Pianist, Teacher, Researcher.

Refresh, recharge and
re-imagine through learning to play the piano.

Music is universal - all human cultures have had music since earliest times. In modern life, whether it’s at the big moments – weddings, funerals, rugby matches – or ordinary moments – via the car radio or streamed through headphones as we go about our everyday lives – music expresses those things which are beyond words and connect us to our deeper selves, to each other and to feelings of wellbeing.

Neuroscientists tell us fireworks go off in our brains

View the TED Ed video below to find out more.

Have you ever wondered how playing an instrument can benefit your brain?

Watch this insightful video from TED Ed.

My Background

I believe that everyone is musical – don’t ask whether you’re “good at it” but whether “it’s good for you”.  It doesn’t have to be about performing in concerts or passing grades exams, the benefits are there at every level of engagement, by taking part as a solitary learner or playing familiar tunes with friends.

Music is an activity which is conducive to experiencing a sense of flow.  The challenges presented in learning and playing an instrument require high levels of focus and absorption as more circuits are activated in the brain than in any other activity.  This brings us to a unique sense of wholeness. 

“I continue to be passionate about music-making: playing, teaching and researching into music-making and wellbeing. I tirelessly encourage others to take it up, to re-start, and keep playing, in whatever way works for their lifestyle and needs.”

Recent Event

It is a pleasure to work with Coach House Pianos on a project to encourage workplaces to embrace the concept of providing music-making facilities for employees to take a break during their working day.

Find out more about this event by clicking the button below.

Blog Articles

Explore my blog to read up to date insights into the wellbeing and cognitive benefits of learning an instrument.

Testimonials

  • “Thank you so much for your excellent playing in 'Red Planet'.”

    Gregory Rose
    Composer

  • “Learning the piano is probably shaping my brain in a specific way at some level that’s going to be help in addressing some problems or issues to solve at work.”

    Man Group Employee

  • “It’s a dark area in your brain which the more you play on it lightens ... you’re using stuff which you never did before.”

    Man Group Employee

  • “I think it really lifts my mood. I feel quite happy when I have a chance to have a nice break and do something completely different.”

    Man Group Employee

  • “Buoys you up for the rest of the day.”

    Man Group Employee

  • “My day is filled with meetings and people asking for my time and I’m actually giving myself some time by coming here which is great.”

    Man Group Employee

  • “Really good that the company supports people learning and not being wedded to work all the time.”

    Man Group Employee

  • "Adding music to an office environment has made us think differently and clearly added a new dimension to our business."

    Sandy Rattray, Director of Strategy
    Allies and Morrison

  • “I find that it’s often on the busier days that it’s most useful to take 30 mins to play the piano”

    Ed Hoyle
    Partner at Man AHL