Background

Erin has always been passionate about excelling in every aspect of piano playing that she puts my mind to, and playing for ballet has been no exception. She was fortunate on graduating from Trinity College of Music in 2008 to be taken on as a ballet pianist by Vivienne Saxton (ISTD chairman & examiner). Vivienne cultivated her keen interest to learn and develop the unique skills required of a ballet pianist; from how the accompaniment is phrased and shaped according to the dancer’s movements to how it will vary according to each individual dancer’s physical capabilities, height, gender, age and experience.

Professional Development

As well as taking the opportunity to observe other highly skilled and experienced ballet pianists in the business, she has also attended the weekly adult amateur ballet classes held at Central Ballet School to further develop her understanding of how her playing can support and enhance dancers by allowing her to physically understand the qualities of the different types of movement and steps used in ballet.

Repertoire

She continues to develop and expand the already existing large repertoire of pieces she has assembled over time to accompany every type of ballet exercise and class. This includes not only classical style pieces, but music from a variety of genres including jazz, musical theatre, pop, TV and film, which the students seem motivated and enthused by and which give the class a positive, inspirational and energised atmosphere in which to work.

Employment History

Having previously worked for The Centre Performing Arts College, Margaret Howards Theatre College and Lewisham College, she has now been working at Bird College since 2017 and provides cover on an ad hoc basis for Performers College.

Exams

She is familiar with both the grade and vocational syllabuses from pre-primary to Advanced 2 and has on going experience of accompanying for exams, including DDE teaching examinations. Schools at which she has more recently undertaken exam accompaniment work includes: The Sue Nieto Theatre School, Leanne Edwards School of Theatre Arts, The Studios nr Sevenoaks, Just Dance nr Tunbridge Wells, West Wimbledon Dance Academy and DDA Performing Arts.

Other Experience

In addition, she has relished the various opportunities to play for The Royal Academy of Dance Repertoire workshops as well as for ISTD organised events at the ISTD2 Dance Studios including Junior Scholars Day and the London Teacher’s Group Lectures.

If you are interested in employing her as a pianist for your classes, exams, workshop or event or wish to discuss further please get in touch via the contacts page of the website.