Elizabeth Kahn
About
Hello! I’m Elizabeth, a dedicated music teacher with over 15 years of experience teaching classical piano and guitar. I believe that music should be fun and enjoyable — just like it was for me when I first fell in love with it.
I’ve taught students of all ages, from absolute beginners to advanced players, helping them develop strong fundamentals and express their unique musical voice. My lessons combine technique with creativity, tailored to each student’s goals and pace.
My teaching philosophy centers on joy and connection. I create a warm, relaxed environment where students feel safe to explore, make mistakes, and discover the excitement of music. I focus on making learning engaging and enjoyable because I know that’s the best way to develop a lasting love for music.
Whether you want to play for fun, prepare for exams, or simply express yourself, I’m here to guide and encourage you every step of the way.
I have a BA Honours degree in Music, as well as 2 teaching Diplomas with the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. I have over 32 years of teaching experience as well.
Teaching Style
My teaching style is patient, encouraging, and personalized. I believe every student learns differently, so I tailor my lessons to fit each person’s pace, interests, and goals. I focus on building confidence step-by-step, making sure students feel comfortable and supported.
I use a mix of structured technique and creative exercises to keep lessons fresh and engaging. I encourage students to ask questions, explore their musicality, and celebrate their progress — no matter how small.
Most importantly, I make learning music fun and stress-free because I know that enjoyment is the key to staying motivated and growing as a musician.
Curriculum
My teaching method is straightforward and adaptable to each student’s needs. I combine structured technical exercises with fun, creative activities to help students build skills steadily while enjoying the process. I believe that there is no cut and paste applicable to students. Everyone is so different. I adjust accordingly. I focus on clear explanations, step-by-step progress, and encouraging students to explore music at their own pace. This balanced approach ensures a solid foundation while keeping lessons interesting and motivating.
Recommended Student Texts
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For Piano:
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Alfred’s Basic Piano Library (Level 1 and up)
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John Thompson’s Modern Course for the Piano
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Bastien Piano Basics
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For Classical Guitar:
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Hal Leonard Guitar Method (Book 1)
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Mel Bay’s Modern Guitar Method
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Suzuki Guitar School
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Credentials & Affiliations
I hold two teaching diplomas from the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) in classical guitar and piano. Academically, I earned a Bachelor of Music degree from UNISA, graduating cum laude in 2003 and receiving the prestigious College Medal. In 2019, I completed a BA Honours degree with distinction from the University of Fort Hare. My professional experience includes working as a resident pianist at both the Fish River Sun and Halyards Hotel, where I performed regularly for a variety of audiences. From 2011 to 2024, I served as Programme Manager at the Keiskamma Trust, an NGO operating in rural Southern Africa, focused on providing education and arts programs to underprivileged children. In terms of teaching experience, I was a full-time music teacher at Stirling Primary School in East London from 2014 to 2018, a temporary music teacher at Collegiate Primary School in Port Elizabeth, and a Time-on-Task lecturer at the University of Fort Hare from 2018 to 2021. My background combines strong academic credentials, extensive performance history, and a deep commitment to music education and social upliftment through the arts.
