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!