Welcome to My Music Lesson

Hi, my name is Marina Heywood Lieberman. I'm a classically trained pianist and have been playing piano since the age of 4. I studied piano in Russia, Germany, and America, receiving a Master of Music degree in piano performance and music teaching.

Performing on stage all over the world and teaching piano is my absolute passion. That's why my husband and I founded Music Teachers London in 2015. Here, we not only match students with the right teacher, but also collaborate with industry professionals and music labels.

Nurturing Young Talent

We spot young, promising musicians and guide them on their exciting journey throughout the music industry. Our involvement includes:

• Helping them prepare demos
• Getting ready for a showcase
• Assisting them to perform at their best in the unfamiliar environment of a recording studio

This can involve:

• Playing to a click
• Listening to criticism from the producer

We strive to help the labels collaborate with students and their families to withstand the pressure of the music industry.

Success Stories

Some of my students are performing in West End shows, while others are signed to a label as performers or publishers. Some are touring with bands or working for television. I also teach movie stars; for instance, my latest project was preparing Dame Maggie Smith for her role in the movie The Lady in the Van. This experience taught me that, regardless of age or experience, everyone can unlock their musical potential.

The Role of a Good Teacher

A good teacher should always be willing to show their student how to conquer the difficulties in a particular piece. This involves:

• Playing the piece
• Explaining it at a pace that is slow enough for the student to understand
• Aiming for the best performance

Of course, the chemistry between you and your teacher is essential.

A Memorable Performance

My most exciting performance was on BBC Asia. It happened while I was living in Germany and participating in a beauty contest. After winning Miss Talent, I was asked to play a nice piece on the piano in front of a camera team. Little did I know that it would be broadcasted to over a billion viewers on BBC Asia!

Since then, I have gone on to perform with orchestras like the Bavarian Symphony Orchestra and in renowned halls such as the Royal Albert Hall. I have had the pleasure of collaborating with music labels on various projects, the latest being with Alexis French, a contemporary composer.

Exploring Classical Crossover

For the past 10 years, I have been performing as a classical crossover pianist. I've developed my own style, combining classical grades with symphonic instrumentation and orchestrations. This fusion allows me to put a little part of myself into the music, incorporating elements of pop and rock as well.

For example, I recorded a version of "Apologize" and Madonna's "Frozen" on piano, adding orchestration to create the sound I envisioned. This not only inspires me but also encourages my students to understand that music we commonly listen to on YouTube or the radio can be reinterpreted in different contexts and on different instruments.

Rock School Syllabus

That is exactly where Rock School prepares students on piano. What I appreciate about the Rock School syllabus is the variety of genres the students get to explore throughout their grades.

You have a wide range of repertoire that includes:

• Rihanna
• Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody"
• Latin music
• Hard rock like "Hard to Handle"

This unique syllabus allows students to experiment with various techniques and musical styles before deciding what resonates with them.

Conclusion

I had great joy practicing and recording the pieces for you all, and I hope you enjoy practicing them as much as I did!