About
Jennifer King OAM – Music Teacher
“It doesn’t matter who you are, music should be fun and accessible and should be taught properly. Everybody’s different and their learning styles are unique, so it’s vital to adapt teaching styles for the individual.
All my students feel good about themselves. We celebrate their wins and work through difficulties with a variety of teaching strategies and techniques to help the individual.”
– Jennifer King
“It doesn’t matter who you are, music should be fun and accessible and should be taught properly. Everybody’s different and their learning styles are unique, so it’s vital to adapt teaching styles for the individual.
All my students feel good about themselves. We celebrate their wins and work through difficulties with a variety of teaching strategies and techniques to help the individual.”
– Jennifer King
“The inspired teacher is one who sheds light upon the way that leads their student to a greater realisation of self, and there is perhaps no other art more revealing by which such knowledge of self can be so beautifully achieved. Yet, to do this, the teacher must first have within themselves such a light, and the light is one of Love. Jennifer King is such a teacher. She guides her students with a gentle hand and a humble heart, that together the joy of Music and creativity serves as its own reward.”
Teaching Philosophy
My teaching philosophy is about discerning the different learning styles of each student and developing a love of music. As a music educator I think it is important to challenge one’s student, especially the gifted and talented, so they are extended and thus enriched. I aim to introduce, and/or build on their knowledge and broaden their understanding of the many and varied aspects of music and above all to discover the composer’s intent.
Developing your own personal goals.
No matter what the student’s age, skill or experience of music, all lessons should be about the joy of music and music making. Fundamental to this, is an understanding how the music works (its structure, melodic development, harmony, genre and style).
All my piano students understand the importance of technique. The development of a good technique enables them to develop a sensitive and expressive performance interpretation. Awareness of appropriate weight and touch allows students to realize a specific period and style. This skill is only achieved through an appreciation of the composer’s intent, and this is only possible through understanding the music. Such understanding is achieved by developing a knowledge of the composer, their style, terminology, harmonic language and thematic development.
The skill of analysis underpins a successful understanding of music.
This understanding informs any performance and ensures an engaging communication of the music being performed. It is vital in preparing for all performance examinations, especially for advanced grades, Eisteddfods, Diploma recitals or HSC Music examinations.
“Jennifer taught me how to think critically about the music I was studying, and to always ask “why”. ‘Why did the composer do this? Why did the performed play it this way? Why is this significant, given the context of when/where the work was composed?’
– Chloe Tefas, student at UNSW (B.Mus (Hons)/ B.Ed (Secondary))
“What makes Jennifer King an exceptional music teacher is her absolute passion and dedication for the art of learning. Her naturally enquiring mind and thirst for knowledge make for the most engaging lesson times. Jennifer is as much a mentor to me today as she was all those years ago when she first opened my ears and my mind to the sound of classical music.”
– Deborah Cheetham AO, soprano, composer and Artistic Director of Short Black Opera.
Specialist Music Teacher, Focussing In:
HSC Music Tutoring
As a retired but highly experienced HSC Marker and Senior Marker (of over 20 years) and cowriter of the current Music Syllabus (Music 1, Music 2 and Extension Courses), I am able to ensure each student is thoroughly prepared for all aspects of the Preliminary and HSC Music assessments and examinations.
HSC Composition and Musicology
Composition is one of my passions in music. It is wonderful when students discover the fun and satisfaction of composing. My students consistently gain high grades in their compositions.
Music Theory Lessons
Preparation for Theory Exams. Especially advanced Music Theory levels – AMEB and Trinity.
Tertiary Music Degree Mentoring and Support
Music Degree entry exams and recitals for Bachelor of Music (BMus), Bachelor of Music Education (BMusEd), Honours, Masters in Music (MMus), Doctorate in Music /PhD in Music.
General Knowledge for Instrumental Exams
Preparation of AMEB General Knowledge for any instrument/voice and Program Notes for Trinity exams. Specialising in advanced levels (all exam systems)
Piano Lessons
All levels AMEB and Trinity systems – Specialising in advanced piano levels.
Inspiring Generations of Musicians and Music Professionals
Many of my students are now musicians holding prestigious position here and abroad.
“Jennifer was my high school music teacher from year 7-12 and even though forty years have passed since then, we have kept in contact … I have worked as a professional musician for many years and during that time had the good fortune to be influenced by great teachers without whom I would not be the musician I am today. Jennifer is certainly one of those teachers.“
Need Advanced Music Mentoring?
If you would like more information about HSC Music Tutoring, holiday lessons, or would like to go on my waiting list, please contact me – just follow the link below!
I am also available for music performance preparation, school HSC music workshops and music teacher mentoring, trial HSC performance assessing, composition advice and marking, Eisteddfod adjudication, and one-off lessons for specific music assignments, composition, thesis proposals and proofreading for university music degrees.