The Home Of Music In Essex For Nearly 50 Years

The Home Of Music In Essex For Nearly 50 Years

MIKE SILK

Piano, Keyboard, Drums & Musical Theory Lessons

Mike has been teaching piano for over 40 years, inspiring students of all ages and abilities to develop their musical skills and confidence. After studying at the Redbridge Music School, he continued his training at the Royal College of Music, gaining both Graduate and Associateship Diplomas in piano and double bass. Following a successful 25-year career leading music departments in Essex schools, Mike now works as a piano tutor, choral accompanist and ballet accompanist. An accomplished arranger and composer, he has won composition competitions and was a national finalist in the BBC Radio 3 Christmas Carol Competition.

LUKE HARTLEY

Piano & Keyboard Lessons

Luke began learning the piano as a child, developing an early appreciation for music and the enjoyment of playing. After taking a break during his school years, he rediscovered his passion for the piano while at university, returning with renewed focus and a determination to challenge himself with more advanced repertoire. Drawing on his experiences as both a young learner and an adult musician, Luke understands the different stages of the learning journey. His relaxed and encouraging teaching style combines strong technique with an emphasis on enjoyment, helping students build confidence, develop their skills and discover a lifelong love of music.

AMY COWELL

Piano & Keyboard Lessons

Amy began playing the piano at the age of nine, developing a lifelong passion for music with a particular love of the classical repertoire. After studying music throughout school, she graduated from Canterbury Christ Church University with First Class Honours in Music. Amy teaches both piano and flute to a high standard, delivering fun, engaging and supportive lessons tailored to each student’s individual goals. Passionate about inspiring the next generation of musicians, she enjoys teaching a wide range of musical styles and abilities, helping every student build confidence, develop their skills and discover a lasting enjoyment of music.

GRAHAM LEWIS-JAMES

Brass, Woodwind, Piano, Keyboard & Drums Lessons

Graham Lewis-James studied at the Guildhall School of Music Junior Department and the Colchester Institute School of Music. With over 30 years of teaching experience, Graham has helped students of all ages and abilities develop their musical skills and confidence. Throughout his career, he has performed at many prestigious venues, including London’s Royal Albert Hall and the Royal Festival Hall. His wealth of performance and teaching experience enables him to deliver engaging, supportive lessons tailored to each student’s individual goals. Whether learning for enjoyment, improving technique or preparing for examinations, Graham is dedicated to helping every student reach their full musical potential.

BEX KENT

Brass, Woodwind, Piano, Banjo, Ukulele, Vocals & Double Bass Lessons

Bex has been teaching with the Allegro Music Academy for over 10 years, inspiring students with her enthusiasm and passion for music. She teaches singing, flute, saxophone, clarinet, ukulele, violin and double bass, welcoming students of all ages and abilities. A graduate of the London College of Music with a Bachelor of Music (Performance), Bex specialises in Opera and Classical music and has performed at prestigious venues including the Royal Albert Hall, Milan Cathedral, the BBC Proms and even the Statue of Liberty. Her engaging and supportive teaching style encourages every student to achieve their musical goals.

ANNETTE WARD

Piano, Keyboard & Musical Theory Lessons

Annette has been teaching with the Allegro Music Academy for over 30 years, inspiring students of all ages with her friendly, patient and engaging approach. Originally trained as a classical pianist, she has also become one of our most respected contemporary piano and keyboard tutors, teaching a wide variety of musical styles. With decades of experience, Annette understands that every student learns differently and takes pride in adapting her teaching to suit each individual’s needs. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced player looking to develop your skills, Annette’s supportive approach helps students build confidence and achieve their musical goals.

MICHAELA MYERS

Vocals, Violin & Piano Lessons

Michaela is a passionate and encouraging music teacher with a degree in Musical Theatre from the University Centre Colchester. Throughout her studies, she trained under a number of respected vocal coaches, developing a strong understanding of a variety of vocal techniques, including the internationally recognised Estill Voice Training method. Alongside her vocal expertise, Michaela has played both the violin and piano from a young age and enjoys introducing beginners to the violin. Her friendly, patient and supportive teaching style helps students of all ages build confidence, develop their musical ability and discover a lifelong enjoyment of music.

NATRAH AKIB

Piano, Keyboard, Violin, Viola & Guitar Lessons

Natrah is a highly experienced piano, violin and guitar teacher with over 30 years of teaching experience across schools, music academies and adult education. Since graduating from the West Sussex Institute in 1991, she has taught students of all ages and abilities while also working as a piano accompanist for ballet classes and school productions. An active orchestral musician, Natrah currently performs with the Southend Symphony Orchestra and enjoys encouraging students to perform and progress with their music. Her patient, supportive approach and personalised lesson plans help every student develop confidence, ability and a lifelong enjoyment of music.

JOSEPH REID

Drums, Guitar, Bass Guitar & Piano Lessons

Joe began playing the drums in 2008 and quickly developed a passion for music, going on to study Music Performance, Production and Composition at degree level. Under the guidance of renowned drummer Steevi Bacon, Joe developed the skills to perform with over 23 bands across the UK, playing a wide variety of musical styles at venues including the Cliffs Pavilion, Club Riga and The Underground in London. Proficient in drums, bass guitar and acoustic/electric guitar, Joe delivers fun, engaging lessons for all abilities, helping students develop strong technique, confidence and excellent all-round musicianship.

Instruments We Teach At The Allegro Music Academy...

Here at the Allegro Music Academy you can choose to learn from a wide range of instruments, as well as vocals and theory, no matter what your age or ability, our teachers are here to help