WELCOME TO MY PIANO STUDIO

Eva Grant B Mus

Diploma Piano Teaching

AIRMTNZ

Here I teach my students how to play the piano beautifully. Together, we explore music from multiple angles. Through the study of music theory, composition, ensemble playing, and the lives of our master composers we deepen our love and understanding of music. Frequent recitals foster confidence in students as performers while creating a vibrant and supportive community of music lovers. Regardless of age or skill level, all students learn that live music played beautifully uplifts people's spirits. My goal is to instil a lifelong love for music in all my students, and their families.

I offer lessons to people of all ages and backgrounds. Preparing an advanced student for their diploma exam excites me as much as teaching a young beginner their first song. Just as no two pieces of music are alike, no two students are the same either. I meet each student at their level and guide them on their unique learning path, tailoring lessons to suit their abilities and interests.

It takes time and consistent practice to learn the piano and play beautifully. There are no shortcuts, but with dedication, anyone can gradually improve and express themselves through their music.

My approach to learning is methodical and well-structured. After an initial stage of learning by ear and rote, everyone learns to read and write music. Simultaneously, we establish a foundation for a solid technique. A strong technique provides us with the necessary tools to play the music we love, while gradually tackling more complex and challenging pieces. However, piano technique is not solely about playing the correct notes or playing fast; it enables us to express our musical ideas with confidence and ease. Through this process, we also cultivate a beautiful and resonant tone.

 

I guide my students towards building a daily practice routine at home. Children soon discover that consistent practice leads to noticeable progress. When they realise that something once challenging becomes achievable after just a week, it boosts their confidence. This ability to maintain a regular practice routine is empowering and transferable to other pursuits.

EXAMS

Although not obligatory, most students thrive on exams because they offer clear and manageable goals.

I prepare students from Initial through to Diploma level with Trinity College London Exams.

There is no set timeline for how often and how many exams a student will sit. The decision to tackle the next one will be reached after discussion with a student and their parents.

I work with both practical and theory exams. I also enjoy supporting NCEA students with their performance standards as well as other assignments such as composition or external exams.

CONCERTS

Music functions as a universal language that truly thrives when shared. Live performance sits at the heart of my teaching philosophy. Unlike members of choirs or orchestras who rehearse together regularly, pianists find themselves practicing alone at home, year in and out. Therefore, sharing our music in recitals is indispensable. I regularly organise concerts at my studio to nurture this spirit, providing students ample opportunities to refine their performance skills. Many students encounter performance anxiety at some point, yet through dedicated practice and skilful support this can be overcome. Presenting our art to a live audience is an exciting experience that also fosters resilience and builds confidence. The art of performance is a versatile and transferable skill.

We open our concerts to the wider community reminding all students that music is enriching to people from all walks of life including those who never learnt to play themselves.

MY STORY

My very first piano lesson stands out vividly in my childhood memories. I can still feel the excitement of sitting in a room with a grand piano and a skilled teacher who could show me how to play. Right there, I realised that I would want to be with piano music for the rest of my life.

Without a piano in my family home, it took several years to convince my parents to arrange a piano and teacher for me. I remember playdates with friends, where I was irresistibly drawn to their piano and would sneak off to work out tunes by myself until my friends pulled me away.

By the time I started proper lessons, I was older than most beginners, but I made up for it by practising as much as possible. Practising piano became my daily ritual. I loved the magical resonance of the instrument and enjoyed the process of unlocking the music of great composers. My teacher taught me practice strategies and I soon realised that my piano practice enhanced my school work leading to higher grades.

I grew up in southern Germany where classical music has a strong tradition and is highly valued. While strolling the streets of our village during my home visits to Germany, I am still fascinated at how many people I hear practising their instruments.

When deciding on a career, I found myself torn between medicine and music. I initially chose medical school, but soon realised how incomplete I felt without regular piano practice and lessons. I made a deal with myself: if I passed the first round of auditions at music university, I would switch paths. That decision changed everything, and here I am today.  After completing degrees in piano pedagogy and a Bachelor of Music in performance, I have never looked back. I am grateful every day to nurture music and people through my work!

ADULT STUDENTS

We are all born with the ability and wish to learn, why should we not continue as adults and keep learning for the rest of our lives?

Whether you are returning to the piano after years away or finally taking your first step towards fulfilling a lifelong dream of playing piano, it is always worth it.

Whether you simply want to enjoy playing your favorite tunes or are eager to challenge yourself with advanced exams, piano playing should be accessible to anyone with the passion to play.

Adults who played piano in their youth often feel hesitant or shy about starting again, fully aware of how much skill they may have lost over time. But with the right guidance and practice, those dormant abilities can easily be reawakened. As progress is made, it brings newfound confidence and a renewed sense of energy.

Our informal concerts and music-sharing sessions offer a supportive, inspiring environment where musicians can connect and grow together. Some adults thrive on the excitement and challenge of performing while others feel invigorated and inspired by simply coming along to listen to others play. There's a special joy in sharing the love of music with others.

In retirement, many people find they have more time and energy to devote to their music. And the more time and passion we invest, the greater the enjoyment and satisfaction we experience in return!

Adult students can take lessons without following traditional school terms, and I’m happy to accommodate their schedules. Whether they prefer weekly, fortnightly or occasional lessons, I offer flexibility to meet their needs. 

I LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU

evagrant.piano@gmail.com

021 162 1705