Isabella Gervais Lambert

Singing and Clubs Teacher

Bio coming soon

Flavio Albino Rodrigues

Piano, Guitar and Clubs Teacher

Flávio Albino Rodrigues began his music studies at the age of 9 at the Dr. José de Azeredo Perdigão Conservatory of Music in Viseu. From the age of 5, he accompanied his parents playing traditional Portuguese music, allowing him to travel the world and perform for distinguished figures, such as Pope Benedict XVI, Pope Francis, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, and two Presidents of the Portuguese Republic on various occasions.

At 17, he moved to London to study at the Royal Academy of Music under Professor Owen Murray, where he completed both his Bachelor's, Master's and Advanced Diploma degrees, having been awarded a DipRAM for exceptional performance. During his years in London, he developed an extensive background in pedagogy, working with over 500 students, leading workshops and masterclasses at various schools in England, at the Viseu Conservatory of Music in Portugal, and at the North Jiading Accordion School in Shanghai, China. Since 2023, he has been a teacher at RAM’s Junior Academy and in 2025 also joined Havering Music School, Langley Hall Music Academy and Pelican Music.

Flávio has worked with composer Dr. Professor Timothy Bowers and premiered his piece “Lift Off!”, as well as Howard Skempton’s “Unbroken”, contributing to the ongoing development of contemporary music.  Other collaborations with composers and premieres include Ng Yu Hng’s accordion Sonata “Is Anyone Out There…”,  Owen Ho’s “Shoreless Shores” for accordion and chamber orchestra, Bernardo Simões Opera “A Gathering” and Pablo Martinez’s Opera “What Now, Mané?”.

His stage experience includes performances at King’s Place, the Victoria and Albert Museum, Lincoln Cathedral, and collaborations with the Manson Ensemble, London Concertante, Southbank Sinfonia, Berkeley Ensemble, Opera North, Royal Academy Opera, and Glyndebourne Opera House.

In 2025 Flavio launched his first solo Album and is currently working on a second one with cello, after winning the Craxton Memorial Award in 2025.

Jessica Parsons

Cello Teacher

Starting the 'cello just before her 8th birthday, Jessica was fortunate enough to have Melanie Cortese as her first 'cello teacher. After a little over 6 years under her wing Jessica, won a place at The Purcell School of Music in Hertfordshire and studied with Pal Banda and Michal Kaznowski. After graduating from Purcell, she continued on to Music College to study with Jennifer Curtis and Gillian Thoday at the Royal Northern College of Music. Afterwards she moved to Norway, where she studied with Kari Ravnan, Anne-Britt Sævig Årdal and Emery Cardas, and her Erasmus year in Sweden with Andreas Brantelid. Since graduating she has enjoyed freelancing as a performer and more recently as a teacher, teaching a broad range of ages and abilities.

Lucy Twaite

Piano and Violin Teacher

Lucy is a dedicated and passionate music educator and teacher with a Bachelor of Music from Cardiff University. She is a highly accomplished violinist and pianist with 12 years of teaching experience. 

After studying music (where she gained her degree specialising in piano performance) Lucy has performed at weddings, private events and as an accompanist. She plays violin in numerous orchestras across London; performing at venues including the Royal Albert Hall, the Barbican centre and venues across Europe. She also enjoys performing at festivals across the UK.  She has extensive experience working as a music practitioner, leading bespoke sessions for music schools, holiday courses as well as leading a community choir. 

Lucy tailors her lessons to suit the needs and tastes of the individual. She has taught in both primary and secondary schools and successfully guided many students through their ABRSM and Trinity examinations, with a 100% success rate.

Lucy has seen first-hand how transformative and life-changing music can be on the mental and emotional wellbeing of young people. She strives to nurture a love of playing in her students, grounded in the fundamentals of good technique and musicianship. She creates a positive and welcoming environment in her lessons and relishes working with children and young people to unlock their creativity and hopefully develop a lifelong love of music. She is excited to bring her passion and love for music to the students at Pelican.

Ella Beard

Violin and Clubs Teacher

Ella Beard (they/them) is a violist and community practitioner from Australia, currently based in London. With over a decade of experience in music education, you can expect lessons with Ella to be welcoming, tailored to each student's needs and goals, and designed to spark curiosity and joy in music-making.

Ella has taught viola and violin to young people aged 4-17, across a broad range of contexts including private tuition, school-based instrumental programs, and ensemble leadership. Their teaching philosophy is centred on nurturing curiosity, confidence, and creativity in young learners, strongly believing that a joyful, well-supported introduction to music lays the foundation for lifelong engagement.

Ella has also performed in a variety of solo, chamber, and orchestral music contexts, including most recently at the Royal Ballet and Opera House, SOLO x National Gallery, Bang on a Can's LOUD Weekend, with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, Camerata - Queensland's Chamber Orchestra, and AYO's Momentum Ensemble.

In addition to their work as a performer, Ella is passionate about bringing creative opportunities to the wider community through their work as a teaching artist. Ella has worked extensively with Wigmore Hall in a variety of Learning and Participation events across all ages. They have also been invited to work on several projects around Australia including The Nest, A Room of One's Own Workshops, and Lullaby Project Australia. Ella has also tutored violin and viola at the South Australian State Music Camp.

Ella studied at the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University and the Elder Conservatorium of Music, undertaking tuition with Stephen King, Michele Walsh, and Caroline Henbest.

Rita Moutinho

Cello Teacher

Cellist Rita Moutinho, born in Porto, Portugal, began her musical studies at the age of ten at a local music academy. In 2015, she continued her education at ARTAVE - Escola Profissional Artística do Vale do Ave, under the tutelage of Pétia Samardjieva. This institution provided her with a professional-level certification, focusing on all areas of musicianship.

After completing her professional course in 2018, Rita was awarded a private scholarship to attend the Guildhall School of Music & Drama in London, studying with Stefan Popov. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree with merit in 2021. Continuing her education, Rita enrolled at the Koninklijk Conservatorium Brussels to pursue her master’s degree in the class of Jeroen Reuling while still based in London.

Rita's studies took her to various countries, allowing her to perform and record in prestigious venues in Porto, Lisbon, London, Brussels, and Amsterdam. She has participated in masterclasses with esteemed mentors such as Stéphanie Huang, Paulo Gaio Lima, Jaroslav Mikus, Filipe Quaresma, Maria Macedo, among others, and has received guidance from distinguished artists like Denis Severin, Erkki Lahesmaa, and Ophélie Gaillard.

As a member of several orchestras, including the Conservamus Symphony Orchestra, Orquestra APROARTE, Orquestra JOF, and Guildhall Symphony Orchestra, Rita has worked with renowned conductors such as Glass Marcano, José Eduardo Gomes, David Bruchez, Peter Askim, Rafa Agulló Albors, Maxime Tortelier, Jessica Cottis, Carlos Garcés Fuentelsaz, and James Blair.

In chamber music, Rita has collaborated in various formations, including string quartet and piano trio, under the guidance of performers such as Krzysztof Smietana, Oscar Perks (Dante Quartet), Andrew Watkinson, Ralph de Souza (Endellion Quartet), Jacqueline Ross, Roberto González-Monjas, Ursula Smith, Tim Lowe, Richard Lester, Oliver Heath (Heath Quartet), Thomas Dieltjens, Eric Robberecht, and Evan Rothstein.

Additionally, Rita has developed a passion for teaching, gaining experience and interest in educating students of all ages and backgrounds, primarily through private lessons.

Toby Young

Trumpet and Piano Teacher

Toby Young is a trumpeter, pianist, composer and improviser who performs across the UK and internationally. Toby is a versatile musician, a keen improviser, lead, session and orchestral trumpeter, Toby is often writing and arranging for many of his own projects. Originating from Leeds, Toby is based in London and is in his final year at Trinity Laban where he studies jazz alongside working as a professional musician. Toby can be seen performing in London and on the West End as well as across the UK and internationally. He has recorded and performed with the likes of Hans Koller, Michael Formanek, Byron Wallen, Steve Williamson, NYJO, The Syd Lawrence Big Band, London Intercollegiate Jazz Orchestra and the Cameron Scott Big Band. Toby also runs his own jazz quintet which have played gigs throughout the country. He is heavily inspired by the playing of CliOord Brown, Freddie Hubbard and Tom Harrell and has been lucky enough to have been mentored by Steve Fishwick, Byron Wallen and Hans Koller over the last four years.

Elizabeth Hoare

Singing, Piano and Clubs Teacher

Elizabeth is a dedicated music and performing arts educator with a BA (Hons) in Actor Musicianship from Rose Bruford College. She is passionate about empowering young people through creative expression and has worked extensively across a range of educational settings.

Elizabeth has taught with Totally RAD Music School, Jigsaw Performing Arts, PQA, and Southbury Primary School, where she designed and delivered engaging, curriculum- based music lessons. Her teaching practice focuses on building confidence, creativity, and collaboration in a safe and inclusive environment. She is experienced in working with children of all ages and abilities, supporting them in developing vocal technique, musicality, and stage presence.

A versatile musician and actor, Elizabeth is proficient in voice, drums, saxophone, and keyboard. She has trained at leading institutions, including Rose Bruford College and Arts Educational School and holds an ATCL Diploma in Speech & Drama, ABRSM Grade 5 Music Theory, and RSCM Bronze and Silver Awards. Her training includes roles such as Musical Director for Mermaid at Rose Bruford College, where she led ensemble singing and musical storytelling.

Elizabeth is currently making her professional London debut as Female Swing (Stick Lady Love & Actor-Musician) in Stick Man Live at the Bloomsbury Theatre — a production that combines her love for performance with her passion for inspiring children through live theatre.

At the heart of her teaching is a commitment to creativity, inclusion, and joyful learning. She continues to champion the arts as a powerful tool for growth, expression, and connection in young people’s lives. Elizabeth is excited to continue sharing her love of music and performance with the next generation of artists.

Sara Hunter

Singing Teacher

Sara is a dynamic and passionate choir director, singing teacher, music educator, and community organiser with nearly two decades of experience inspiring individuals and communities through the power of music. With roots in dance and musical theatre, she began her career as an all-round performer before deepening her musical expertise and transitioning into private teaching and choir leadership.

Driven by a strong belief that music should be accessible to everyone, Sara teaches primarily by ear, creating an inclusive and empowering environment for people of all ages and backgrounds—particularly those who may not read sheet music. Her innovative and intuitive approach includes arranging popular, gospel, and musical theatre songs with careful consideration for the interests and developmental needs of each group or individual. As a performer with a dance background, she often incorporates movement and actions into rehearsals to aid memory and bring songs to life.

Sara has led a wide variety of choirs including primary school choirs, community groups, church and gospel ensembles, and mass choirs for special events. Her work is characterised by her unique blend of musical excellence and community engagement, as well as her deep commitment to building confidence and leadership in others. One of her greatest joys is nurturing hidden musical talent in children whose cultural contexts may not traditionally value the arts, and witnessing their transformation as they grow in confidence and pride. An entrepreneurial spirit, Sara often initiates new projects in response to community needs. One such project, Hoxton Singing Mums, emerged from her own experience of motherhood and the isolation it can bring. The choir provided a space where mums could sing, connect, and foster community while their children played nearby.

Her project Sing for a Change reflected her passion for social justice and her training as a community organiser. The choir brings together singers to perform songs about justice, peace, and love using music as a catalyst for positive change.

Sara's love for theatre and belief in its transformative power resonates deeply with her values of inclusivity, excellence, and creative daring. She is committed to ensuring that everyone feels a sense of belonging and has the opportunity to lead and grow through music.

Catherine Reid

Harp and Piano Teacher

Harpist Catherine Reid made her solo recital debut in 2022 as a Peggy and Yale Gordon Trust featured concert artist in Baltimore, Maryland. She received a Bachelor of Music with high distinction and performer’s certificate from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, where she studied with Kathleen Bride.

Catherine is also an accomplished pianist, taking lessons from 2006 until 2020, and completed Trinity College London music theory exams grades 2-8. Catherine currently studies harp with Daphne Boden at the Royal College of Music (RCM) in London, pursuing a Master of Music in Performance degree, and is an RCM Scholar.

Catherine was selected for the English National Opera’s 2023-24 Evolve scheme, and has extensive experience performing chamber repertoire as well as orchestral works and opera. Her recent performances include Odyssey Festival Orchestra’s “No One Understood” featuring Mahler’s Symphony No. 5 at Cadogan Hall, and RCM Opera’s Triple Bill featuring Britten’s Les Illuminations, Weill’s Marie Galante, and Ravel’s L’heure Espagnole. She is looking forward to performing with Odyssey Festival Orchestra again in January 2025 for their “A Hopeless Case” concert featuring works by Mussorgsky and continuing to participate in events at RCM.

Cyrus Lam

Flute and Piano Teacher

Cyrus Lam, born and bred in Hong Kong, started learning the flute under the tutelage of Ms. Carmen Ma at the age of six. Having aimed at becoming a professional flute performer from an early age, Cyrus is currently studying Classical Flute Performance at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, under Professors Ian Clarke and Sarah Newbold. In Diocesan Boys’ School, from where he graduated in 2021, he served as the chairman of the school’s Wind Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra. Acting as principal flute, the school orchestra toured Central Europe in 2019 and performed repertoires including Beethoven’s 9th Symphony and Richard Strauss’ Don Juan in Prague, Budapest and Vienna. Being part of an orchestra and a woodwind quintet in high school grants him exposure to various repertoires of different classical music eras. Cyrus was also the former flute principal of the Hong Kong Youth Orchestra, and the former flute principal of the Hong Kong Youth Philharmonia, a fully student-led orchestra based in Hong Kong. 

Apart from ensemble-playing, Cyrus also refined his techniques in solo performance by setting examinations and competitions, both local and international, as his short-term goals. He received both ATCL and LTCL diplomas in Flute Performance with distinction. Cyrus also won the First Prize in the 8th Flute Festival Singapore in 2017, the Third Prize in the Eastbourne Symphony Orchestra Young Soloist Competition in 2023, as well as the First Prize in the Young Artist Category of the British Flute Society Competitions in the same year.

Since studying in the UK, Cyrus has been actively engaging in festivals and summer courses. He has performed in masterclasses with Robert Winn, Kate Hill and Denis Bouriakov. Recently, he participated in the Venuto Opera Summer Course under a scholarship, performing operatic works by Mozart, Verdi and Mascagni in various towns in Venuto, Italy during the Arte Lirica Festival 2023.

Lara Ali

Woodwind and Clubs Teacher

Lara Aisha Ali is a freelance flautist of Nigerian-German heritage. Her musical roots are in Northampton, where she played with award-winning youth ensembles in both classical and jazz music on the flute and saxophone. She is based in London, studying classical music at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and performing with Guildhall Orchestras in the Barbican Centre. Her studies at GSMD led her to being awarded the Guildhall Flute Prize 2024. She has had the opportunity to play in masterclasses held by many respected names in the flute world, such as Stephanie Winker, Joshua Batty, Michael Cox, Wissam Boustany, Robert Looman, Helen Benson and Kathleen Stevenson. Some other highlighted opportunities of Lara’s include playing alongside the Les Miserables Orchestra and playing a concert together with Bill Laurance from Snarky Puppy.

As well as investing in forming classical chamber music projects, Lara has been gigging across London playing electronic, jazz and indie music. She is developing a holistic musical identity and networking with up and coming artists. Lara’s passion for musical diversity is forming a path towards further studies in ethnomusicology, which is a topic she believes to be inherently tied to music education. She is driven by community and collaboration, which has fueled her work to inspire young musicians in schools and outreach workshops. Lara’s early experience in performing arts education was in dance teaching, encouraging children to find confidence in creativity. She applies the same creative principles to her instrumental teaching. The instruments she teaches include flute, recorder, saxophone and clarinet.

Kenza Stamselberg

Violin and Piano Teacher

Kenza Stamselberg began her studies at the age of six and was later awarded a place at the Junior Guildhall, under Professor Boris Kucharsky. In 2018 she was accepted into the Yehudi Menuhin School, continuing her studies with Boris Kucharsky and later Ning Kam. Kenza will begin her bachelor’s degree at the Royal College of Music in September 2024, studying under Professor Radu Blidar.

As a soloist, Kenza has performed numerous recitals around the UK, most recently touring Scotland in May 2024. She has appeared as soloist with the Yehudi Menuhin School orchestra in the Menuhin Hall Winter Festival 2023 and has performed at the Proms at St Judes. Kenza has also performed solo recitals to raise money for the Youth Music Charity, aiming to provide musical opportunities for young individuals in Britain. Similarly, she performs annually at the Firefly International Gala to fundraise for children affected by war. 

A keen chamber musician, Kenza has collaborated with renowned artists such as Natalia Lomeiko, Dinara Klinton, Sally Beamish and the Maxwell Quartet. She has performed at Kings Place, the Menuhin Hall, the Banstead Arts Festival, Milton Court, Blair Castle, the Petworth Festival and other venues across the UK. As an orchestral musician, Kenza led the National Children’s Orchestra from 2016-2019 and has performed at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, Bridgewater Hall and Birmingham Symphony Hall. She has been an active member of the Odyssey Festival Orchestra since their inauguration concert in 2022. She has also toured with the Menuhin School Orchestra across England as well as at the Gstaad Menuhin Festival in Switzerland. 

Kenza has attended masterclasses with many acclaimed musicians, both as a soloist and in chamber music. As a soloist she has worked with Nicola Benedetti, Tobias Feldmann and Paul Coker. She also took part at the Internationale Sommerakademie Mozarteum Salzburg in 2022 with Barbara Doll, as well as the Festival Academy Budapest in 2023, receiving lessons from Hagai Shaham and Jonian Illias Kadesha. Kenza has also worked with Alexander Sitkovetksy, Maxim Rysanov, Tasmin Little, Robert Levin and the Modigliani Quartet. 

Kenza is very grateful to be supported by the Albert Cooper Trust and Talent Unlimited. 

Paula Guerra Collar

Violin Teacher

Paula is a Spanish violinist based in London.

Starting her musical studies at the young age of 4, she completed her higher music education studies in Vila-Seca (Spain), where she was awarded the Honour Prize in classical violin and chamber music.

Her passion for music brought her all the way to London at the age of 19 where she was awarded a scholarship and completed her Undergraduate studies with professor Krzysztof Smietana at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and where she is currently finishing her Masters' degree (June 2024).

The violinist has played in ensembles since young, and in auditoriums such as the Barbican Hall, Cadogan Hall and the Pau Casals Auditorium, among others. Some of her recent collaborations include orchestras such as LSO “on track” and the London Mozart Players, as part of the Guildhall School of Music's outreach programme.

Her passion for teaching started in her hometown at the age of 18 when she had her first students at a local music school. Paula is a former violin teacher at Ealing Junior Music School and currently teaches for Pelican Music.

Billy Podaras

Academic Music and Drumkit Teacher

Billy Pod (Vasileios Podaras) was born in Athens, Greece.

He got into music from the age of 5 studying classical piano, violin and drums. He studied Jazz Performance (BA, MA with full scholarship) at the Jazz Department of Ionian University in Corfu, Greece.

As a professional drummer/ musician and educator he has been leading an international career for more than 15 years performing/touring and teaching in EU, UK, ASIA and USA. He is currently living in London and gradually becoming a valuable asset in the London Jazz scene and beyond.

He is also an accomplished composer with 2 official album releases and has recorded more than 20 albums with international acclaimed artists such as multi-grammy saxophonist Tivon Pennicott, New York singer Jd Walter, British guitar legend Jim Mullen, among others.

Marçal Xirau

Guitar Teacher

Marçal Xirau is a passionate musician and educator with a diverse background in modern music, rock and jazz.

Marçal holds a Bachelor's degree from the Conservatori del Liceu in Barcelona and a Master's degree in Advanced Music Technology from the University of West London/London College of Music. His musical journey has taken me across international stages, from performances at IKLECTIK in London to the Map & Fold Festival in Frankfurt, and even the renowned Sónar 2020 in Barcelona, Spain.

Marçal has finished differents works with a solo project, releasing albums like "LLIBRE N.1," "Zero Nou Quaranta Nou," "Silence, While Everything Keeps Being The Same," "Vitamins For Sleeping," "What Would Happen If We Listen?," and most recently, "DOME" in 2023.

With a decade of teaching experience, Marçal offers a personalised approach to music education. His teaching philosophy revolves around a balanced blend of traditional and modern methods. Each session is crafted to cater to individual preferences and learning styles, breaking down complex concepts into manageable parts. He brings technology into the mix for interactive lessons, ensuring a dynamic and engaging learning experience tailored to unique needs.

Lawrence Solon

Piano Teacher

Lawrence has been tutoring the piano one-to-one for 15 years in the Hammersmith & Chiswick areas, and is known for his energy, enthusiasm, and lively approach to teaching. As well as working with students individually, Lawrence has also worked as a SEN music teacher at Westminster Kingsway College helping students with a range of mild to severe learning difficulties.

Lawrence picked up the piano when he was 11 and continued to teach himself until he was 18, when he started having professional guidance. Since then, he has been fortunate enough to study under several excellent piano teachers and has received a distinction in ARSM Piano Performance. He has also obtained DipABRSM in Music Teaching. The experience of learning with and without help contributes greatly to his understanding of the struggles and pitfalls of developing piano skills without proper direction.

Alongside his piano studies, Lawrence enjoys composition and music production. He believes these are an important and fulfilling way to learn and understand music theory, aural capabilities, and overall musical appreciation. He is always happy to incorporate composition into the technical studies of any of his students who are interested in creating their own music.

In his free time, Lawrence enjoys playing and rehearsing in a trio with two soprano singers. When time allows, he also creates piano tutorial videos for his YouTube channel. These are designed to support his day-to-day tuition, each one focusing on a specific issue.

Katey Rylands

Singing and Piano Teacher

Katey Rylands is an English Mezzo-Soprano currently freelancing as a performer and teacher in London. Katey's recent successes includes winning the Isabel Jay Memorial Prize at her previous conservatoire, the Royal Academy of Music, after impressing the adjudicator with her operatic repertoire. Currently, she is enjoying teaching at SWS school of Music and Putney Music School and loves working with children of all ages, teaching them both singing and piano. Katey's strong musicianship originated when studying music in secondary school and excelled when she attended Wells Cathedral School as a specialist Musician. Whilst studying at RAM, Katey was involved in many exciting projects such as, performing in the RAO chorus for Tchaikovsky's Iolanta, Ravel's L'enfant et les sortilèges and Massenet's Chérubin. Katey's passion for opera was certainly highlighted when she performed the roles of Cherubino, Nancy, Orfeo, Hermia and Dorabella in Vocal Faculty opera scenes. When Katey wasn't studying she loves to involve herself in different projects and productions; Katey performed the role of Dido in HGO's production of Purcell's Dido & Aeneas and has performed in West Green House Opera's summer production of Donizetti's opera L'elisir d'amore.

Katey started learning piano as a second instrument during her time at primary school and continued lessons throughout secondary school and during her time at Wells Cathedral School as a specialist musician. She has taught piano at multiple schools and for music schools, such as SWS Music school, Putney Music school and now Pelican Music. She also has a Master of Arts degree from the Royal Academy of Music, which has broadened her musicianship and sharpened her music theory knowledge.

Although Katey loves the performing aspect of her career, she loves being a teacher. She believes that music is very important to a child's development and that music can also teach many life skills that will benefit them in their futures.

Laila Arafah

Piano Teacher

Laila is a London based composer and pianist studying at the Royal Academy of Music on a Scholarship. She began playing the piano at the age of seven, followed by composition at Junior Trinity, where she was awarded the Junior Trinity Composition Prize twice, then joined the Purcell School for Young Musicians under the Music and Dance Scheme, where she was awarded the Tim Stevenson Award for Outstanding Composition, and attended Aldeburgh Young Musicians under the Leverhulme trust.

Laila enjoys performing, having received a Mark Evison Foundation Award for organising and performing in outdoor concerts for care homes during the Covid pandemic. She has performed as part of ensembles at South Bank Centre, St Albans Cathedral, the North London Festival, and Snape Maltings Britten Studio, and is currently on the London Symphony Orchestra Panufnik Scheme.

As a composer, she has written for ensembles including The London Sinfonietta, London Mozart Players, Roadrunner Trio, Carducci Quartet, CoMA Orchestra, Purcell Symphony Orchestra, Aldeburgh Festival Podcast, Aspen Contemporary Ensemble, ACA Orchestra.

With patience and encouragement, Laila’s aim is to create a positive, supportive learning environment where students can progress at their own pace and cultivate a lifelong passion for playing the piano.

Serena Sheane

Piano and Flute Teacher

Serena received her Postgraduate Certificate in Music Education and Performance from the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in 2023 under the tutelage of Deniz Gelenbe and Tim Palmer. She completed the ISP Advanced Programme in the same institution with Mikhail Kazakevich in 2021. Serena was also awarded a first-class honours degree from the CIT Cork School of Music (now known as Munster Technological University) in 2020 and received three “Student of the Year” awards during the course of her studies. Specialisms in these multi-faceted programmes included Classroom Pedagogy, Piano and Flute Performance, Instrumental Teaching, Conducting, Music History and Repertory Studies.

Originally from Ireland, Serena started piano and flute at the age of six and nine respectively. Watching “The Sound of Music” on VHS sparked her interest in music education and she was soon travelling up to 585 miles a week for instrumental tuition! Serena received the “Pauline Cullinane Hicks” Award for outstanding performance in the 2013 Junior Certificate Music Examinations and was awarded a scholarship/high achievement award for every grade examination she sat in both instruments with the Cork School of Music and ETB CSM. She also received top marks in her Bachelor of Music Entrance Examination in 2016. She has participated in numerous music festivals and competitions in the UK and Ireland and relishes the opportunity to perform in solo and chamber capacities. Highlights of performing career include playing with the CSM Junior Orchestra in the National Concert Hall, accompanying Cantairí Mhuscraí in Teatro don Bosco and performing in the Irish Heritage Bursary Competition in Wigmore Hall. 

Serena has developed a strong reputation for teaching motivational, productive and enjoyable music lessons in Cork and London. The ages and standard of her pupils have ranged from 3 to 67, beginner to Grade 8. Serena has taught in schools and music institutions across South East London and has coached students toward ABRSM, Trinity and RIAM (Royal Irish Academy of Music) exams. Noteworthy examples include Rathfern Primary, Bromley Conservatoire and Orpington Music Studio. She recently completed Nicola Cantan’s “Creative Kickstart for Teens” and Paul Myatt’s “Whole Body Learning” courses alongside her teaching. 

Serena is looking forward to starting her new role with Pelican Music. She is eager to give her students a well-rounded education using a distinctive blend of activities, pieces and laughter in every lesson. Serena loves playing her piano and hopes she can inspire her students to do the same!