Beyond the Stave

Piano

Lach Stankov

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Lachezar, born in Varna, Bulgaria, began piano at age nine and trained at the Dobri Hristov College of Music and Arts, winning numerous national and international awards. He studied under Professor Andrew Ball at the Royal College of Music and earned a master’s with distinction at Trinity Laban Conservatoire. Lachezar has performed widely as a soloist and chamber musician across Europe, the UK, Brazil, and the USA, appearing at prestigious venues like Wigmore Hall and Cadogan Hall. Alongside his performing career, he teaches at several London schools and co-founded the London Festival of Bulgarian Culture and the Stankov Ensemble.

Neil Shaw

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Neil is a classically trained pianist and musician with wide-ranging experience, working at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland teaching piano, keyboard skills, and vocal repertoire coaching for undergraduate and master’s students. He has performed in major West End musicals such as Les Misérables, Wicked, and Phantom of the Opera, and plays for rehearsals, auditions, and ballet companies including the Royal Ballet and English National Ballet. Neil also teaches private students across all levels, including ABRSM theory.

Shu-Wei Tseng

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Shu-wei Tseng is a distinguished Taiwanese-British pianist and cellist renowned for her virtuosity and artistry. She has performed internationally across four continents, including high-profile events like the 75th D-Day commemoration and sold-out shows with New York City Ballet’s principal dancer. With over 30 years of performing experience and 25 years teaching in multiple languages, Shu-wei has held positions at leading music institutions in the UK and USA. Her academic credentials include a DMA from CU Boulder and multiple degrees from the Royal Academy of Music, alongside UK teaching qualifications and a role as a global ambassador for CU Boulder.

Ali Berry

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Ali began studying piano at age 12 at the Royal College of Music, where she also completed undergraduate studies and a postgraduate course in vocal coaching and conducting at the Opera School. She enjoys a diverse performing career across music theatre, theatre, and opera, frequently working in the West End on shows like The Lion King, Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, and Wicked. Ali has an excellent piano teaching practice, experienced in guiding students at all levels—whether working toward grades or exploring classical and popular repertoire without exams. Her extensive theatre credits include roles such as associate musical director and cover musical director on major London productions, alongside performances with leading orchestras and opera companies.

Emily Haf

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Emily is a female british pianist, trumpet player and dj currently residing in bahrain. Emily studied at the royal northern college of music under john gough and tracey redfern.

Andrew Boushell

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Andrew is an accomplished multi-instrumentalist and singer, and a graduate of the dit conservatory of music & drama, the royal college of music, and operastudio vlaanderen in belgium.

Samantha Kerby

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Samantha studied recorder, flute, and piano at chetham’s school of music and the royal academy of music, where she reached the finals of the bbc young musician competition. On leaving the academy, samantha worked for many years as director of music in a number of international schools in kenya.

Kate Denton

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I graduated from the Royal Academy of Music with a first class honours degree where I studied ‘cello, piano and singing.  Whilst at the Academy, I gained an LRAM teaching diploma. I have over 20 years of experience, both teaching from the home and in schools. I hold a PGCE and am an experienced class music teacher. With Live Music Now I worked with students with special needs and those in hospital settings.

Jo Willey

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Jo trained at prestigious institutions including Chetham’s School of Music, St Mary’s Music School, and Middlesex University. She is an experienced examiner for LCM Exams (Stave House Method) and I-PATH, with a comprehensive approach to both music and performing arts education and a fully qualified dance teacher holding teaching qualifications from the Royal Academy of Dance, ISTD, IDTA, Acrobatic Arts, I-PATH, Alixa Flexibility, and Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT).

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