Valerie Winning Hart
About
I started teaching piano aged 18 whilst studying for my teaching diploma and taught music in the European school in Brussels before my career took a different path and I spent several years promoting concerts and managing classical musicians in Brussels and London.
In 2004 I returned to teaching, studying for a PGCE in secondary music at Bath Spa University in 2006, before joining the Wiltshire Music Service in 2007.
I have a BA Honours Degree in Music from Newcastle University and Grade 8 Piano and Grade 7 Clarinet. I am currently studying for an MA in Music Therapy at UWE, Bristol.
Teaching offered in piano, keyboard, music theory, first access recorders, curriculum music and whole school and class singing.
What I / we help young people achieve
I love all sorts of music and hope to instill in my pupils a love of music too. Instrumental lessons include improvising, composing and listening to music as well as learning foundation skills to enable pupils to sit exams in ABRSM, Trinity and Trinity Rock and Pop.
At school I was fortunate to have lots of opportunities to be involved in music and also in county music bands where I played clarinet and bass clarinet. I want as many children as possible to experience that same opportunity to learn and be involved in music making. It is a fantastic skill as well as building confidence, teaches about discipline whilst also being fun, challenging and rewarding. With a holistic approach to teaching I want every pupil whether 6 or 60 (the range of my current pupils) to be able to achieve more than they thought possible.
Opportunities for children & young people
- To learn to play an instrument and / or develop skills on an instrument
- To learn to sing
- To create / write music and / or lyrics
- To play, perform music with others
- To learn things about oneself , other subjects or life-skills through musical activity
- To work with and support other young musicians
- To develop their wellbeing
Times
- Term Time
- After School
Working with special needs
Experience with working both in the classroom and individually with children on the autistic spectrum, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia and recovering from serious head injury.
In all cases music has the ability to transcend, connect, move and open doors.
Also trained with Alzheimer’s Society Singing for the Brain.
Taught Instruments
- Piano / Keyboard
- Curriculum Music (Primary)
- Music Theory
- Composition
Ages Taught
- 5-6
- 7-10
- 11-13
- 14-15
- 16+
Level Taught
- Beginners
- Intermediate
- Advanced
Qualifications, Grades & Certificates Taught
- Instrument grades
- Duke of Edinburgh Award
Musical Clusters Covered
- B-on-A / Corsham
Endorsements
‘She is very fun and good at teaching’ – Pupil aged 6
‘Valerie is an excellent piano teacher- her style is gentle and yet effective- the results are lovely to see both in terms of how quickly our son (age 7) is progressing but also in his general self confidence at learning a complex new skill.’ – Parent
‘..Proactive and encouraging, insightful and quick to understand the pacing that children require. When they have taken their graded exams Valerie has prepared them perfectly, but more importantly it is the enjoyment of playing piano that she has nurtured that I am most impressed by.’ – Parent
‘The children were all appropriately challenged, focused and engaged clearly making progress.’ – Head Teacher
‘Valerie is a very experienced classroom teacher and teacher of piano and keyboard. She plans carefully to ensure good progression and skills development for all her pupils and has a wealth of knowledge and resources . Her piano teaching is some of the most exceptional and thoughtful I have ever been privileged to watch, and I would recommend her highly.’ – Line Manager Wiltshire Music Service