Whether you are completely new to singing or have been singing for years, taking a few minutes to warm up your voice can make a big difference.

Just like warming up our bodies before exercise, our voices benefit from this too. A vocal warm-up can help you feel more connected to your breath and ready to sing.

Here are a few simple singing warm-ups you can try at home before your next practice session. I always start with a warm up in class, not just because it is necessary to avoid straining your voice- but it also reminds the student that the door is shut on the day for the lesson duration, and we are here now in the moment to sing.

1. Gentle Humming

Start with a comfortable hum on a relaxed “mmm” sound.

Try humming gently on a few comfortable notes, (your teacher will help with finding your range) keeping your jaw, neck and shoulders relaxed. You may notice a gentle vibration around your lips and face.

Don’t force the sound or sing too loudly. The aim is simply to gently wake up your voice.

2. Lip Trills

Lip trills are a fun and easy vocal warm-up. Let your lips gently vibrate while making a sound. You have relax your face and trust the process!

Try moving gently from a low note to a higher note and back again.

Keep everything relaxed and comfortable. There’s no need to push for high or low notes.

3. Gentle Sirens

Make a soft “oo” sound and slowly slide your voice from a comfortable low note to a comfortable higher note, then back down again.

Think of the sound of a gentle siren.

Don’t try to reach your highest possible note. The purpose is to gradually move your voice through its range without strain.

4. Simple Scales

Once your voice feels warmed up, try a simple five-note scales.

You can sing:

1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 4 – 3 – 2 – 1

Or try using a comfortable “ah”, “ee” or “oo” sound.

As you become more comfortable, you can gradually move the exercise higher or lower—but always stay within a comfortable range.

Remember: singing warm-ups should feel comfortable. You should never force your voice or continue an exercise that causes pain or discomfort.

Why Is Singing Good for You?

Singing isn’t just a wonderful creative activity. It can also be a great way to support your overall wellbeing.

Singing Can Boost Your Confidence

Using your voice in front of other people can feel daunting at first. But as you learn new songs and become more comfortable with your voice, your confidence can grow.

That confidence can extend beyond singing too. Learning to perform, making mistakes but keeping going can be a valuable experience in everyday life.

Singing can be a relaxing hobby!

Singing encourages you to focus on your breathing, your body and the music you’re making.

Taking time out to sing can provide a welcome break from busy routines and give you something positive to concentrate on.

And sometimes, singing your favourite song at the top of your voice is simply fun!

Singing Is a Great Form of Self-Expression

Music gives us a wonderful way to express feelings and emotions.

A song can make us feel all types of emotions. When you sing, you can bring your own personality and interpretation to the music.

There isn’t just one “correct” way to sing a song—your voice is uniquely yours.

Singing Can Bring People Together

Think about choirs, musical theatre, bands, singing groups o singing along with friends.

Singing is something we can share with other people. Making music together can create connection.

Singing Keeps Your Brain Active

Learning songs involves listening, remembering words, following melodies and paying attention to rhythm.

Learning new music can therefore be a fun way to keep your mind engaged while developing musical skills at the same time.

Singing Is Something You Can Enjoy at Any Age

You don’t need to have started singing as a child. You don’t need to be naturally gifted. And you certainly don’t need to be perfect.

You can start simply because you love music and want to learn.

Perhaps you want to sing more confidently, prepare for a performance, develop your vocal technique, learn your favourite songs or simply try something completely new.

There is always something more to discover about your voice.

Give Your Voice a Try

You don’t need hours of practice to get started.

Start with a gentle warm-up, choose a song you enjoy and, most importantly, have fun with it.

And if you’d like some guidance, then singing lessons can help you improve your technique and discover what your voice is capable of.

Your voice is unique.

beginner tutorial, learning environment, Music Lessons, piano lessons, piano practice, piano teacher, singing lessons, Singing teacher, Uncategorized

How Adults Can Fit Piano lessons Into Everyday Life

September 16, 2026September 16, 2026 lizteachespiano

I’m proud to say that my schedule is quite full of wonderful students. Perhaps surprisingly, a good number of them are adults.

I say “surprisingly” because there’s a common misconception that private music teachers mainly teach children, or that most of their students will be children because adults simply don’t have the time to learn piano. But I don’t think that’s necessarily true.

As a private piano teacher, you’ll likely teach a lot of children, but don’t overlook adult learners and lessons. They can become a significant and incredibly rewarding part of your teaching practice.

I wanted my business to be genuinely accessible to everyone, and building a strong community of adult learners was an important part of that for me. I don’t teach in a “child- friendly” way, and I don’t teach in an “adult- only” way. I teach.

Adults come to lessons with their own goals, motivations, experiences, and perspectives.

Often, they also bring a real enthusiasm for learning something they’ve always wanted to do. That makes teaching adults not only rewarding, but a wonderful opportunity to help someone finally give themselves permission to pursue a musical ambition.

Work. Family. Friends. Emails. Errands. Laundry that mysteriously doubles overnight…If you’re an adult thinking about learning piano, it’s easy to look at your already very full calendar and think:

“I’d love to learn, but when on earth am I supposed to practice?”

Here’s the good news: You might just need a different approach. You don’t need hours of spare time to learn piano. All of my adult students are wonderfully busy people. They have careers, families, social lives and 47 things on their to-do list — and they still manage to make meaningful progress at the piano.

The trick isn’t finding enormous amounts of free time. It’s learning how to make the time you already have work for you.

You Don’t Need to Practice for Hours

One of the biggest myths about learning piano and taking lessons as an adult. You don’t have to sit at the piano for two hours every evening. If you have the time, fantastic. But if you don’t, 10–15 focused minutes can still be valuable.

Instead of thinking:

“I don’t have time to practice today.”

Try:

“I have 10 minutes. What could I improve?”

You might spend those 10 minutes:

Learning four bars of a new piece
Practising a tricky chord progression
Working on your rhythm
Playing a scale slowly and accurately
Repeating one difficult passage until it feels easier
Playing your favourite part of a song simply because it’s fun

Small and focused can be very effective.

The Secret: Make Piano Part of Your Existing Routine

Rather than waiting for a magical moment when your calendar suddenly becomes empty, attach piano practice to something you already do.

Morning coffee? Piano afterwards.
Finished work? Ten minutes at the piano before dinner.
Children have gone to bed? Time for a little Bach… or Evanescence… or Macklemore… just play some awesome music!
Saturday morning? Coffee, piano and no emails allowed.

The goal is to make playing piano feel less like another obligation and more like something you look forward to.

That’s particularly important when you’re learning piano as an adult. You don’t need another item on your to-do list.

What If You Can Only Practice at Weekends?

Im not going to lie, only practicing at weekends is not the best approach, but it is better than nothing. So don’t be disheartened if that is simply all you have time for. It is still some time you are taking for your hobby. It can still consolidate what you’ve been working on during your lessons.

Try setting aside 30–45 minutes on a Saturday and Sunday.

You could spend:

10 minutes warming up
20 minutes working on your current piece
10 minutes revisiting something you’ve already learned
5 minutes simply playing for fun!

Consistency matters more than perfection.

Use Technology to Make Practice Easier

Your phone can absolutely sabotage your piano practice.

“I’ll just check one notification…”

Twenty minutes later, you’ve watched a video of a cat playing with a box and still haven’t touched the piano. However, technology can also be incredibly useful.

Try using your phone to:

Set a 10 or 15 minute practice timer
Record yourself playing
Keep notes about what you’re practicing
Listen to the piece you’re learning
Record difficult passages so you can hear your progress over time

Recording yourself can be particularly useful. What feels awkward while you’re playing can sound completely different when you listen back. Also, there’s something wonderfully satisfying about listening to an old recording a few months later and thinking:

“Wow. I have improved!”

Don’t Wait Until You Have More Time for piano lessons

This is probably my biggest piece of advice for an adult who wants to take piano lessons. I wait as well. “If I get X done then I’ll have more time to work on own music.” Something else will always come up.

Don’t wait until work calms down.

Don’t wait until the children are older.

Don’t wait until the house is tidy.

And definitely don’t wait until you have become a person who naturally has two spare hours every evening. That person probably wont ever exist.

Start with what you have 🙂

Ten minutes counts. Twenty minutes counts. One lesson a week counts. Your piano journey doesn’t have to fit into someone else’s idea of what learning an instrument “should” look like. It can fit around your life.

Piano Lessons Can Actually Save You Time

If you’re teaching yourself, it’s very easy to spend your limited practice time going around in circles. You might spend half an hour wondering:

“Am I even playing this correctly?”

Or repeatedly practice the same section without understanding why it isn’t improving.

This is one of the reasons piano lessons for adults can be so valuable. A good teacher helps you know what to practice, and how to practice it. Instead of trying to figure everything out alone, you have someone who can spot the problem, explain it clearly and give you a practical way forward.

Maybe you’re a complete beginner.

Maybe you learned piano years ago and want to start again.

Maybe you want to play pop songs, classical music, film music or simply be able to sit down and figure out as song you like by ear.

There isn’t one “correct” way to learn piano.

You Don’t Need to Become a Different Person to Learn Piano

You just need curiosity, a piano or keyboard, and a willingness to give it a go.

The rest can be learned.

Lessons become much more interesting when we’re working towards something you genuinely want to play.

Ready to Make Some Space for Piano lessons?

🎹 If you’d like to learn piano as an adult, I am here to help!

My piano lessons are designed to be friendly, enjoyable and tailored to you. Whether you’re a complete beginner, returning to piano after years away, or simply ready to take your playing to the next level.

Get in touch to find out about adult piano lessons and let’s make some music.

Your piano doesn’t mind how busy you are!

Entrepreneur, learning environment, Music Lessons, piano lessons, piano practice, Uncategorized

A Teaching Philosophy: Learn, Grow, Create and Celebrate 🎹✨

September 2, 2026September 3, 2026 lizteachespiano

Today happens to be my birthday! 🎂👑

So, I decided it was the perfect excuse to make the day a little more fun — with a birthday crown, brownies and some silly birthday-themed piano challenges!

I’m lucky to have such lovely students, and I really enjoy seeing them and building great working relationships with each of them. So, as it happens, I get to spend part of my birthday doing something I enjoy — teaching and making music with my students!

🍫 A little note about birthday treats

Before I continue- If you’re thinking of bringing food or treats into a lesson, it’s always worth checking with parents or guardians first to make sure it’s allowed and to ask about any allergies or dietary requirements.

And with adult students, it’s still a good idea to ask about allergies before cooking or bringing something homemade.

Learning music is full of moments worth celebrating, from the very first notes to the pieces that once seemed impossible. Every student has their own journey, and every step along the way matters. So here are some key things we do in my lessons: Learn, Grow, Create and Celebrate!

🎹 Learn

Learning music is about discovering something new.

It might be learning to read music, understanding rhythm, developing technique, discovering a new composer or learning a favourite song. There is always something new to explore.

Learning should feel encouraging and achievable, with challenges that help students develop their skills while still enjoying the process.

🌱 Grow

Musical growth isn’t just about playing more difficult pieces.

It’s also about becoming more confident, independent and comfortable at the piano. It’s about learning how to practise, solve problems, keep going when something is tricky and recognise your own progress.

Everyone develops at their own pace, and there is no need to rush the journey.

🎨 Create

Music isn’t only something to read and reproduce — it’s also something to create.

There should be opportunities to experiment, improvise, compose, explore sounds and make musical choices. Creativity allows students to develop their own musical voice and discover that there isn’t always just one way to make music.

🎉 Celebrate

Progress deserves to be celebrated.

It might be mastering a whole piece, getting through a tricky section, remembering a new note, creating a melody or simply having the confidence to try something that felt difficult before.

The little wins matter just as much as the big milestones.

🎂 A Birthday Piano Challenge!

And because today is my birthday, we’re adding a little extra fun to the piano!

Here are a few birthday-inspired challenges:

🎵 Turn your age into a rhythm
Take the number of your age and turn it into a rhythm. Can you clap it, play it on one note or use it as the starting point for a little piece of music?

🎹 Play Happy Birthday — but improvise!
Sight read Happy Birthday while reading and improvising your own left-hand chords. Try changing the rhythm, experimenting with different chords or adding your own musical ideas.

🎹 Play “Guess what I am?” Music style

Student draws or writes a music note or term/ scale on whiteboard.
Student hands you whiteboard. Dont look at it, just put it in front of you writing faces the student.
You (the teacher) need to guess what you are- i.e what you are holding on the whiteboard.

Swap over so student guesses!

👑 And, of course, wear a birthday crown if you want!
Because sometimes learning music is even more fun when you look slightly more fabulous while doing it.

These activities might seem simple, but they bring together so many important parts of learning music — rhythm, listening, creativity, problem-solving, confidence and, most importantly, having fun.

Learn, Grow, Create, and Celebrate.

Whether it’s your birthday or just an ordinary day at the piano, there is always something worth celebrating.

Learn something new.
Grow in confidence.
Create something of your own.
And celebrate every step along the way.

Because learning music isn’t just about where you eventually get to. It’s about enjoying the journey along the way. 💛🎹

Cloud formations resembling a grand piano and musical notes in the sky over a rural landscape at sunset

beginner tutorial, learning environment, Music Lessons, piano lessons, piano practice, piano teacher, singing lessons, Singing teacher, Uncategorized

What to Expect in Your First Piano Lessons

August 4, 2026August 4, 2026 lizteachespiano

The start of a new school year is a wonderful time to begin something new. Whether you’re enrolling your child or starting lessons yourself, the first few weeks are all about building confidence, developing good habits, and enjoying the process of learning.

Everyone starts somewhere, and there is no “perfect” pace. The goal should not be to play difficult pieces straight away (you are only setting yourself up for disappointment). You want to try and build a foundation that will make learning easier and more enjoyable in the months ahead and beyond! Here is what to expect in your first piano lessons:

Getting Comfortable

Your first lessons are about getting to know the piano, your teacher, and how lessons work. You’ll learn how to sit comfortably, position your hands, and explore the keyboard while playing your first simple notes.

Tips:

Come with curiosity rather than expectations.
Ask questions whenever you’re unsure.
Children learn best when lessons are fun and encouraging, while adults often benefit from trusting the process instead of trying to master everything at once.

Learning the Basics

You’ll begin reading simple music, understand rhythm, and play easy melodies (I’ll try to work with you and find music you are familiar with, or a style you enjoy!) Each new skill builds naturally on the previous one, so there is no rush.

Tips:

Focus on playing carefully rather than quickly.
Remember that everyone learns differently.
It’s normal if some things click immediately while others take a little more time.

Building Good Practice Habits

The biggest secret to making progress isn’t talent- it’s consistency. Short, regular practice sessions are much more effective than practising for a long time only once a week.

For young children, a parent or carer can help establish a regular practice routine. Adult learners often find it helpful to schedule practice just like any other appointment.

Tips:

Aim for 10–15 minutes most days to begin with.
Choose a regular time that fits your routine.
Finish each practice session by playing something you enjoy.

Be Patient with Yourself

Learning the piano is a journey, not a race. Every pianist -child or an adult- learns at their own pace. Some skills will come quickly, while others take time and practice to develop.

It’s easy to want to play your favourite complicated songs straight away, but the strongest musicians are the ones who build their skills step by step. Each lesson, each practice session, and even each mistake helps you grow.

Tips:

Focus on progress rather than perfection.
Be patient when something feels challenging—it won’t feel difficult forever.
Celebrate small milestones, whether it’s learning a new note, playing a piece smoothly, or simply practising consistently.
Remember that every accomplished pianist was once a beginner.

Growing in Confidence

As the weeks go by, you’ll notice familiar notes becoming easier to recognise, your fingers moving more naturally, and your confidence growing. You’ll likely be playing several short pieces and feeling much more comfortable at the piano.

Remember, mistakes are not setbacks, they’re an important part of learning. Every pianist, from beginner to professional, learns by trying, listening, and improving.

Tips:

Celebrate small improvements.
Don’t compare your progress with anyone else’s.
Confidence grows through regular practice, not perfection.

What to expect in your first few weeks of piano lessons and Looking Ahead

By the end of your first few weeks, you’ll have developed a solid foundation and a better understanding of how to learn effectively. Most importantly, you’ll have started building a skill that can bring enjoyment for many years.

Learning the piano is a journey, and every lesson is another step forward. No matter your age, the most rewarding progress comes from patience, consistency, and enjoying the music along the journey.

I hope this little guide on what to expect in your first few weeks of piano lessons can help reassure you. I look forward to welcoming new students this autumn and helping children and adults discover the joy of making music, one lesson at a time. Unsure where to begin? Contact me, or book a trial today

Please note, to aid creativity, the header image for this blog was made with AI.

learning environment, Music Lessons, piano lessons, piano practice, piano teacher, singing lessons, Singing teacher, Uncategorized

Is Your Child Ready for Piano Lessons?

July 1, 2026July 1, 2026 lizteachespiano

A question lots of people ask is: “When is the best age to start piano lessons?”

The truth is, there’s no magic age. Some children are ready at six, while others may be ready a little later. What matters most isn’t age-it’s whether your child is developmentally ready to learn.

Here are a few signs that your child might be ready for piano lessons:

They Love Music!

Does your child sing along to songs, dance around the house, or enjoy experimenting on a piano or keyboard? If your child is excited about music, enjoys learning, and is eager to sit down at the piano, that’s often the clearest sign that they’re ready for piano lessons.

A genuine interest in music is one of the best indicators that they’ll enjoy lessons. Children learn best when they’re excited and curious.

They Can Focus for 30 Minutes

Beginning piano lessons involves listening, following instructions, and trying new things. Your child doesn’t need perfect concentration, but they need to be able to stay engaged with an activity for around 30 minutes. Not only to be able to cope with a lesson, but to be able to practice during the week.

If they can sit through a story, complete a puzzle, or work on a simple project by themselves without constantly losing interest, that’s a great sign.

They Can Follow Simple Instructions

Piano lessons are full of small instructions:

“Put your hands here.”
“Play these three notes.”
“Let’s count to four together.”

Children who can listen and follow simple directions tend to have a much smoother start with piano.

Their Hands Are Ready

Playing piano requires finger strength and coordination. Your child doesn’t need perfect technique before they begin, but it helps if they are comfortable doing activities like:

Drawing and colouring (also writing and recognising letters and basic math is very useful.)
Using scissors
Building with small blocks
Buttoning clothes

These skills help prepare little hands for the keyboard.

They Enjoy Learning New Things

Although I like to think my lessons are very fun and engaging, they are called piano lessons for a reason- they are a lesson. So they need to enjoy learning.

If your child likes trying new activities, solving problems, and celebrating small achievements, they’ll likely enjoy the process of learning music.

What About Younger Children?

Personally, I do not teach private piano lessons to children under the age of six.

That doesn’t mean younger children aren’t musical or aren’t ready to learn! In fact, many children under six are already developing wonderful musical skills. Some children under six may well be ready for private piano lessons.

However, in my experience, most children in this age group benefit more from play-based music experiences rather than more formal piano or singing lessons. For children age 6-8 I offer workshop style lessons where the emphasis is on fun with music, but this still requires a level of concentration and focus.

Activities such as:

Singing
Movement and dance
Group music classes
Musical storytelling

help build the listening, coordination, and attention skills that make piano lessons much more successful later on.

So while a four or five-year-old may be ready for music, they’re often more ready for fun, interactive group music activities than weekly one-to-one piano lessons.

Thinking About Piano Lessons?

Piano and singing lessons should be enjoyable, rewarding, and confidence-building. Starting at the right time helps children develop a lifelong love of music—and that’s far more important than starting as early as possible.

If your child is six or older and showing some of these signs, I’d be happy to help you decide whether they’re ready to begin. Feel free to get in touch with any questions or to arrange an introductory lesson. 🎹✨