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.