February 7, 2017

About the Author: Stefan Joubert

Stefan Joubert manages the London Piano Institute, a premier destination for adult piano learners seeking individualised instruction and progress towards their musical goals. He believes anyone can learn to play regardless of age or ability!

An interview with our master piano instructor Celine Gaurier-Joubert

Whether you are entering the world of piano playing later on in life, or if you played the instrument as a child, everyone will have had a particular moment that inspired them to choose the ivory keys over the whole host of other pastimes available to them. For Celine, piano playing was a common practice in the family, leading to an innate talent and underlying creative motivation. Here we find out more about Celine, and her personal introduction to the art of piano playing, and beyond!

Your bio states you began playing the piano at age four – what inspired you to take it up?

I can’t really say…it was just an internal inspiration. My father and mother, both keen amateurs, encouraged me and I just realised that I actually want to play too! I was also hugely inspired by Chopin’s first concerto and the sound just drove me to start taking it seriously, so I asked for lessons and the rest was history.

What was the experience of studying under Edson Elias like?

It was life-changing. Edson Elias was such a beautiful human being and he gave us much more than just piano techniques. He gave us love and life as well as an understanding of music that I have never seen before. He would always sing in each lesson and his voice helped us understand the importance of the phrases as well as how to interpret and play the piano musically. He was simply out-of-this-world!

What would you say is your proudest moment?

I am not really ‘proud’ of anything, other than to that fact that I keep trying to become the best I can be.

What are some of your favourite pieces to play?

The most modern works such as Schoenberg, Stockhausen, Messiaen, Berg

What do you enjoy most about teaching piano?

Meeting amazing people!

What advice would you give to aspiring pianists?

Don’t give up, don’t give up, don’t give up.

It’s never too old to discover the life-enriching benefits that playing the piano can bring. Even if, unlike Celine, you weren’t exposed to the instrument as a child, we can help you take your first steps into the art of piano playing, no matter the age, at the Piano Institute.

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