Our Teachers
View our talented teachers here to help you achieve your goals.
Amanda Sandberg
Piano, Preschool and Music Theory Teacher
Music school: Little Beethovens Music School
I began learning to play the piano at 5 years old and haven’t looked back. I worked my way up the grades taking Associated Board Royal of Music examinations. When I was 13 years old I joined a jazz big band and learnt a completely different style of playing. It made sense to continue my learning by studying Jazz, Popular and Commercial studies at university and graduated with Honours. Whilst studying I have performed in many bands such as Abba tributes (I still have the pictures) Motown, 80s Rock, duets and more recently acoustic sets for weddings.
Courtney Winfield
Piano and Music Theory Teacher
Music school: Little Beethovens Music School
I’ve always been fascinated by the piano. From a young age I remember hearing songs on the radio or TV and wanting to learn them on my little keyboard. I would sit at my keyboard for hours on end trying to match the notes to the songs I heard on the radio or TV. When I managed to get them right, I would get so excited. This is when my love for music began.
During my teen years I began formal music education. At college I was introduced to ensemble work and played piano for the big band and various small ensembles. I also learnt to play in a variety of different popular music styles (pop, jazz, rock, reggae, you name it!).
After college, I studied Music at Newcastle university where I majored in jazz piano. During my time here, I acquired a deep fascination with jazz piano and theory. My university years influenced my piano style drastically and I am always excited to continue developing!
I am now very happy to have the opportunity to share my knowledge and passion for music with others. Look forward to seeing you at Little Beethovens Music School!
Carys Ward
Piano, Preschool and Music Theory Teacher
Music school: Little Beethovens Music School
Whilst playing the violin and flute at school, I would bring all of my sheet music home and play it on my keyboard. That’s when I realised I should be playing the piano, and began piano lessons when I was 10.
I then pursued Music through GSCE, College, Undergraduate and Postgraduate education, achieving my Masters in 2018. I also worked my way up through the Associated Board Royal of Music exams, achieving Grade 8 in Piano and Singing, as well as Grade 8 Music Theory with the London College of Music.
Initially aiming to become a primary school teacher, I decided to focus my efforts just on music! Music has played a huge role in my life, and I am keen to share the enjoyment music can bring to others. I like to create a fun and relaxed atmosphere when I teach, getting to know everyone individually and making them as comfortable as possible. Although mainly being classically trained, I enjoy playing pop and contemporary music, and I’m confident in teaching a variety of styles.
Looking forward to seeing you at Little Beethoven’s soon!
Ellie Gillin
Piano, Singing, Preschool and Music Theory Teacher
Music school: Little Beethovens Music School
Hello everyone!
My name is Ellie Gillin and I am a Singing, Piano, Preschool and Music Theory teacher at Little Beethovens Music School. From a very early age I discovered my love for music, attending Musical Theatre schools and taking regular Singing and Piano lessons. This allowed me to experience music in-depth and enabled me to take graded exams in both instruments, where I gained high level qualifications with ABRSM and London College of Music Examinations exam boards.
After attaining both GCSE and A-level qualifications in Music, I further went on to study BA Music at degree level for 3 years at York St John University. Throughout my time at university I was involved in an array of ensembles which heavily involved both the voice and piano. This allowed me to explore a variety of different genres such as Jazz, Rock and Contemporary.
I have experience of performing at live music venues located around the UK both as a soloist and as part of a band. This has enhanced my skills as a performer and has given me the opportunity to share my love and passion of music with others.
Attending weekly 1 to 1 singing lessons has enabled me to gain the knowledge of how to protect, nurture and develop the singing voice, whilst also experimenting and exploring different styles within music. This philosophy is central to all my singing lessons; looking after the voice is the key goal, along with having fun with music!
I feel immensely privileged to say that my job brings happiness and enjoyment through learning music. Everyone’s musical journey is unique and I am excited to share my musical knowledge and experience to help aid your musical pathway!
Laura Hodgkinson
Piano, Preschool and Music Theory Teacher
Music school: Little Beethovens Music School
I started my journey of piano playing at the age of 8 and my love for the instrument has continuously grown! I spent my beginning years playing for fun while working through graded books. At the age of 13, I began working my way through the ABRSM graded examinations.
During my secondary education, I studied music right up to my A-levels and additionally, I would regularly play piano in the foyer and take part in classical school bands and accompany choirs.
I moved to Newcastle in 2015 when I began a BA in Drama and Scriptwriting at Northumbria University. Although busy with my degree I still spent time playing piano and played accompaniments to my final second-year performance and also for a professional promotional video for a creative company.
I am primarily classically trained but love venturing into other genres! My aim while teaching is to always make sure the student is happy, comfortable and smiling! Whether it’s playing for fun or for examination purposes, learning how to play piano should be enjoyable for all!
Haythem Mohammed
Guitar and Ukulele Teacher
Music school: Little Beethovens Music School
Hello musical people! I am Haythem Mohamed and I’ve been playing guitar since I was 16 years old. I have played in guitar festivals all around the world, and played on the Sky Arts TV show ‘Guitar Star’ (think X-Factor but for guitar!) I am currently signed to a guitar-music record label and play a variety of gigs. I am a Music Graduate of Newcastle University with a solid grounding in music theory and different musical styles.
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Cancellation Policy
Cancellation of a lesson must be made 7 days prior to your lesson. • If a lesson is cancelled before 7 days a make up lesson will be offered. • Refunds are not offered for cancelled lessons. • No shows or failure to notify the school within 7 days is considered a forfeited lesson. • No more than 1 cancellations per every half term. • If you know of dates ahead of time where you/your child cannot make a lesson, please notify the school as soon as possible. • There are no refunds on unused or cancelled lessons. • Should you decide to stop taking lessons altogether, please give 1 month’s notice. • If the student can’t attend the lesson because of weather conditions, it is not the responsibility of the school. • If there is severe weather conditions and the school is forced to close. The school will offer a make up lesson. • On a off chance a teacher can’t attend a lesson, the school will group a lesson with another lesson. Make Up Lessons • A make-up lesson will be at a time convenient to both the teacher and the student. • Typically, make-up lessons take place at an alternate time/day within the week. In some cases, the make-up lesson will be added after/before the original lesson time, enabling the student to have an hour lesson. • A make-up lesson can be booked with your teacher. • All make up lessons are at the discretion of the manging director. Payments • All lessons are set up as a direct debit which is due the 1st of every month • For any other invoices payments can be made via Cheque, BACS transfer or Cash. • Cheques should be made out to Little Beethovens Music School. • If your direct debit includes extra lessons to use in the holidays these must be used within the year, extra lessons cannot be extended to the next year. • All lesson fees are due in advance of your first lesson. • There are no refunds on unused or cancelled lesson.