Our founding teacher, Lora Dimitrova, was educated in Bulgaria,
studying in specialist music schools in accordance with the great Russian
musical tradition. Her piano teachers, Ganev and Ganeva, were students of
Neuhaus who
left a legacy of extraordinary international piano teachers and
performers, including Sviatoslav Richter, Emil Gilels and Radu Lupu. Lora also
studied in England with teachers at the Royal Academy of Music and the Guildhall
School of Music and Drama.
The Russian tradition seeks to identify exceptional
musical ability at an early age and develop it to the fullest extent to produce
true artists who speak through the keyboard. This is quite a contrast to the
western tradition which has often been criticised for producing a large number
of amateur musicians with no real understanding of music and little technical
ability. However, such criticisms fail to appreciate the enormous benefits that
even a modest musical education can give an individual, whatever their talent.
Having experienced both worlds, Lora has been able to combine the best from
both in lessons at Sospiro Piano Centre. Each individual student has a programme
tailored for them which takes into account their age, ability and aspirations
(and those of their parents)! This programme is continually updated as the
student progresses.
Young children are led to the world of music through games and pictures; as
they develop, they can explore Jazz and contemporary "popular" classics such as
film music. Students of all ages have the opportunity to take part in local or
national festivals and to prepare for Associated Board grade exams and diplomas.
Where appropriate, students are also prepared for musical scholarships, entrance
to full-time musical education and international competitions.
We run several theory and aural sessions each week with around 4 students to
a class. These are strongly recommended for those entering Associated Board
exams, but they are also a valuable way for any student to increase their
knowledge, appreciation and enjoyment of music.
Most of our piano teaching is on a one-to-one basis, but where there is sufficient
demand, for example for very young children, we can run group music lessons.