composition and music theory. Since then I have been traveling the world playing music and teaching it to students from all around the world including the UK, USA, France, Poland, Oman, China, Vietnam, Thailand and Caribbean Islands. Being a traveling educator taught me to be very sensitive to diverse needs of each individual and to provide student-centered education that supports unique student’s goals and aspirations. Currently I accept students from the age of 6 to learn with me the art of playing piano and/or accordion - both very unique and mesmerizing instruments! I will teach you how to play beautiful french and italian music that stands at the core of accordion and piano's glory, but also darker and more complex music of the Balkans or South America (like tango), that will turn heads of anyone witnessing you play. As an academically trained musician I always include classical repertoire in my course as I believe any well-rounded musician should be familiar with and able to perform classical pieces. Like all other instruments, piano and accordion have evolved greatly in recent years. I will show you how you can use these instruments to play modern music including jazz and contemporary, but also popular styles like rock, pop, hip-hop or electronic music. After years of education and gained experience I use a mixture of different methods, creating and adjusting my course to each student's specific goals and aspirations. Here's How I teach: 1. TECHNIQUE: I use a blend of methods based on F. Chopin’s approach, supported by the Alexander Technique. This helps students develop a brilliant playing technique while avoiding injuries and bad habits that can hinder progress. 2. THEORY: We learn music theory using methods from E. Jaques-Dalcroze, C. Orff, Suzuki, and E. Gordon. These methods focus on learning through experience, active listening, and playing, rather than just studying from a book. Research shows that these methods are significantly more effective than traditional approaches. 3. MATERIALS: I use a mix of the latest international method books, such as Faber, McIntosh-Johnson, Piano Adventures, Piano Safari, and WunderKeys. I also keep in mind the exam requirements if your child needs or wants to take any. 4. REPERTOIRE: We explore a variety of music styles, including classical, contemporary, jazz, but also rock, pop, hip-hop, folk and all in between! We also work on arranging pieces for different performance levels and work on developing personal style. 5. IMPROVISATION: We learn how to improvise from the very first lesson. It’s easier than you might think and gives a great sense of freedom at the instrument as well as promotes creativity and prepares you for playing in duos, bands etc. 6. COMPOSITION: I’ll show students how to start composing and writing their own songs. 7. Music Production: If interested, we can also explore music production using software like Ableton or free alternatives. I strongly believe that learning musical language should be approached as learning any language - by practicing speaking it as soon and as much as possible. That's why, when you learn with me, we go straight to the instrument, playing from the first moment. By using small and consistent steps you will comfortably speak the language of music, in time being able to create longer and longer phrases and sentences, making your own music and to read existing music in a more efficient and fluent manner. Most of all my teaching style is about the relationship between me and each individual student, so really it's ever changing and flexible. Just like our goals, dreams and abilities.