What my students and their parents say
04/03/19-06/04/19
'Alla Shumova was a piano teacher of my son for 3 years while we lived in Yorkshire and she is still helping him although we have relocated to Kent last year.
During these years my son progressed from Grade 2 to Grade 5 in Piano and from Grade 1 to Grade 3 in Theory. He has got distinction and merit in his exams.
He started to take lessons with Alla at the age of 7 y.o and he is 11 y.o now.As most of boys, I guess, he is not an easy pupil to teach.
I strongly believe that the biggest input in his achievments is Alla's professionalism, creativity and hard working. Without her he did not succed.
I am always amazed by her ability to find a right approach and to encourage students.
He is true inspirational teacher who is passionate about music and who leads her students to the perfection.
Alla's lesson is not just about technic and skills, they are also lessons of culture, work ethic and education in general.
My son was lucky to have Alla as a teacher and a mentor. He is very much into music playing in swing band, often performing in different concerst.
I would recommend to take lessons with Alla everyone who loves music and wants to achieve the best! "A fabulous caring teacher, very professional and competent.'
Marina Khan
'I started lessons with Alla at the beginning of the year having had a five year interlude from singing. I've very much enjoyed our lessons and Alla has been fantastic. As I've started singing again for my own enjoyment (not to train for anything) I've been able to sing songs that I love and have not felt pressured to sing any particular genre. Alla has been working very hard to get me thinking about my breathing technique again, as well as to improve my range and find my head voice- I had become a very lazy singer! I would recommend Alla to anyone, whether they are serious about singing or just singing for enjoyment. She is both very talented and very patient!'
Antonia Benson (24)
Masters student at Leeds University Business School
Alla is an excellent piano teacher. Her lessons are very structured with clear goals to achieve through further practice at home. The standards she expects from her students are high but results are attained this way. My eldest daughter is confident playing in front of an audience and in her exams, as a requirement of being a student of Alla's, is that they play at her concerts each season. Although daunting at first it becomes easier each time until it feels quite natural to be performing. I am very grateful that Raphy has this skill. My four year olds lessons are fun, encouraging and entertaining but still require the same focus and hard work. As a parent I learnt that piano should be treated like school homework, if the intention is to progress. You would not let them get away with not doing their home work. It absolutely has to be done and this is how we approach the piano homework. It has now become a habit and there is very little resistance, if any at all.
I highly recommend Alla for piano lessons if you are serious about piano for yourself or your children.
Regards
Sally Delandro
'Alla has been teaching my daughter piano and singing. She is a very committed teacher, making sure the pupil gets the most out of the lesson.
Always polite, well organized, prompt and professional.
My daughter passed her grade 1 piano and singing with distinction!'
Agata Dworak-Kula
'My 12-year old son has Alla as a music teacher for almost 4 years. Recently my son has taken 2 exams with distinction and merit. When I asked my son his opinion about the lessons with Alla, he told me: “It is easier to learn with Alla as she makes the lessons fun and interactive” And it is true, the lesson are always interesting. Sometimes Alla is a little bit stricter when my son needs to concentrate and pay more attention, however other times she is very soft and patient when he has some difficulties. Alla is very supportive to all initiatives coming from my son.
I like the idea of Alla’s seasonal concerts with children and adults alike at different learning stages of performing. This helps younger children to be inspired and aim high.
I recommend Alla to everyone and anyone interested in having fun while learning music that have the dedication to do so.'
Sasha Vakurov
We met Alla back in September 2011. She was appointed as my son’s music teacher by Roundhay Music Centre. Over the past four years, Alla worked very hard with Ivan on developing his piano playing technique, sight reading skills, musicality as such and his ability to understand various musical forms and theory of music. It is impossible to explain how much work studying piano entails both for a teacher and a student but when your child opens another ABRSM Certificate with Distinction in further grade in piano, you should see his face...
Alla has a very strong classical background. She was born in and classically trained in St Petersburg. For those who are familiar with Russian music educational system, this upbringing and qualifications tell a lot.
Alla is also a professional singer with a lovely soft mezzo soprano voice , who performed in Russia and Europe. Her experience spans from signing in the Russian Orthodox church choirs to giving her own concerts. She sings beautifully in duet and solo.
Another area of Alla’s activities is her students concerts. She has a good proportion of students taking piano or singing lessons, or both. These concerts are always great events where all of her students of different ages get together! There is always full house at the College of Music and Drama. Parents, family, friends and all performers are wonderfully dressed up. The atmosphere of excitement is vivid and pleasant. Every performer is encouraged to introduce themselves and tell a few words about a composer and music they play or sing. Alla often accompanies to her students or sings with them. She presents the certificates and flowers to the participants. DVS’s are also can be available.
The concert programmes and tickets are beautifully designed by Alla’ students who also have this special talent! I keep all of the programmes where Ivan played as souvenirs. Alla often invites her colleagues – professional singers to participate in these concerts. It is always a bonus when she plays or sings in per student concerts herself.
The concerts have a purpose to give students an opportunity to play in front of an audience and practice their programmes prior to taking music exams. Another purpose is to collect some money for St Gemma’s Hospice, the initiative recently introduce and supported by all parents and participants. Concert organisation takes a lot of effort, and Alla is always on the top of his job.
I must say that Alla’s commitment to music and dedication to her students is amazing. The standards of her teaching are very high. But she is a very demanding and strict teacher with thorough and meticulous attention to detail.
From my own life experience, I know exactly what is takes to study music through the years. This journey is only for those who has drive, commitment , who can take all stress of hours of practicing and Alla’s attitude of leaving no stone unturned. Then it will become fun, pleasure and a great joy of playing music for yourself, or for the most grateful audience.'
Tanya Shalashilina
'Both of our children have had piano lessons with Alla. Aside from learning a new skill they developed sufficient confidence to play in front of 60 plus people. All credit to Alla for her patience and perseverance. I would have no hesitation in recommending Alla as a tutor.'
Hilary Kernohan
'Alla does not judge people's singing ability but help them to progress whatever level they are at. She helps to increase people's confidence, and tailor the lesson to that particular individuals preferences and requirements and always comes up with new exercises and warm-ups to keep the lessons engaging and fun.'
Thank you
Rachel Bragg
'I was a student of Alla's for over 3 years until I had to move away for university. Alla is a phenomenal teacher who approaching singing very creatively, using her professional background also. Alla has worked with me to sing jazz, pop, country and musical theatre and has helped me with my performing skills and confidence too. I'm so grateful for all Alla has done for me and I highly recommend her lessons no matter how experienced you are or how shy she will work her hardest to bring out the best.'
Naomi Pickersgill (19)
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