Lessons

Piano Lessons

Learn piano through playing — theory and note reading come naturally, just like learning to speak before you read.

Private
Group
Online

About piano lessons

Our playing-based approach means students gain love, enjoyment and comprehensive understanding of the piano, with theory and note reading introduced naturally — the same principle as learning to speak before learning to read and write.

From complete beginners through to advanced students, we offer both private and group lessons for all ages.

Meet your teachers

Who teaches piano.

Meet

Jo Kelsey (She/Her/They/Them)

Studio Director, Singing & Piano Teacher

Jo Kelsey is the director of We Are Loud Music School, where she is dedicated to empowering musicians of all ages to explore their creativity, build confidence, foster community, and improve mental health through the power of music. Jo founded We Are Loud as an inclusive and safe space for musicians, educators, students, and whanau, particularly those from the rainbow, disabled, and neurodiverse communities, ensuring everyone has access to opportunities to grow and thrive. With 15 years of experience as a music educator, Jo holds a BMus (Hons) in Vocal Performance and a Diploma in Music Teaching, along with extensive studies in psychology, coaching, performance anxiety, and neurodiversity. As a voice teacher, Jo is passionate about helping others discover their unique voice in a non-judgmental and supportive environment. Previously a performing and recording musician in both London and New Zealand, Jo has experienced firsthand the challenges of navigating the music industry as a young female artist. This motivates her to educate and empower the young people at We Are Loud, creating a more inclusive and equitable space for all musicians.

Teaches: Piano, Singing, Rock Band, Choir
Qualifications: BMus (Hons) Vocal Performance; Diploma in Music Teaching; Committee member, NZ Association of Singing Teachers
Experience: 15+ years performing , 12+ years teaching

Meet

Wendy Mansfield (She/Her)

Studio Accounts Manager, Piano & Theory Teacher

Wendy handles the studio accounts and teaches piano and harp. With Grade 8 Harp and Grade 6 Piano and Music Theory qualifications, she brings solid foundations and a calm, encouraging teaching style. Over 10 years of performance experience and 8 years of teaching mean she knows how to meet students where they're at — whether they're playing their first scale or working through theory grades.

Teaches: Piano, Harp
Qualifications: Grade 8 Harp; Grade 6 Piano & Music Theory
Experience: 10+ years performing , 8+ years teaching

Meet

Nikolai Pasichnik (He/Him)

Piano & Violin Teacher

Nikolai holds a BMus (Hons) in Classical Performance from the University of Auckland. He teaches both violin and piano, bringing a strong classical background with over 5 years of teaching and performance experience. His patience and attention to detail help students build solid technique while keeping lessons enjoyable.

Teaches: Violin, Piano
Qualifications: BMus (Hons) Classical Performance, University of Auckland
Experience: 5+ years performing , 5+ years teaching

Meet

Jenni Smith (She/Her)

Piano, Singing, Guitar, Ukulele, Banjo, Mandolin & Songwriting Teacher, Health & Safety Coordinator

Jenni is a multi-instrumentalist and award-winning songwriter with a BMus in Popular Music and Songwriting. Named Songwriter of the Year at the NZ Country Music Association's Entertainer of the Year Awards in 2018, she teaches piano, singing, guitar, ukulele, banjo, mandolin, and songwriting. With 15 years of performance experience, Jenni also serves as our Health and Safety Coordinator.

Teaches: Piano, Singing, Guitar, Ukulele, Banjo, Mandolin, Songwriting
Qualifications: BMus Popular Music & Songwriting; Songwriter of the Year, NZ Country Music Association 2018
Experience: 15+ years performing , 5+ years teaching

Meet

Ava Shields (She/Her)

Piano & Singing, Student Teacher

Ava is a singer-songwriter and performer who teaches piano and singing. With over 5 years of performance experience and 2 years of teaching, she brings a fresh perspective and genuine passion for helping younger students find their voice.

Teaches: Piano, Singing
Experience: 5+ years performing , 2+ years teaching

Meet

Aeryn Aranda-McCue (They/Them)

Piano & Singing, Student Teacher

Aeryn has been a We Are Loud student since age 11 and now teaches piano and singing. A member of the band Mind The Gap, they bring 5 years of performance experience and a deep understanding of what it's like to learn here. Their teaching is warm, relatable, and grounded in their own experience growing up at the studio.

Teaches: Piano, Singing
Experience: 5+ years performing , 2+ years teaching

Meet

Billie Swayn (She/Her)

Singing, Piano, Guitar, Bass & Songwriting Teacher

Billie teaches singing, piano, guitar, bass, and songwriting. Currently studying a Bachelor of Music in Classical Performance at the University of Auckland, she brings over 10 years of performance experience and a strong foundation in vocal and instrumental technique. Her teaching style is supportive and creative, helping students build confidence across multiple instruments.

Teaches: Singing, Piano, Guitar, Bass, Songwriting
Qualifications: Bachelor of Music in Classical Performance (student), University of Auckland
Experience: 10+ years performing , 2+ years teaching

Meet

Logan Hunt (He/Him)

Singing, Piano, Guitar, Violin & Ukulele Teacher

Logan is one of our most experienced teachers, with over 15 years of performance experience and 10 years of teaching. He holds an ATCL Diploma Certificate from Trinity and studied composition and musicology at Victoria University. Logan teaches singing, piano, guitar, violin, and ukulele — bringing versatility and depth to every lesson.

Teaches: Singing, Piano, Guitar, Violin, Ukulele
Qualifications: ATCL Diploma Certificate (Trinity); Studied composition & musicology, Victoria University
Experience: 15+ years performing , 10+ years teaching

Meet

Leah Garcia-Purves (She/Her)

Singing, Piano & Songwriting Teacher

Leah teaches singing, piano, and songwriting. She holds a Grade 6 ABRSM Piano Performance along with degrees in Communications and Law. With 10 years of performing experience, Leah has a particular understanding of how neurodivergence and music work together — making her a great fit for our inclusive studio.

Teaches: Singing, Piano, Songwriting
Qualifications: Bachelor of Communications; Bachelor of Laws; Grade 6 ABRSM Piano Performance
Experience: 10 years performing , 2+ years teaching

Ready to get started?

Book a free introductory lesson — no commitment, no pressure. Come meet your teacher and see if it's a good fit.

Book a free intro lesson