I teach singing, piano, musicianship and music theory from my studio in Edinburgh, and during lockdown I have moved my teaching online.
If you are in primary school in Edinburgh East or North, chances are we have already done a block of musicianship lessons together with your class, throwing balls, singing and clapping, playing musical games, singing books etc.
I teach children and adults, from beginners through to ABRSM Grade 8. I use lots of fun games, rhymes, songs and activities to develop coordination, musicianship and reading skills. This foundation work develops the musical ear and the confidence to improvise and compose for yourself.
From the very beginning…
Baby classes
I am running parent and baby music classes online. Learn new play rhymes and songs and have lots of musical fun with your baby at home!
“Heather’s online sessions are fun and interactive…”
RB and baby
”I first took my girls along to Heather’s classes when they were babies and we got so much out of them”
EM and daughters
Musicianship lessons
Early Years and parent
Young children love to sing and move to music. These lessons are fun, interactive, full of songs and rhymes. Children enjoy the puppets, props, shakers and stories. Parents learn new songs and rhymes with their children to have fun with music making at home.
“Heather… teaches her musicianship lessons in a fun, engaging and interesting way, which is perfect for even the youngest of learners.”
Primary children aged 4-7 years
Feel the beat in your feet! We tap, count, clap, move, chant and sing. We play musical games, tell stories and use puppets, instruments and props. By experiencing music physically in singing, moving and playing, we lay strong musical foundations.
These lessons work well as an introduction to music and can give your child a head start before choosing a musical instrument.
‘My daughter has recently completed a block of musicianship lessons with Heather. She discovered a new passion and confidence for music making.’
Primary children aged 8-12 years
We have lots of singing fun, play games, make up musical stories and learn without realising we are doing it! We learn to use our voices well, and start to read music as we progress. We learn singing and rhythm names and follow Kodaly musicianship methods to become rounded and creative music makers.
These lessons help your child develop musicainship skills, learn how to use their voice, and can work well to support instrumental lessons.
“Heather is really good at picking up on my daughter’s interests… She clearly has a lot of skill and experience in engaging children.”
“Heather and my son have developed the most amazing creative bond. He will tell a story and together they work out music to go with it”
Piano and singing lessons.
I teach piano and singing to children and adults. Young learners have fun with musical games and stories as part of our lessons. Once we have reached Grade 1 standard, some pupils continue with the graded syllabus and take examinations, but it isn’t the only way to progress. I am flexible and happy to teach led by your interest. Whichever you prefer, grades or not, I aim to help you develop general musicianship skills, unlocking your ability to read, hear, improvise and compose as we go.
“Heather has taught (my daughter) how to play chords and compose pieces. This has really inspired her and she has thoroughly enjoyed creating her own melodies.”
E.I. with daughter aged 10
Theory and musicianship lessons
Expect to clap, sing, play and learn musical games in these classes as well as write! Hearing as well as understanding what is written is the key. I aim to make writing music fun, active and creative while covering all the topics in each grade.
“He learns without realising he is learning, and looks forward to his time with Heather.”
L.D. and 11-year-old son.
A bit of background…
I read music at Durham University and trained as a singer at the RNCM. I have been teaching music since the 1990s, as a peripatetic singing teacher in schools, as well as with singers and pianists in my private practice. When I moved to Scotland in 2007, I began working for The National Youth Choir of Scotland and trained with them to teach Kodaly Musicianship from Early Years to Gold level. I teach singing, piano, music theory and musicianship to all ages.