Carmen’s love for piano and teaching kids is clear. The boys compete as to who has their lesson with her first when she comes over!
Carmen engages with the boys and chats with them and hears their little stories. It’s cute to see the happy dynamic. In lessons they enjoy showing Carmen their progression on their music.
Practice wise they require encouragement and structure to ensure they do so 1-2 times a week…but who doesn’t.
 

Carmen motivates the kids to practice and learn in lesson and reinforces this positive behaviour through generous rewards that are earned over time.
The hand over comments at end of the lessons with a parent helps and is underpinned by the invaluable note book with personal instructions for both kids and parents
 

Carmen's content is well paced and chunks challenges into practical pieces, not over facing the kids. The mix of content music, theory & sight reading balances well.
It's been exciting to see the boys learning and the progress with more and more complex music, integration of both hands and that they are now superseding my ability on Piano! Its a joy to hear and they love to perform for Grandparents and friends...they ask by themselves to do so! That confidence to perform in front of others, large audiences at recitals and the rigour of hard work are great life lessons.

Carmen is very adaptable in changes to lesson times, always polite and courteous with each request. She turns up early and often finished a few minutes later...particularly if she's supporting the boys for a recital. She's dedicated to helping them feel ready and goes above and beyond, even gave them chocolates at their performance to reward their hard work.
Piano with Carmen is a positive encouraging experience and the boys are keen for more.

Martin Balment