“Listen deeply” Is my credo in making and teaching music. This maxim speaks not only about the obvious - listening to music - but of how I apply myself as a teacher in hearing and seeing the unique persona of each student.
My approach to teaching takes on a boutique style as I create individualized pathways tailored to meet the musical desires and abilities of each student. Simultaneously imparting knowledge and training with a solid base of skills, I seek to imbue them with a life-long love of music and the confidence to explore it creatively.
For those who wish to enter for exams, I offer the AMEB and ANZCA syllabuses (I am a qualified ANZCA examiner). I very much enjoy working with HSC students and those who are interested in alternative performance scenarios, improvisation, analysis and/or composition. My methods with young children and beginners are drawn from various sources (including adaptations of the Kodaly system blended with song writing and improvising), to build solid musicianship and facilitate ease and fluency.
Many of my students are now professional musicians and teachers and I’m proud of their achievements, but my satisfaction is equaled by the great number of former students who continue to play for pleasure in their adult years, sustained by a love of making music. Whether you are an adult or a child student, my objectives are to awaken your creativity, improve your sound, explore your spontaneity and deepen your artistry through making music.
My teaching practices are based from my home studio in the Blue Mountains, and at the Penrith Conservatorium of Music where I’ve been teaching since its opening in 1991.
“Dear, Amanda, I love the way you approach music and teaching in such a wholistic way. I find it so inspiring and it really helps me to look at my music from a whole life angle, rather than the tendency to separate it out into a compartment of life. We’re very fortunate to be able to learn from you.”
“Dear Amanda,
thank you so much for everything over the years. I really appreciate how you have taught me both the mechanical and the heart aspects of all the pieces I have played, and I’m grateful that you have helped me develop a life skill.”
When someone is interested in enrolling for lessons with me, I have a Teaching Agreement which outlines what I offer in the teaching relationship, followed by how I’d like students to participate in their learning. For a downloadable pdf of my Teaching Agreement click HERE
Over the decades I have written many pieces for developing pianists and other instrumentalists. These include a series of pieces specifically crafted for teenagers and HSC students titled Migrations in Music (Grades 3 - 4 | 5 - 6). The pieces introduce students and teachers to modal tonalities and unusual time signatures. The music is published with an acoustic CD, musical analysis and program notes. It is designed to be attractive and engaging for teenagers and adults playing at grades 3 to 6 level. For samples and sales CLICK HERE
Two of the pieces from Migrations in Music are published in recent AMEB Pianoforte Examination books: Stalactite (grade 5) and Dreamboat Blues (grade 6). All of the works in Migrations in Music- as well as others - are included in the ANZCA examination syllabus (grades 3 to 8). I’ve given a number of presentations to introduce modal music and unusual time signatures to piano teachers at various conferences, including the Australasian Piano Pedagogy Conference in Melbourne in 2015.
In recent years Dr Katie Zhukov (QLD University) has been compiling anthologies of Australian piano music. Dr Zhukov’s books include recordings with pedagogical and analytical notes which assist teachers to source and understand New Classical music. Many of my works are represented in her anthologies, including The Seduction of Andalucía (Womens’ Anthology Vol 1) which is on the AMEB syllabus for the C.Mus.A. diploma exam. For samples and sales click HERE
As part of my teaching practice, I offer consultation sessions to student composers – especially to HSC students. Some years ago I was lecturer for the subjects: Analytical Models and Harmony & Counterpoint at the University of Western Sydney. I’ve also given guest lectures on composition at various festivals and seminars over the years -including the Darwin International Guitar Festival.
I was invited to make a contribution about my process in composing music for Wirripang Publications. The book assists high school music teachers to prepare their students for the composition component of HSC courses 1 & 2. To read about my process click HERE
“Dear Amanda, THANKYOU!! For all the incredible gifts you have given me this term… and a wonderfully expanding knowledge and repertoire. You are truly an incredible teacher who I feel has exactly what I need as far as teaching skill, philosophies, methodologies and experience etc…Thanks again for everything and for being such a light shining on my work.”
ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE
For over a decade I have been involved in the practise and study of Alexander Technique (AT). This is a psycho-physical approach to human movement which enables us to develop conscious control and co-ordination of ourselves as we play and learn. I employ these principles in studio teaching discretely and indirectly. Whilst I am nurturing a strong and healthy piano technique in my students, I approach the technique area with delicacy and care, always keeping it strongly bound to musicality.
As a “BodyMinded” Practitioner I have training and certification to use my knowledge of Bio-mechanics/Anatomy, Communications and Alexander Technique in my studio. For more information click HERE
For your interest, here is a three part article I wrote for the Music Teachers’ Association of NSW: “A Rocky Road to Revolution”, which tells the story of my first encounter with the Alexander Technique, and how the approach now relates to my studio teaching work.
It is published as a series in the association’s journals: August and November 2018 and February 2019. Here are downloadable pdfs.
“A Rocky Road to Revolution” Part 1 - Published in The Studio, Vol. 24 No. 3, August 2018 and reproduced with permission.
“A Rocky Road to Revolution” Part 2 - Published in The Studio, Vol. 24 No. 4, November 2018 and reproduced with permission
“A Rocky Road to Revolution” Part 3 - Published in The Studio, Vol. 24 No. 5, February 2019 and reproduced with permission
Contact AMANDA
If you would like any further information or would like to book classes, please contact Amanda by filling in the below form
Amanda’s Studio
Katoomba, NSW 2780