Shala, mature-aged

I am a mature aged student of Serene and very fortunate to call her my piano teacher. I started my first piano lesson five months ago with a veteran piano teacher who had some twenty years teaching experience. This teacher felt and insinuated that I would be struggling because I was an Accountant who had a very left brained perspective to learning. He had made up his mind that learning to the play the piano would be a struggle for me. He did not have the drive to want to see me succeed. Also, at each lesson he would ask me what I wanted to do rather than set the lesson pattern for me.

After three months I decided I needed to change my teacher and I found Serene's web site. Under Serene's non- judgmental open minded approach to teaching, my confidence and skills have grown. I feel comfortable to ask "stupid" questions. At my first assessment lesson, Serene asked what I wanted to achieve - play for fun, do exams etc. I said I wanted to play "Lara's Theme" some day. Without batting an eye lid she said "that's a fourth year piece so you will be able to play it in 5 years or earlier". So began my learning journey with Serene. (My previous teacher did not say anything when I mentioned this goal...just looked at me like I was overly ambitious).

Last week Serene introduced me to the Lara's Theme notes and together we are making progress. This is proof that Teacher Quality is an important aspect in achieving successful outcomes for students. Serene has all the qualities required to be an excellent piano teacher.

Daniel, 28

I can't recommend Serene highly enough! She has made the daunting task of learning to read music and play the piano for the first time (I'm 28) not only a lot easier than I thought. But she teaches in a way that is relaxed, interesting and enjoyable. I look forward to my weekly lessons and mastering my first Beethoven song. Her passion and enthusiasm is infectious...I can say that she definitely teaches piano the fun way!

Jared, 9

I like piano lessons with Serene because she is artistic and also really funny. She is smart and kind:
Serene is a kind person
Every day she comes and makes me laugh
Really her favourite colour is pink
Everyone knows that she is an artist
Never getting angry
Ever so loving and never fights

Irene, 21

After a 6 year break from piano, I came back to piano to accomplish two things: To finish grades (something that I felt I wanted to achieve), and also to learn more contemporary music on the piano. I wanted to develop new skills on the piano, not just play the classics from the manuscripts but also to learn to play by ear. Serene has been a wonderful teacher and has been incredibly accommodating in teaching me the skills I wanted to learn, as well as preparing me for my exams. I feel like I take something important away with me after each lesson, and have lots of interesting things to practice when I get home. In just a few short weeks, after many years of avoiding the piano, my confidence in the instrument and my appreciation of music has grown. As a busy post-graduate research student, I work long days and am often quite busy, but Serene has been very accommodating of this with lessons arranged so I proceed at a comfortable pace - but I have to admit even after a long day at uni, practicing and going to lessons are something I enjoy and look forward to!

Styliana, mature-aged

Serene is a very good piano teacher I was very pleased when I had my first lesson with her and just remembering my other teacher not being that good as Serene. She keeps in contact with you which is another good thing - if you're stuck on anything Serene is their to help! I recommend Serene to anybody! Go and play with Serene!!! You won't be disappointed!

Nick, 22

As an adult beginner, I spent a lot of time researching for the perfect teacher. After attending lessons for the past month, I have learnt everything from the basics to the songs I’ve wanted to play for years. Serene tailors the lessons to suit what I want to learn and play. I highly recommend her to anyone who is looking to learn – she is easy-going, knowledgeable and patient.

Cristabel, 23

I have been playing the piano for a number of years. Some teachers were quite good and others not so. I began Piano the Fun Way two months ago and I have enjoyed it so much. I had a list of songs that I wanted to learn to play next year for my dad's 70th and was actually taken seriously and have begun learning the pieces. I have learnt how to do a piano gliss, which I used to struggle with. I am doing pieces I like, for example, Beat It by Michael Jackson.

I have also finally achieved something I never thought I would be able to do and that is being able to play the piano and sing. I was with my old piano teacher and she said I want you to sing, I was actually dreading it. However, when I started playing Santa Claus is Coming to Town, I could sing with Serene's encouragement. I began practicing each day and finally for my concert, I sung and played the Christmas carol Santa Claus is Coming to Town.

I now want to practice not just because I have to but because I want to and I see results at the end. I want to say playing the piano now has become a really big part of my life to the point I practice every day because of Serene.

Krupa, 15

I have had a few piano teachers in the past and have always gotten bored with them - I was on the verge of dropping the instrument! Serene is young, enthusiastic and eager to teach; making productive piano lessons fun seems to come naturally to her. My enthusiasm to learn and involvement in piano has only increased after meeting her. She is a wonderful teacher!

Alison, 12

I enjoy piano lessons with Serene because I really love the fun pieces we play and I also love her patience and the way she teaches! I have definitely learnt a lot.

Ashley, 6

I really like piano class because I like music and piano is music. I like my teacher too.

Noah, 8

I like coming to piano lessons because it is fun and I learn lots. My favourite song I have learnt so far is Yankee Doodle. I really look forward to coming next time.

Alicia, 8

I love piano lessons because Serene is a nice teacher. Piano is very exciting when you learn new notes. Playing the piano is really cool!

Madelaien, 8

I love going to piano lessons because my teacher makes it fun and I feel special and safe. I take home different songs to practise every Tuesday. I got fun books and pretty stickers from Serene.

Chenaur, 10

I like having piano lessons with Serene because she makes things easier. I can understand everything she tells me. She gives out home things to do and I can get a stamp or a sticker or a reward if I do them.

Timothy, 10

I like piano lessons with my teacher, Serene, because in piano, she teaches with a lot of enthusiasm and when I make mistakes, she helps me throughout the whole music piece. Then I get better and better because of her so she really is a good teacher and without her, I think I would never do good in piano.

Joel, 13

I like lessons with Serene because they are a lot more fun unlike most other piano lessons. Since having lessons with Serene, my piano skills have improved greatly. The lessons are fun because we are able to explore a wide variety of piano songs.

Lauren, 7

I like Serene because she is a beautiful Music teacher. I also like Serene because she is funny and because she teaches good music. Serene also plays the piano. She is a fun loving person and she always has stamps to stamp if we are good and because we practice a lot.

Naomi, 13

I like Serene because she is smart, helpful, kind and understanding. I also like Serene because she teaches us new things each day and helps us if we are stuck on something.

Finn, 6

I come because it’s musical. I get to play musical instruments.

Rachel, 13

I like taking lessons with Serene because she explains something if I don’t understand. If there is something I am not doing right, she teaches everything so that I will understand.

Zac, 7

I like coming because Miss Serene teaches me how to play the piano.