About

Christine McCombe

I am a composer, teacher, writer, and creative arts therapist.

I have over twenty-five years experience as teacher of piano, composition and creative music.  After initial studies in piano performance (A.Mus.A.; B. Mus. Uni Melb.) I refocused my creative energy into music composition (Grad. Dip.Mus. VCA; MMus. RSAMD; Ph.D. Edinburgh) but piano has always been my first musical love.

My approach to teaching piano is creative and supportive.  There is no judgement or pressure and my only expectation is that you have a keyboard or piano at home and can spend some time each week playing music.  As well as learning to navigate your way around a piano, to read and understand music notation and basic music theory, students are encouraged to use music as an outlet for self expression and reflection.  Music allows us to be in the moment, to be in our own minds and to be aware of our own thoughts and feelings, and through creative music making, to express our thoughts and feelings in something other than words.

Also, having taken up a new instrument (cello) as an adult, I have a very real understanding of the challenges and rewards of learning something new as an adult. Anyone can enjoy the challenge of learning an instrument at any age – and your neurons will thank you for the additional work-out.

And importantly, learning a musical instrument is a commitment and a gift to yourself – the ultimate ‘me time’.

You are never too old to set another goal

or to dream a new dream

(CS Lewis)