Layston Music Talena Cuthbert

I’ve been teaching, performing and writing music for over 25 years.

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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.

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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:

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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.

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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.

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Tailored, Supportive Teaching
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Every student is different — and no two lessons look exactly the same.

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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.

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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.

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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.