The idea of Love Music School came about like most things in life – as a result of work and life experiences.  I have been working in the education and music industry for around 20 years, which as I write, seems like a very long time!

For the vast majority of my life I have worked in music in one way or another.  I started off teaching the piano after graduating and then trained to be a classroom music teacher. I spent 10 years managing and directing music departments in Sussex which was very hard work but also very rewarding.  I loved running choirs, bands and felt passionate about creating great musical experiences for students.  I’ve always been interested in performance, and alongside my teaching roles I worked freelance directing music for theatre and stage productions.  I started gigging with various bands about 10 years ago and then set up Funky Buddha with some good friends – it’s a big (and very busy!) function band.  I ended up doing a LOT of gigs with the band and as a pianist, I’ve travelled to some amazing places doing what I love, so I consider myself very lucky.

Working with so many people and meeting some incredible teachers and musicians along the way, I found myself in a situation where people would ask me for recommendations: do I know anyone who can teach grade 8 piano? Do I have any friends who teach adults during the day? Can I recommend a singing teacher who’s great with kids?  All this got me thinking about how people don’t just want to be given a name and number of a teacher and nothing else. I feel the same way, I would want to be taught by someone I trust, someone who knows what they are doing and will help me specifically. I would want a teacher who comes highly recommended – and therefore not necessarily go with the first name I came across.

Music has always played an incredibly important role in my life and as well as being a soloist I have met some great friends through playing the piano.  I was lucky to have a teacher who was keen to get me playing not only alone, but also with others.  My piano teacher had tea parties with croquet on the lawn and Victoria sponges, while us students blasted piano duets throughout the house!  The point I’m making is that music was not an isolated experience for me, I met fellow students, shared stories, tips, played and performed with others and most importantly had fun.  My teacher created her own little community, we all became great friends and stayed in contact for many years.

Love Music School is inspired by all of these things, the recognition that everyone has their own musical goal and that one size does not fit all – I want others to share the fantastic experience I had learning the piano, aspiring to connect students to teachers who are inspirational and creative as well as being qualified professionals.  I experienced a feeling of belonging, sharing and friendship thanks to my teacher, and this is something I’d like to share with you.  Love Music School is about getting involved if you want to, about meeting others and having fun and creating happy memories.

All the very best,

Elaine