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(
Overview
/ Masterclasses
- Advanced Students /
Adult
Tuition /
Teaching
Children )
Piano
Lessons Overview
A sought after teacher (Teaching Diploma, Distinction),
Carolyn Kotok has over 20 years international experience,
teaching students of all ages and levels both privately
and in various institutions.
An initial
consultation involves first assessing the prospective pupil's
personal and musical skills. If taken on, each individual
then has a programme tailored for them which takes into
account their age, ability and aspirations (and where relevant,
those of their parents!). This programme, which encompasses
musical awareness, technical facility and theory - as well
as instruction in how to practise, a fundamental key to
achieving results - is continually updated as the student
progresses. This includes selecting suitable repertoire
and working towards exams, diplomas and performances, where
desired and appropriate.
(
Overview
/ Masterclasses
- Advanced Students /
Adult
Tuition /
Teaching
Children )
MasterClasses - Advanced Students
Work
with advanced students is more of a collaborative nature.
There is often as much to learn from the student as vice
versa. Lessons include preparation for diplomas and guidance
with concert programmes for accomplished pianists. Additionally,
advice on effective preparation, performance psychology
and even appropriate nutrition, are all contributory factors
at the highest level.
I
recently had the privilege of hearing Ms Kotok teach at
Masterclasses here in Cape Town, South Africa. In both performance
and teaching, I was impressed by her total dedication to
the art of piano playing, demanding the most from herself
and her students. As a teacher, she is clearly an asset
to any up-and-coming concert pianist
Ms S. Kettle (Resident Accompanist, Beau Soleil Music Centre;
Lecturer, University of Cape Town)
Having
studied under Ms Kotok, achieving Distinctions at Grades
6,7 and 8, I have always considered her to be a role model
which pupils and teachers alike should aspire to. With her
in-depth analysis and interpretation bringing music to life,
Carolyn's techniques of teaching have been passed on successfully
to my pupils. Whilst demanding exacting standards across
the spectrum, her lessons were always humorous, methodical
and inspiring.
Tamara Beldom, Professional Musician (pupil 1992-97)
We
first became aware of Carolyn Kotok when she was recommended
by her former teacher Benjamin Kaplan. Although our daughter
was a gifted clarinettist she had never studied the piano
and we were astounded at the rapid progress she made - from
nothing to Grade 8 Distinction in 4 years. Clearly she had
innate ability but was extremely fortunate in a finding
a teacher of such excellence. We have always unhesitatingly
recommended Carolyn whenever we've been asked about piano
teachers. We attended a piano recital by Carolyn at the
Purcell Room and were quite enthralled by her playing which
has a huge dynamic and emotional range - an outstanding
recital!
We are both professional violinists and have performed with
literally 100's of pianists and do not praise her lightly.
Charles Beldom and Donna Chapman
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Overview
/ Masterclasses
- Advanced Students /
Adult
Tuition /
Teaching
Children )
Adult Tuition 
Adult
students come from all walks of life and have different
interests and goals. Often a welcome diversion from their
jobs or purely a hobby for fun, a flexible programme is
devised for each individual's needs. Under the right supervision,
it is never too late to learn.
Since
taking lessons with Carolyn, my performance and technique
have both improved tremendously. Due to her complete professionalism,
she has made playing the piano a totally new experience
for me, opening my eyes to the art of music. This has enabled
me to perform on a much higher level.
Mr W H Hiew (Diploma student, LLB Graduate.)
Also
The classic antidote to stress
- piano lessons in the
Corporate
world
(
Overview
/ Masterclasses
- Advanced Students /
Adult
Tuition /
Teaching
Children )
Teaching Children
Most parents appreciate the enormous benefits that even
a modest musical education can give a young person or child,
whatever their talent. Often keen to learn but hard to motivate,
kids are good barometers of one's teaching methods. Recognising
the importance of maintaining a firm but patient and encouraging
approach, while ensuring that high standards of playing
are strictly adhered to, means that Carolyn establishes
a highly productive rapport with her pupils, which has proved
both effective and mutually rewarding.
Carolyn
is an outstanding piano teacher. She has a rare ability
both to inspire and enthuse children, and to develop their
keyboard and general musical skills systematically but also
with flair and warmth.
Richard Morrison, Chief Music Critic, The Times
Charlie
and James are progressing at an amazing pace, are enjoying
it and most excellent of all they are practising without
any prodding from me! There is no doubt that they are self-motivated
and yes, they are supported in their efforts at home, however,
we both know that bad teaching can destroy even the most
willing student. I can hardly believe how far James has
progressed on the piano considering he has only been playing
for 3 months. Thank you for pushing my boys in such a kind
and encouraging way.
Mrs Malin
I
would like to take this opportunity to tell you how much
I have appreciated Ms Kotok's efforts with my children.
I have a degree in music, so feel I am in a good position
to judge and appreciate just how much skill and patience
it must have taken her to cause my boys to show the enthusiasm
they have for their music lessons and the progress they
have shown. Somehow, she has even made my boys look forward
to their lessons and want to practise, which is a feat I
considered impossible.
Mrs Summers
I have not had the chance of meeting you but I wanted to
tell you how wonderful it has been for Guillermo to have
you as his teacher. He loves piano and practises every day.
(Roberto quit the piano because he did not get on well with
his other teacher.) I want to thank you for being so kind
to my sons. You have worked hard with Guillermo and he is
really lucky and happy. Thank you!
Mrs Rodriguez (music school parent)
All my friends think it's really cool me having a kickboxing
piano teacher!
Sebastian (aged 14)
(
Overview
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- Advanced Students /
Adult
Tuition /
Teaching
Children )
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