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Welcome from the Directors
About the Piano Academy of Ireland
The Piano Academy of Ireland plays a significant role in the expansion and advancement of Ireland’s pianistic educational programme contributing to society as it enables students of all ages, levels and abilities to allow music to play an important role in their lives.
With a proud passion for teaching of more than 12 years as a source of quality and excellence in musical pedagogy, our continued inspiration is found in our students from all corners of Dublin and beyond and in the commitment, energy and expertise of our teachers.
We are deeply dedicated, through music education, performance and appreciation, to inspiring and motivating students of all ages, enabling them to shine through music and in turn contribute to humanity.
With teachers to cater for everyone and their needs, there is a place for all to explore this beautiful instrument.
Please browse through our website and learn more about the school, how it came about and what we can offer you. We would be very pleased to answer any questions that are not answered here so please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Rhona Gouldson, Director
18 Terenure Road East
Rathgar
Dublin 6
Tel: 01 497 2333
With a proud passion for teaching of more than 12 years as a source of quality and excellence in musical pedagogy, our continued inspiration is found in our students from all corners of Dublin and beyond and in the commitment, energy and expertise of our teachers.
We are deeply dedicated, through music education, performance and appreciation, to inspiring and motivating students of all ages, enabling them to shine through music and in turn contribute to humanity.
With teachers to cater for everyone and their needs, there is a place for all to explore this beautiful instrument.
Please browse through our website and learn more about the school, how it came about and what we can offer you. We would be very pleased to answer any questions that are not answered here so please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Rhona Gouldson, Director
18 Terenure Road East
Rathgar
Dublin 6
Tel: 01 497 2333
“I have always been passionate about the piano and after 12 years of teaching and adhering to rigid syllabi and curriculum, I felt the need to try to make the piano more accessible to all people, young and old and not just a select few that pass a stiff audition,” says Rhona. “The reality is, most people will never make a career out of the piano but would love to have an understanding of music and be able to enjoy the piano and play at whatever level they can.”
In 2006 to keep up with the demands of wanting students, two new teachers came on board and so Rathgar Piano evolved. “At Rathgar Piano, we determine the student’s level of interest and willingness to learn but we are not necessarily interested in assessing a person’s degree of talent before deciding if they are ‘teachable’, says Rhona. “I believe that all people are born musical and that the piano offers the player an incredible diversity of sound which is a wonderful channel for expressing a wide range of emotions, enabling us to become more harmonious within the world in which we live. One must try, at the times when we get particularly caught up in the competitive world, to come back to this. Music in its pure form and doing what it is meant to do.”
Rhona jointly runs the school, now known as the Piano Academy of Ireland, with her husband, American pianist Archie Chen.