Piano lessons in Cambridge

Yi Tong is a pianist and piano teacher from Malaysia. He completed his undergraduates degree with first class honours studying with Graham Caskie at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in 2021. With an entrance scholarship, he recently graduated from the Royal Northern College of Music Master’s degree with a Distinction in performance under tutelage of Colin Stone. Yi Tong was the winner in the Eric Hodges Beethoven Prize in 2021. In the Appelbe Piano Prize in the North London Music Festival, he was highly commended by adjudicator James Kirby and Virginia Black in 2018 and 2019 respectively. He has also performed in several places including the Buxton United Reformed Church, Church of Saint Edwards and Newport Cathedral during his studies. Whilst pursuing his degree in Cardiff, Yi Tong also started his teaching career in 2018.  He continued teaching as he moved to Manchester, as well as Malaysia whenever he returns. He especially enjoys working with students on deepening their musical understanding and appreciation. Music Qualifications & Achievements: Bachelor of Music with Honours (First class) Master of Music (Distinction)

Qualifications: BMus (Hons) Music - RNCM, Grade 8 Singing, Grade 8 Piano, Grade 8 Trumpet

I’ve been teaching, performing and writing music for over 25 years. ​ Music has always been central to my life — not just as a skill, but as a way of connecting, expressing and building confidence. Layston Music grew from a desire to share that experience in a way that feels supportive, inclusive and genuinely life-enhancing. I hold formal music qualifications and have worked professionally as a singer and songwriter alongside my teaching career. ​ Over the past two decades, I’ve taught hundreds of students of all ages — from young beginners to developing performers — supporting them through exams, performances, auditions and personal creative growth. My experience as a working musician informs everything I teach. Technique matters — but so does expression, confidence and enjoyment. Alongside my music career, I have over 10 years of experience working with neurodivergent children and adults. I understand that no two learners are the same. My teaching approach is flexible, patient and responsive — creating lessons that feel structured yet calm, encouraging yet appropriately challenging.  I believe: ​ Music education should build confidence, not pressure.Singing should feel liberating, not intimidating.Creativity belongs to everyone.Community matters. Whether in a one-to-one lesson or a room full of voices, my aim is always to create a space where people feel safe enough to grow. Professional Experience & Approach With over 20 years of teaching experience, my work spans piano and singing lessons, specialist vocal coaching and community singing leadership. ​ I’ve worked with hundreds of students — from young beginners to experienced performers — supporting musical development in a way that builds both skill and confidence. My background as a professional singer and songwriter deeply informs how I teach: technique matters, but so do expression, creativity and enjoyment. ​​ Tailored, Supportive Teaching ​ Every student is different — and no two lessons look exactly the same. ​ I create structured, encouraging learning environments where students can progress at a steady pace while feeling safe to explore and grow. Whether preparing for exams, developing performance skills or learning purely for enjoyment, lessons are adapted to suit the individual. For over a decade, I have worked extensively with neurodivergent children and adults, as well as those experiencing anxiety and mental health challenges. This experience has shaped a calm, flexible and empathetic teaching style that prioritises wellbeing alongside progress. ​ Vocal Coaching & Creative Development Alongside children’s lessons, I work with teens and adults developing their voice more deeply — supporting healthy vocal technique, performance confidence, songwriting and artistic identity. My approach combines professional vocal training with real-world experience as a working musician, offering guidance that is both technically sound and creatively empowering. ​​ ​ Community & Connection In recent years, my work has expanded into community singing through The Singing Circle — creating welcoming spaces where adults can reconnect with their voice, sing in harmony and experience the powerful wellbeing benefits of shared music-making. Whether teaching one-to-one or leading a room full of voices, my aim is always the same: To create a space where people feel confident, supported and inspired through music.

I’m Talena, a professional Vocal Coach, Singing and Piano Teacher with more than 20 years’ experience helping children, adults and professional musicians develop their skills, confidence and enjoyment of music. I run Layston Music and teach from my home studio near Royston, on the Cambridgeshire/Hertfordshire border, as well as offering online lessons. My teaching is friendly, supportive and tailored to the individual. I work with complete beginners through to experienced musicians, and lessons can be structured towards exams and qualifications or simply around the music and skills you would genuinely like to learn. Singing Lessons & Vocal Coaching As a Vocal Coach, I specialise in developing strong, reliable vocal technique – particularly for singers who perform regularly, gig, record or tour. I work with singers across pop, rock, alternative, musical theatre and contemporary styles, helping them understand how their voice works and how to use it confidently and sustainably. Vocal lessons may include breath management, resonance and placement, vocal registers, bridging, range development, stamina, projection, agility, belt, stylistic choices, performance preparation and vocal health. For experienced performers, we can also look at set pacing, managing vocal fatigue, preparing for gigs or recording sessions, and building a technique that works consistently under pressure. You do not need to be a professional singer to benefit from good technique, though! I also love working with people who have always wanted to sing but perhaps lack confidence, have been told in the past that they “can’t sing”, or simply want a supportive place to explore their voice. Piano & Musicianship Lessons My piano teaching combines learning to play music with developing a broader understanding of musicianship. Depending on the student, lessons might include reading notation, chords, scales, rhythm, aural skills, improvisation, music theory, songwriting and understanding how music is put together. I teach beginners through to more advanced students and can support learners working towards RSL Rockschool examinations. However, exams are always a choice rather than the sole purpose of learning. For some students, working towards a grade provides fantastic motivation; for others, learning favourite songs, composing music or developing confidence at the piano is much more valuable. I want students to become musicians rather than simply learning how to reproduce pieces for an exam. Children, Young People & Neurodiversity A large part of my work involves supporting children and young people, including students with autism, ADHD, anxiety, SEND and other additional needs. Music lessons do not have to look the same for everybody. I take time to understand how each student learns, communicates and processes information, and lessons can be adapted accordingly. Some students thrive with a clear structure and measurable goals; others need more flexibility, creativity, movement or time to explore. Alongside musical development, lessons can help young people build confidence, independence, self-expression and a positive relationship with learning. I particularly enjoy using singing, piano, songwriting and creative music-making to give students a safe way to express themselves. Parents are very welcome to be part of the learning process where this helps their child feel comfortable and supported. Qualifications & Experience My background includes an MA in Vocal Performance, a First-Class BA (Hons), Grade 8 qualifications in both Singing and Piano, and extensive experience teaching and coaching musicians of different ages and abilities. Over the years I have worked in private tuition, music education and professional vocal coaching, including working with singers preparing for performances, recording and touring. I have also worked extensively with children and young people with SEND and mental health difficulties. I regularly prepare students for RSL Rockschool examinations in both singing and piano, while also supporting students who prefer a non-exam route. What Are Lessons Like? There is no one-size-fits-all Layston Music lesson. Your lessons might involve: Singing and vocal technique Piano and keyboard skills Music reading and notation Music theory Chords and harmony Aural skills Rhythm and timing Improvisation Songwriting and composition Performance skills Exam preparation Audition or gig preparation Building practice strategies Developing musical confidence Most importantly, I want students to understand why something works rather than simply being told what to do. Whether you are looking for your child’s first music teacher, returning to music after many years away, preparing for a Rockschool exam, or you are an experienced singer wanting a more dependable technique for performing and touring, lessons are built around where you are now and where you would like your music to take you. Music should challenge us, but it should also be something we look forward to. My aim is to create a relaxed, encouraging environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, trying things, making mistakes and gradually becoming confident, independent musicians.