with Elvira Dommisse
Elvira is an experienced teacher of piano, flute, theory, jazz and pop, based in Spreydon, Christchurch.
She teaches adults, teenagers and children in her home studio, tailoring the lessons to the individual needs and style that each student wants to learn in.
Her students range in ability from complete beginners to diploma level and all other levels in between.
Anyone can develop their musical skills with regular practice and regular lessons for guidance.
Lessons are usually 30, 45 or 60 minutes in length.
In that time, you will be guided through the music you are learning and given advice on how your pieces can be practised and what other music might be relevant to learn.
Music theory and other aspects of music can also be included in the lesson.
Does it matter if I have no musical background or experience?
No. Anyone can learn to play an instrument at any age, regardless of musical talent, background or experience.
How much will I need to practice?
Regular practice, daily if possible, will result in good progress and learning pieces quickly. Weekly lessons enable the student to get guidance on how and what to practice.
Do I need to sit music exams?
No. Music exams are entirely optional, for those who want a challenge and an examiner’s assessment. I encourage those who are keen to sit them, but you won’t be missing out if you don’t.
“I am enjoying the journey of learning to play the piano with Elvira. She led me to just the right books to help me learn as an older beginner. She encourages me to bring whatever music I’d like to play. Elvira brings a great balance of delight in my progress, while making sure that I’m playing correctly. She doesn’t let me get away with any bad habits – which is excellent! I’m learning quickly and it’s very rewarding.” Betty, 58, Belfast.
“Learning from Elvira has allowed me to develop my flute playing to an advanced level. Her knowledge about the flute is incredible and I’m always learning new things each week. Elvira also always has a positive attitude, making it fun to learn from her, and my lessons are always something I look forward to!” Emica, 17, St Albans.
“I have really enjoyed learning to play the piano with Elvira over the last three years. I can thoroughly recommend it to anyone wanting to improve their work-life balance! Elvira is always enthusiastic about discussing the finer points of theory and good technique, but the greatest emphasis is always on enjoying oneself.” Nik, 44, Beckenham.
“I started piano lessons with Elvira 12 years ago as a complete novice. In the ensuing years, I have learned to play many great pop songs from Elton to Eagles and Coldplay to Cohen and have had a lot of fun along the way.” Stuart, 61, Sumner.
Elvira Dommisse Mus B., LTCL, ATCL, AIRMTNZ.
Elvira has completed her Bachelor of Music (Flute performance) at Canterbury University, LTCL diploma (Flute performance) and ATCL (Piano performance). She has also majored in Jazz piano at the Jazz School (Ara Institute, formerly Christchurch Polytechnic).
After completing her music degree, she played flute and piccolo in the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra for several years. She has also played and continues to play regularly for productions staged by Showbiz (formerly Christchurch Operatic Society)
Elvira plays regularly in the Praesto Quartet, usually on flute, but sometimes on keyboard. Her jazz piano skills were put to use in a job as a casual jazz pianist at Gustav’s restaurant in The Tannery (2013/14) and she also plays jazz or pop at functions, either solo or with other players.
Elvira has been teaching for over 20 years and teaches classical, jazz or pop music, either using printed music, or sometimes with a combination of playing by ear and using chords, for jazz or pop songs. She also has a strong background and interest in teaching music theory to an advanced level and encourages her students to learn some theory, so that their understanding of music is enhanced.