Piano Lessons
My musical journey began at the local music school in my birth town, Korolev, Russia when I was 8 years old, igniting a lifelong passion for playing the piano.
Throughout my life, I have had the privilege of learning from exceptional musicians who have shaped my approach to teaching. From the rigorous technical basis of the Russian piano school to the meticulous attention to tone quality of the French, and the wide stylistic awareness of the English, each of my teachers has imparted invaluable wisdom that I am honoured to pass down to the next generation.
My teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that effective learning stems from love and passion for music. I strive to foster genuine interest and engagement in my students, creating an environment where they can thrive and develop their own musical voice.
I tailor my approach to each individual student, understanding that every learner is unique. Whether it is through communication style or repertoire selection, I adapt my teaching to meet the needs and preferences of each student, ensuring a personalised and enriching experience.
The pillars of my teaching are:
Cultivating general musicianship and fluency in reading music
- Building a solid technical foundation to ensure proficiency and versatility
- Developing a nuanced and rich tone colour palette and expressivity
- Nurturing individuality and creativity in musical interpretation and performance
- Understanding of the musical style and context to inform interpretation
I teach kids and adults of all levels, from beginners to professionals. In addition to piano lessons, I offer support with ABRSM and Trinity exam preparation, as well as music theory, harmony, sight-reading, and musicianship lessons.
In person & online piano lessons:
If you are interested in booking a lesson for yourself or your child, I teach at:
- my home studio in Wapping, East London
- at students’ homes, upon request (currently providing services in Shadwell, Limehouse, Canary Wharf, Notting Hill, the City of London, Westminster)
- online (please note that online lessons may not be suitable for children under the age of 8)
Testimonials
No-one could wish for a more inspiring teacher than Yulia. She adapts her guidance to suit each player’s individual needs, and develops helpful exercises to be incorporated into private practice. She nurtures valuable skills for sight-reading and general technical advice for performance, built on her own experience as a concert pianist, as well as instilling a deeply-rooted curiosity for musical knowledge in all her students. Each session focuses on a specific musical issue, so pupils always leave with a new approach to piano playing, and return the next week eager to learn more! Her down-to-earth yet efficient approach to teaching allows every student to flourish with her encouragement.
// Mika, aged 16
My masterclass with Yulia was fantastic! She really helped me improve my piece – I was able to use her useful tips in my exam the following week which was great!
// Emma, aged 12
I loved the way you managed to break the ice and already taught so many things in the first lesson, the way you talked to Kathleen, and the whole positive dynamic of the class! For me, it was a pleasure assisting! Once outside, Kathleen’s first comment was “She’s awesome! The best teacher ever!”
// Loredana, mother of Kathleen, aged 10
Your understanding, patience, dedication and positive encouragement helped Tim get through his most difficult periods when we already feared that he would give up. All your efforts and positive attitude bore fruit and now he finally came to enjoy playing; moreover, he got really passionate about piano and eager to learn. You have really made a difference in his development and musical growth!
// Tanja, mother of Tim, aged 12