Biography - Katherine Jones LTCL(Tch), ATCL(Perf), Cert. Executant Music, FIRMTNZ, LAIRMTNZ (DBM)
Katherine Jones is an experienced piano teacher located in Belfast, Christchurch, who has taught privately and in primary and secondary schools for more than twenty years. Schools include Windsor Primary, Chisnallwood Intermediate, Christ's College, St Margaret's College and St Andrew's College and the Chisnallwood Intermediate School Music Programme. This has led to a wider appreciation of more general musical education through gaining experience in many different musical genres such as Jazz Bands, Orchestra, ensembles and chamber Groups plus Music Technology.
Professional Development
Katherine is a member of the Institute of Registered music Teacher NZ (IRMTNZ), and currently serves on the National Council as vice-president and chair of the Communications Committee. She is passionate about the need for quality professional development for studio music teachers and has served for many years on the Christchurch branch of IRMTNZ which is responsible for providing PD and performance opportunities for local music teachers and their students.
She has been a guest tutor at national courses for music teachers, an adjudicator at music competitions and regularly accompanies for exams and recitals at all levels.
My Teaching Philosophy
'The unique aspect of one-on-one teaching is that each student can be taught as an individual. I encourage each of my students to set their own goals which may be long or short term and are relevant for their stage of development. I see music as a performing art which lends itself to being shared. One of my top priorities is to gently encourage my students to perform at events appropriate to their stage of learning and personality. I run regular performance workshops at my home which involve small numbers of students at a similar level and in a very informal setting. The students make friends and become very supportive of each other in this non-threatening environment. I have found that through this, they are significantly more confident if they wish to sit exams or perform in recitals.
As students become more confident, they are able to take part in Masterclasses, Competitions, ABRSM and Trinity College music exams, Recital and Chamber Music.
I love my job - the highlight for me is seeing students growing and maturing as musicians in their own unique way. Not all will be performers but all will have the opportunity to develop their musical potential and appreciation."
