Tuition

Learning an instrument is a personal journey, and my teaching approach is built on encouragement, clarity and good technique from the very beginning. I draw on both the classical training that shaped my foundation and the traditional Irish aural methods I grew up with, giving students a well-rounded, instinctive understanding of music.

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Lessons are structured, supportive and tailored to each student. Children learn in a calm, confidence-building environment where progress feels natural and steady. Adult learners are welcomed just as warmly — whether returning after years away or starting for the first time.

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I teach violin, fiddle and beginner piano to students aged five and upwards, with a focus on:

• Beautiful tone and confident playing technique
• Aural development and strong musical instinct
• Reading music and developing expressive playing
• Improvisation skills and creative freedom
• Enjoyable, modern repertoire students actually want to play

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Why Music Helps Children Learn

Music is one of the most effective ways to support children’s learning. Playing an instrument strengthens concentration, memory and coordination, while also building confidence and emotional resilience. Because music engages both sides of the brain, children often find their focus, reading skills and problem-solving abilities improve alongside their musical progress. Most importantly, learning music teaches patience, perseverance and joy — skills that stay with them for life.

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Improvisation

Improvisation is woven naturally into lessons. My background in traditional Irish music and my early experiences improvising around songs with jazz-inspired phrasing help students explore creativity without fear. This might be as simple as experimenting with bowing or as playful as creating variations around a pop song or favourite melody — but it gives students a sense of freedom, ownership and musical confidence.

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Learning is Fun

I also ensure that both violin/fiddle and piano students learn music they genuinely enjoy. Whether it’s a film theme, something from TikTok, a game soundtrack, a favourite pop song or a traditional tune, found that including familiar music encourages listening, makes practice fun and keeps motivation high. ABRSM grades are also taught and help students know where they are at and feel a real sense of accomplishment. Each lesson is student centered with the main goal being to enjoy the pure satisfaction of playing music, whether this ends up as a professional concert musician, to play in sessions or schoolo concerts, or to have fun playing at home, the goal is the same - fun and freedom in playing music.

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Carlenes Experience

My teaching background spans respected music organisations across East London and Essex, including Havering Music School, Newham Music (Every Child Matters programme), Fretboard Warriors (Hornchurch), Camena Music (Basildon) and Pianofunclub. I have worked with hundreds of young musicians across differing abilities, learning styles and neurodivergent profiles. Alongside this, my degree in Psychosocial Studies gives me a strong understanding of child development, motivation, and the emotional side of learning — something parents value deeply.

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Above all, my aim is to make lessons inspiring rather than intimidating. When students feel supported, they learn faster, enjoy playing more, and develop musical skills that stay with them for life.

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​                                                                                                                           Why

                                                                               Choose

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​                                                                                                                                 Carlene?

• A trusted, experienced tutor with decades of playing and teaching across London and Essex
• A blend of classical technique + aural tradition, giving students a strong, flexible founCarlenedation
• A warm, calm, encouraging teaching style that builds confidence in even the most nervous learners
• A modern approach: pop songs, film themes and familiar tunes included alongside core technique
• Improvisation and creative exploration for students who want to develop musical freedom
• Specialist understanding of neurodivergent learners
• Clear progress, structured guidance and steady motivation
• A friendly, welcoming studio where music feels expressive, joyful and achievable

If you’re looking for structured, experienced and genuinely caring tuition, you’re very welcome to enquire.