Petra Casen Piano Tuition

After my 60 years of off-on piano lessons, Petra gets my "best-ever" vote! A hugely,hugely experienced problem-solver;great musician;empathetic listener and communicator, Petra has a real interest in her pupils and their progress.While she is keen on a disciplined but supportive approach , I am encouraged to choose pieces that I would love to play, and to express how I want them to sound (without deviating too wildly from composers' intentions--but we discuss these openly too!). Petra understands now my crazy life chairing Arts organisations which means some lessons go better than others--and helps me with my frustrations when they do not go as well as I would like on "bad-playing days".During lockdown ,zoom lessons have worked almost as well as in person on iPads.Overall ,over several years now I have found Petra highly motivating,helpful,caring and full of creative ideas to get over technical and musical obstacles .I am really enjoying making piano part of my day as often as I can .

Petra’s piano lessons are so precious and valuable, filled with endless knowledge that not only leads you around the art of music, but they gave you valuable lessons on life. Recently, I had gone through a slump in playing piano due to personal issues at school, but Petra stood by me as not only a teacher but also as a friend and united me with the piano and helped me rediscover why I loved it. Petra’s teaching is so unique. She has this whole other view on the piano that guides you to a whole other universe of what the piano is. A work of art and emotion which many pianists lack. Even my mother who listens to me play, has learned the beauty and sophistication of Petra’s teachings. I cannot do without her. I would strongly advise those who would want to learn the piano at any stage and age to look towards Petra’s lessons as a pathway to learning something new about yourself, the world around you and the music around you. She’s wonderful.

Since starting with Petra two years ago I feel that my playing has improved enormously and I am greatly enjoying the learning process.
I am now in my seventh year of relearning as an adult in my retirement. What I find particularly notable about Petra is her thoroughness and attention to detail - as it is through this that one makes progress. By thinking through such basics as body posture, hand and wrist position and touch I am now much more confident about playing music in a way that reflects its mood, style and overall effect.
Petra always makes me feel good - even when I find passages difficult. She is encouraging - and also charming - it's good to talk about music with her and learn from her insights.
(In addition, Petra is a great pianist herself and I am hoping that once concerts are possible,she will be performing again . I have enjoyed her recitals. )

I have had piano lessons with Petra for two years and I highly recommend her. I was very rusty and unconfident having learned piano many years ago and Petra has brought my skill back to an enjoyable level with her patience and excellent teaching. She is a beautiful musician in her own right with a sensitive ear to each piece of music. She teaches a variety of levels and experience from beginner, to intermediate and advanced and I know she has many young pupils she brings on and encourages. During lockdown we have successfully continued with zoom lessons and my ability has continued to improve. I am very happy I found Petra.

I always look forward to my lessons with Petra. She is friendly and patient and teaches technique in a way I’ve never experienced before. Petra is also a pianist with small hands so I really appreciate her work with me to find ways to overcome the issues that stem from that. She has a vast knowledge of the lives of composers and her lessons with me are actually a very broad all round music education. She ties this in with the expressive elements of music and encourages movement and flow to help communicate it.