"I had a great experience working with Ann for my cello exam."
Gwenlliw, (17yrs), Rhiwbina, Cardiff
"She is very good at introducing music to play that suits my tastes and abilities, and engages as much with matters of musicality and interpretation as those of technique."
Chris (mid 40s), Newport, South Wales
"Ann is simply an exceptional piano teacher."
Clare, Head of Piano, Marlborough College
"Ann instilled a love of the instrument and appreciation for classical music which I have taken with me into adulthood."
Jack, Bristol
"Ann’s ability to make lessons both fun and educational make her a wonderful teacher for kids."
Rajeev, Sahaana’s Dad, Llandaff, Cardiff
"Ann is really kind and she explained things really well."
Hannah (13 yrs), Whitchurch, Cardiff
"Her teaching style is warm, structured, and encouraging."
Dr Gavin (40yrs), Victoria Park, Cardiff
"Ann Grayburn is not just a teacher; she is a mentor, a guide, and a beacon of inspiration."
Edward, Head of Music
"Ann's enthusiasm and passion for all things musical continue to inspire those fortunate enough to study with her."
Philip, Artistic Director, Marlborough College
"Ann was my piano accompanist for my grade 1 and 2 oboe exams."
Charlie (10yrs), Cyncoed, Cardiff
"We hope to have her help for the next exam and wouldn't hesitate to recommend her to others."
Hannah's mum, Whitchurch, Cardiff
"She is very skilled and knowledgable in a wide range of genres and is incredibly patient and encouraging."
Will (30ys), Pontcanna, Cardiff
"Ann's teaching style is a wonderful blend of professionalism and empathy."
Osian (16yrs), Vale of Glamorgan, Wales
"I love playing the piano with Ms Grayburn. She is very kind and patient."
Sahaana (5yrs)
Llandaff, Cardiff
"I really enjoy my lessons with Ann.
I think that’s she is an amazing teacher and I always learn new things every lesson."
Isabella Campana, (15yrs)
Penylan, Cardiff
"I had a great experience working with Ann for my cello exam. She stepped in just a week before and was fantastic. The performance went really well and I really enjoyed playing with her. Highly recommended!"
Gwenlliw Tilsley, (17yrs)
Rhiwbina, Cardiff. Grade 7 cello
"I started having lessons with Ann last year as a returning learner in middle age having played the piano and other instruments as a child/teenager. I find her very receptive both to my former musical experience from many years ago and to the frustrations I have in finding myself unable to play to the standard I feel I once could!
She is very good at introducing music to play that suits my tastes and abilities, and engages as much with matters of musicality and interpretation as those of technique. On the latter she is skilled both at selecting exercises and at honing in on the technique it calls for, even over just a few or even a single note.
Her music room is ideal, with both a large Yamaha grand piano which I love playing and am very jealous of, and an upright piano, situated in such a way that she can easily use it for demonstration purposes and to play duets and the like. The room enjoys plenty of natural light, looking out onto a peaceful residential street. Parking is no problem, and Ann has been very flexible with lesson times, which is invaluable to me as a shift worker.
I greatly enjoy not only the content of my lessons with Ann but also her company. We share a love of our respective cats as well as coffee, and I enjoy looking around her beautiful garden. She introduced me to a monthly piano group, providing both informal performance/sharing opportunities and fellow adult piano enthusiasts, which is great given how solitary the piano can be as an instrument! I have also attended concerts and other social occasions with Ann which is always delightful.
I have no hesitation in recommending Ann to anyone seeking a skilled, thoughtful piano teacher."
Chris Gomez (mid 40s)
Newport, South Wales
"Ann is simply an exceptional piano teacher. In my time as Head of piano at Marlborough College, I have not come across another teacher so dedicated to their task. She treats every student as an individual and searches deeply to find the musical styles that will inspire, stretch and consolidate each student’s musical journey. She is equally at home with beginners as she is with very advanced pupils and has an enormous knowledge of repertoire.
If you want to progress, learn about music and enjoy acquiring the skills to play the piano for the rest of your life, I cannot recommend her highly enough."
Clare Toomer
Head of Piano at Marlborough College, , Wiltshire
"I cannot recommend Ann Grayburn highly enough as a piano teacher. She is incredibly talented and possesses a deep understanding of music. Before I started lessons with Ann, I had been stuck at grade 6 for years, feeling frustrated and unsure of how to progress. Ann's ability to understand and address my specific musical challenges was remarkable, and she customised her lessons perfectly to meet my needs. Ann's teaching style is a wonderful blend of professionalism and empathy. She is always kind and encouraging, creating a supportive learning environment that boosted my confidence. After only eighteen months' tuition, I passed my grade 8 piano exam with a high mark!
Learning with Ann has been transformative. As well as helping me with the practical examination, she supported me through my aural exams with ABRSM and also accompanied me in my grade 8 saxophone exam, providing excellent support and enhancing my performance. She is a first-class teacher who inspires a love for music and pushes her students to achieve their best. If you're looking for a piano teacher who will help you reach new heights, Ann Grayburn is the one."
Osian 16yrs
Vale of Glamorgan, Wales
"Ann taught me from the age of thirteen through to eighteen helping me progress from around ABRSM Grade 2 through to Grade 8 piano. Ann is extremely kind and patient and is very good at assessing a student’s abilities and adjusting lessons accordingly. I was never very confident in my ability to sight-read music and Ann helped me to go from failing every sight-reading test I sat previously to passing sight-reading at Grade 8. Ann has a wealth of musical knowledge and covered all sides of my musical education, including music theory and proper technique, which allowed me to access and play more difficult pieces as we progressed through the grades. In addition to these technical foundations, Ann instilled a love of the instrument and appreciation for classical music which I have taken with me into adulthood. I would highly recommend Ann as a teacher to anyone looking to get the most out of being a musician."
Jack
Bristol
"Ann has been teaching our daughter piano for the past year, and her skills and confidence have grown tremendously. Ann’s ability to make lessons both fun and educational make her a wonderful teacher for kids."
Rajeev, Sahaana’s Dad
Llandaff, Cardiff
"Ann was my piano accompanist for my grade 1 and 2 oboe exams. She was very kind and encouraging and gave me tips to improve my playing. I found her very supportive and enjoyed playing with her. She helped me pass with merits both times."
Charlie (10yrs)
Cyncoed, Cardiff
"Ann is really kind and she explained things really well. She encouraged me and helped me to get a good result in my oboe grade 4 exam. She made me feel welcome in the practise session and helped me correct rhythmic mistakes. On the exam day Ann was cheerful and helped me to relax."
Hannah (13 yrs)
Whitchurch, Cardiff. Grade 4 oboe
"Ann always responded quickly to requests and was very friendly and welcoming. We really enjoyed meeting her and she quickly put Hannah at ease. We hope to have her help for the next exam and wouldn't hesitate to recommend her to others."
Hannah's mum
Whitchurch, Cardiff
"As a 40-year-old beginner with a young child, and a demanding and often unpredictable work schedule, I wasn’t sure if learning the piano would be feasible at this point in my life. Ann, however, has made the experience not only possible, but genuinely enjoyable too!
Ann is proactive in helping to find times that fit around my ever-shifting personal and work commitments, and never makes me feel pressured or behind if life has gotten in the way of practice for a week (or two!). That level of support has made a huge difference in keeping me motivated and consistent.
Her teaching style is warm, structured, and encouraging; and she is great at breaking down concepts in a way that makes sense. She is always patient, positive, and respectful of the fact that I’m learning at my own pace; whether we’re working on fundamentals, technique, sight reading, or just building confidence - each lesson feels productive and tailored to my goals.
If you’re an adult beginner who’s juggling work and life but still wants to pursue music, I can’t recommend Ann highly enough. She makes it all feel manageable—and even more importantly, rewarding."
Dr Gavin King (40yrs)
Victoria Park, Cardiff
"Ann is a fantastic teacher. She is very skilled and knowledgable in a wide range of genres and is incredibly patient and encouraging. Her pianos are also fanatic quality, and if you’re very lucky you may even get a tour of her wonderful garden - I would certainly recommend her services if you are looking for a music tutor."
Will Ashfield (30yrs)
Pontcanna, Cardiff
"I am delighted to write this testimonial for Ann Grayburn, who was both my school music teacher and my piano instructor. Ann played a pivotal role in shaping my musical journey and inspiring my lifelong love for learning and teaching music. Her exceptional teaching methods and unwavering dedication were instrumental in my development, both as a student and as a professional.
Under Ann's guidance, I developed my sight-reading skills, which laid a strong foundation for my musical education. Her patient and methodical approach made learning enjoyable and accessible. Ann's enthusiasm for Western Classical Music was infectious, and she introduced me to a vast repertoire that broadened my musical horizons and deepened my appreciation for the art form.
When I was at school, Ann’s commitment to nurturing her students' talents was evident in her creation of tailored ensembles that catered to our individual needs. She recognized my potential early on and provided me with numerous opportunities to grow and excel. Her encouragement and support were crucial in my decision to pursue a career in music, and I am forever grateful for her belief in me.
Thanks to Ann's inspirational teaching during my formative years, I have had the privilege of working as a Director of Music at several outstanding schools across the UK, South America, and Asia. Her influence is deeply embedded in my teaching philosophy, and I strive to instil the same passion and love for music in my students that she instilled in me.
Ann Grayburn is not just a teacher; she is a mentor, a guide, and a beacon of inspiration. Her impact on my life and career is immeasurable, and I am honoured to have been one of her students. Ann's legacy continues through the countless lives she has touched, and I am proud to be part of that legacy."
Edward Jefferies
Head of MusicHead of Music, Senior School NLCS (Singapore)
"Ann Grayburn is a highly distinguished and eminent teacher of piano.
I have witnessed this both at Wells Cathedral School (Government appointed specialist music school), and at Marlborough College, where so many young musicians have flourished under her expert tuition.
Ann's enthusiasm and passion for all things musical continue to inspire those fortunate enough to study with her."
Philip Dukes FGSM; Hon ARAM
Artistic Director, Marlborough College