At the heart of my work is piano freedom - helping students to explore the geography of the piano in a different way and discover new approaches to creative improvisation.
I teach from my home in central Cambridge. Contact me to discuss your requirements.
Jazz piano teaching
“Vicki is a really good teacher and she is able to cater for differing needs. If it's reading music or playing by ear – it doesn't matter, Vicki is the teacher for you. She teaches me by ear and I love it. If I ever go into her house grumpy, I always come out happy.”
— Haydn D., 13 years old
My approach to jazz emphasises developing the musical ear, learning to read from chord charts, improvisation, and developing technical skills. For those who would like to, I am happy to progress through the Associated Board jazz examinations for which I have an excellent record of success. I have had students go on to study jazz the Birmingham Conservatoire and the London Royal academy. I particularly welcome vocalists who would like to learn to accompany themselves. I usually ask that pupils have achieved a basic level of skill on the piano before embarking on jazz.
Therapeutic teaching
“Vicki is a breath of fresh air – her patience, enthusiasm and belief in our son has advanced his understanding, enjoyment and passion for jazz piano. It’s a delight and pleasure to see Haydn leave his lesson in such a positive and happy frame of mind each week.”
I work with pupils who may have had music therapy in the past and wish to continue developing their musical skills in a safe and supported way. Depending on the pupil, the sessions may incorporate a variety of elements. This includes exploring different musical styles, playing and learning by ear, improvising, and composing. My aim is to be flexible with each individual, helping improve confidence and ability. I have many years of experience in music therapy and also teaching piano to children who are on the autistic spectrum.
Keyboard improvisation for music therapists
“As well as appreciating the constructive basis and creative outlook of lessons with Vicki, their influence has been invaluable in the development of my own improvisation techniques, broadening a classically trained palette and helping to bring new possibilities for rhythmic texture and harmonic colour into sessions with clients.”
I welcome music therapists, both qualified and in training, who wish to improve their keyboard abilities. The skills that I have acquired in jazz and my work in music therapy have helped me to develop a unique approach to this work. A student may for whatever reason feel stuck and need help in finding new ways to improvise in music therapy. This may be particularly relevant for beginner pianists who want to improve their confidence, or for those that have done a lot of classical playing but have had little practice in improvisation skills. This teaching involves learning about chord harmony, improvisation techniques, musical structures, and ideas that can be practised through role playing. Some of this teaching is informed by Tony Wigram’s teaching in keyboard improvisation in music therapy.
I am always delighted when my students have the opportunity to perform, and I am proud that they have granted me permission to share some of their moments with you.
“I love doing jazz YOU ROCK VICKI.”
— Joseph L., 10 years old
“Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.”
— Quote Source
“My son's music therapist at school suggested that it would be appropriate to incorporate some piano teaching into his therapy sessions and recommended Vicki to me. The lessons he has with Vicki include improvisation and structured teaching and it is wonderful for him to have the opportunity to freely express his musical ability. Vicki's flexible approach to teaching means that my son is developing both his natural talent and good technique. He loves music and thoroughly enjoys his weekly sessions with Vicki.”
— Claire L., Parent
“Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.”
— Quote Source
Our services.
Jazz piano
My approach to jazz emphasizes developing the musical ear, learning to read from chord charts, improvisation, and developing technical skills. For those who would like to, I am happy to progress through the Associated Board jazz examinations for which I have an excellent record of success. I have had students go on to study jazz the Birmingham Comservatoire and the London Royal academy. I particularly welcome vocalists who would like to learn to accompany themselves. I usually ask that pupils have achieved a basic level of skill on the piano before embarking on jazz.
Grow it.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Therapeutic teaching
I work with pupils who may have had music therapy in the past and wish to continue developing their musical skills in a safe and supported way. Depending on the pupil, the sessions may incorporate a variety of elements. This includes exploring different musical styles, playing and learning by ear, improvising, and composing. My aim is to be flexible with each individual, helping improve confidence and ability. I have many years of experience in music therapy and also teaching piano to children who are on the autistic spectrum.
Sell it.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.