Pen has taught private piano lessons for more than thirteen years. She holds her A.Mus.A. from the Australian Music Examinations Board and teaches within this system if so desired by the student.

Philosophy
Pen teaches musicianship, chord-reading, harmony, sight-reading and aural skills within the lesson, and all students are encouraged to explore different musical styles. She has taught many students seeking an alternative to classical piano; these students, however, still learn the skills and techniques listed above. Pen also has particular expertise in teaching piano skills to vocalists (please see Vocal).

Ages
Pen has experience in teaching students of all ages and levels, including adults and young beginners. She recommends that children be 5 years of age and able to read before they begin piano lessons (younger children are encouraged to take general music classes).

James teaches students of all levels from beginners to aspiring professional performers. While his specialty is trombone, James teaches all brass instruments to junior players and all low brass (trombones, euphonium and tuba) up to the tertiary level.

Philosophy
James aims to help students explore their musical personality and develop the skills and confidence to express themselves through their instrument. To balance the rigorous approach needed for high levels of performance with a sense of musical exploration, James starts each lesson with basic exercises to warm up, develop a beautiful sound and establish efficient playing habits. Some technical work is included (scales and scale patterns) to develop facility. The largest part of each lesson is spent working on the pieces a student is preparing, applying the skills practised earlier in the lesson while finding ways to make music. The lesson finishes by just playing music, reading duets or exploring jazz improvisation.

Ages
It is recommended that students start on brass instruments from the age of 9 (year 4). Before this it can be very helpful for children to take piano or general music lessons.

Musicianship Classes
During her time at the Music Institute of Chicago, Pen taught musicianship classes for ages 5 through 15. These classes are based on her own curriculum, which includes sight-singing, rhythm work, and aural, reading & writing skills. Skills are taught and reinforced through creative activities and no books are required.

Theory
Students following the AMEB system are required to sit for theoretical examinations. All skills for these examinations are taught in her classes.

Pen has worked as a vocal accompanist in operatic, musical theatre and popular styles for many years. In addition, she has developed a curriculum for vocalists, particularly at the pre-tertiary level, that includes musicianship, aural and piano skills.

Coaching & Accompanying
Pen is an experienced vocal coach for young singers. She is familiar with the classical repertoire studied by young singers, and has a great deal of knowledge of musical theatre. In addition she is fluent in popular music styles. Pen is an excellent sight-reader in all genres and has studied French, German and Italian language.

Musicianship & Piano Skills for Vocalists
Pen has developed a curriculum aimed at (pre-tertiary) vocalists designed to teach basic piano and musicianship skills, both of which are crucial to a student pursuing a professional career. At the piano, students learn chord-reading, basic harmony, hand positions and sight-reading. They learn to play warm-up exercises for themselves, to simplify accompaniments, and to accompany themselves at the keyboard. Students also receive aural, sight-singing and musicianship training.

Ensemble Work
Pen has worked with vocal ensembles of all ages. She has been music director for a number of shows (including Pirates of Penzance and Fiddler on the Roof) and accompanied countless others. She has taught and coached both operatic and musical theater ensemble repertoire.