Selwyn Harris

Piano and Woodwind Teacher

Selwyn is a sax, clarinet, flute and piano tutor with a BA Mus (hons) and over 20 years’ experience teaching children in primary, secondary and sixth form education and privately. He has vast experience in teaching beginners to advanced, and his students often achieve high level passes in ABRSM/Trinity grade exams 1-8. He also prepares students for GCSE syllabus pieces (both solo and ensemble) and teaches class Theory up to Grade 5 and Introductory Courses to Music Journalism.

His teaching covers a diverse range of styles from classical, jazz, improvisation, film soundtracks and other electronic/rock/popular song genres across all generations and tastes.

He also has worked as a saxophone/clarinet/keyboard live performer and recording artist, and a music journalist so has a vast knowledge, insight and passion about music which he loves to pass on to his students.

Lessons are always carefully tailored to each individual personality, the skillset/areas needing development and musical preferences so they are fun, creative and academic accordingly.

Mira Steenbrugge

Violin and Piano Teacher

The child of two violinists, Mira began her own music studies at age six. Mira studied violin with Olga Zolotareva in Belgium, and studied piano with Katelijne Burie, Andrew Wise, and Seta Tanyel all throughout her secondary studies. Aged nine, she won third prize at the “Night in Madrid” International Youth Music Competition and made her solo debut a year later with the Bruocsella Symphony Orchestra. In 2013, she was awarded a music scholarship to Wellington College, UK, where she studied with Susanne Henwood and earned her ATCL diploma with distinction in 2014.

Mira pursued a professional path in music, graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Music from the Boston Conservatory at Berklee, studying under Markus Placci. After this she received her Master of Music with Distinction from the Royal College of Music, studying under Maciej Rakowski and Leonid Kerbel.

 Throughout her time in conservatoire, Mira has been an active orchestral musician. In Boston she led several of the Conservatory ensembles, including the Symphony Orchestra, and was invited to play with the Boston Philharmonic and guest-lead the Boston Civic Symphony Orchestra. Mira’s orchestral highlights at RCM include participating in the Chamber Orchestra of Europe side-by-side performance, and serving as 2nd violin leader for the Opera in November 2024. She has been serving as co-leader for the Young Musicians Symphony Orchestra since 2024, and led their final concert of the 2024-2025 season. Since graduating from RCM she has served as leader and solo violinist for A Singaporean Trilogy, a production for Tête-à-tête Opera by Opera Asia and The Clio Project, as well as having served as co-leader and assistant principal for the Albion Orchestra. 

Beyond orchestral work, Mira is dedicated to new and underrepresented repertoire. She is the first violinist of the Jasmine Quartet, a group focused on expanding and recontextualizing the string quartet canon. Her master’s research centers on Korean composers Isang Yun and Eun Young Lee, reflecting her passion for cross-cultural and contemporary music exploration inspired by her own Korean heritage.

Maya Montgomery

Piano Teacher

Maya Montgomery is a classically trained pianist and music educator, graduating with First Class Honours in Music from the University of Aberdeen with a specialism in classical piano. She is an experienced piano teacher, accompanist, and music director, and has worked across Scotland, England, and New York, USA.

Maya specialises in classical repertoire and has guided many students through the ABRSM syllabus. Alongside teaching, she is an accomplished pit musician, having performed in over 25 musical productions with companies including the Edinburgh Savoy Opera Group, AngusAlive Festival, and Long Lake Camp for the Arts in New York.

In 2023, Maya served as accompanist for the NHS Grampian Choir, performing with them at Aberdeen’s Music Hall, and she has also held the position of pianist with the University of Aberdeen Symphony Orchestra. She is now based in London, where she works as a piano teacher and accompanist.

Barney Anderson

Piano and Guitar Teacher

Bio to follow

Mark Dangerfield

Piano and Guitar Teacher

Mark Dangerfield is a London-based composer, pianist, guitarist, and teacher. A graduate of the Royal College of Music with a first-class degree in joint-principal study of guitar and composition, he studied with Carlos Bonell, Christopher Stell, and Edwin Hillier.

Mark has performed in masterclasses with renowned guitarists including Sean Shibe, Gabriel Bianco and Laura Snowden, and has workshopped his orchestral music with composer Mark-Anthony Turnage. In 2025, he gave a sold-out recital at the Royal Albert Hall’s Elgar Room with British tenor Simon Mascarenhas-Carter, featuring his setting of Sailing to Byzantium by W.B. Yeats.

That same year, he performed in an exhibition of Brazilian modernist music at the Royal Academy of Arts, collaborating with cultural historian Adjoa Osei, and performed in the premiere of his own work for soprano, cello and guitar with Héloïse Werner and Colin Alexander.

With over 15 years of experience, Mark is passionate about music education and maintains an active career as a peripatetic teacher alongside his work as a performer and composer.

Christina Adamoli

Clubs Teacher

Christina is an experienced and engaging performing arts educator with a BM and MM in Vocal Performance from University of Northern Colorado and the University of Minnesota (Twin Cities). She has further training in CCM (contemporary commercial music) instruction and pedagogy. Christina is passionate about cultivating spaces for students’ creativity to flourish and to be celebrated. 

Christina has taught with the Denver Centre for the Performing Arts, Swallow Hill Music, Avanti Music, and has taught private lessons for ages 6-70 for the past 12 years. She was recently engaged in designing curriculum for the Denver Centre’s summer musical theatre programmes (Intro to Sondheim for ages 13-15 and STOMP! for ages 6-8). In addition to building foundational technical skills, Christina’s teaching emphasises musicality and story-telling. Many of her private studio students have gone on to pursue music degrees and further education in voice and piano. Christina meets students at any level, age, ability, and experience. Her teaching practice builds confidence and encourages creative expression in a safe and welcoming environment for all students. 

Christina has performed internationally with Opera Colorado, Opera Classica Europa, La Musica Lirica, Taos Opera Institute and locally in Denver with the Denver Opera Collective and Cabaret Otaku, where she has been fortunate to perform leading, swing, and supporting roles in operas such as La Traviata, Manon, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Die Zauberflöte, Lucretia, and L’elisir D’amore. She has recently completed a second Master’s Degree at the University of Exeter, graduating with honours in Magic and Occult Science. 

Christina’s enthusiasm for musical exploration is at the heart of her love for teaching. She has and continues to advocate for the importance of early childhood music education for child development.

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.

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.