Educator

Nichola runs a successful teaching practice in London and is in high demand as an educator.

Student focussed holistic learning or gleaning material from ABRSM or Trinity Examination boards working across the Classical, Jazz and Theory syllabi, it is not uncommon for students to arrive as beginners and leave at diploma level! Nichola’s students regularly perform at the annual ABRSM High Achievers Concert and her students have gained places and scholarships in some of the highest placed schools. Her students have also been successful in gaining places at the UK’s top universities and music conservatoires.

It is Nichola’s breadth of knowledge and experience of teaching which underpins a truly all-encompassing approach where every student is furnished with a clear set of skills and repertoire relevant to their needs.

Nichola has developed a truly indepth knowledge of the pedagogy and delivers this with a fresh approach to the music where she manages to integrate differing genres structuring a musical paths of pure discovery.

Nichola believes that learning an instrument develops and sustains incredibly beneficial habits in many areas of life and was thrilled to be approached by the Richmond Music Trust to be one of the first teachers in the UK to roll out the government’s nationwide Wider Opportunities initiative; a whole class project which gives all primary children the chance to play an instrument as an integral part of National Curriculum music lessons. Nichola founded the woodwind programme with KS2 schools across the borough.

Nichola is a pioneering online educator who coaches students worldwide. Working from her bespoke music studio, Nichola uses multiple cameras, microphones, and screens to effectively and successfully teach students. The first full year of online tuition saw students achieving their ABRSM Performance Grades – a whole new way of teaching and learning. All kudos and credit to the students for managing a pandemic!

Consultation Lessons

Consultation lessons are ideal for any student who wants a general analysis of where they are with their playing and what they need to do to get to the next level. Often, students hoping to audition at a music college or attain a scholarship will come to Nichola for a consultation lesson.

"Nichola is an extraordinary teacher. She unravels the knots between what your mind wants you to do and what your fingers actually do. She’s rigorous and super-encouraging. I’ve made so much progress, thank you Nichola."

"Nichola is one of the best teachers I have ever had - deeply knowledgeable and with a great teacher's empathy for where you are and where you want to go. Learning a musical instrument is always a challenge, and Nichola makes you feel that you can do it."

"Arabella was lucky enough to start learning the Piano with Nichola when she turned six. We were very proud when she passed her first ABRSM exam. We realise that teachers have a great influence on young minds and thank Nichola for her wonderful patience, professionalism and inspiration - both virtually and in person."

"I count myself very fortunate to be a pupil of Nichola Pope. Her knowledge and enthusiasm are just what is needed, whatever skill level you have. Her solid musical background allows her to answer most if not all the questions that might arise along the journey and being a working Professional Musician means that she is up to speed with the real World. I play Tenor but Nichola plays all the different type of Saxophone and she can also accompany me on Piano. She also knows Jazz and Classical Theory like the back of her hand. In addition to all that, although focused, she keeps it fun. What more could you ask?"

"I came to Nichola with no musical experience at all. What a superb teacher! Whilst lessons are clearly structured and there is real challenge in the attention to detail, what underlies it all is the sheer joy of making music. Ever patient, ever good humoured, Nichola’s support for my musical progress has been fantastic. I am privileged to have a teacher of such calibre and with such a wealth of knowledge. Thank you."

"Nichola is a music teacher far better than most. As well as an incredible musician. She tailors her lessons for the individual pupil and teaches in a way that is understandable and fun. She goes the extra mile for her students to make sure they reach the standard they want to in a reasonable time. Having had previous music teachers over the years that only teach in their own way, I find Nichola’s approach refreshing and helpful."

"Nichola always goes above and beyond for her students. With all her encouragement I've managed to progress from being a 50-year old beginner, to starting the syllabus for a Grade 8 jazz saxophone exam."

"I am a piano student of Nichola’s in my 50s’. Although I had lessons as a child, I didn’t make any progress and years later as a grown up, regretted not being able to play. Nichola has been an absolutely brilliant teacher for me and is a joy and delight to spend time with every week. She has always been patient and encouraging right from the beginning, but stretching and challenging me week on week to improve. I have learned so much from Nichola and I am now starting my grade 4 studies. If I had had a teacher like Nichola when I was a teenager, I don’t think I would have found piano practice boring but that would have been a different story…."

"Nichola has given our daughter wonderful, bespoke, fun, accessible teaching and encouraged her to enjoy the journey of learning to play the piano. We have never encountered a more vibrant, inspirational and generally day-brightening music teacher."

"Nichola has been a brilliant saxophone teacher for me. I started playing a couple of years ago with only a childhood background in piano playing. After encouragement from Nichola, I decided to do some grade. Last year I achieved a Distinction at Grade 1 and despite lockdown, I received a Merit in my Grade 2 exam. The lessons are fun and full of energy which keeps pushing me forward. Thanks for everything Nichola. You're amazing."

"Nichola has been teaching myself and my children for the last 10 years. She is an absolutely fantastic teacher and I would recommend her whole heartedly for either an Adult learning for the first time, or wishing to continue their musical progression, or equally for a child embarking on their musical journey. She is extremely patient and always positive and tries to understand how each individual student learns and tailors her teaching style accordingly. Nichola is a performing musician but clearly has a passion for teaching and passing on her skills and knowledge."

"When we moved to Dorking 2 years ago, I was looking for a piano teacher for my then 13-year-old son Jack. He had been taking lessons for a couple of years in the states and was keen to continue. From the very first email exchanges I was impressed with Nichola’s friendly and professional manner. Fast forward two years and all I can express is a huge debt of gratitude. Nichola is a wonderful teacher. She is passionate about music, and her enthusiasm coupled with her great sense of humour inspires Jack week after week. Jack has made rapid progress and is playing ever more challenging pieces. His technique is improving, and he is determined to pass ABRSM grade 8 in the next few years (he is currently preparing for grade 6). Nichola encourages her students to be ambitious and hard-working. Jack did not enjoy studying music theory and was making his way through the graded theory workbooks in a desultory fashion. When Nichola suggested she enter him for his grade 5 theory exam in just 6 weeks’ time Jack agreed, and his attitude transformed. The fear of the impending deadline focused his mind, and the next 5 face-to-face lessons were all spent studying music theory. He gained a distinction which in a large part was down to Nichola’s dedication. Nichola was quick to adapt to the constraints of Covid-19, offering effective online lessons throughout both national lockdowns, and covid-safe lessons when it was possible to resume face-to-face lessons."

"Nichola has been teaching our daughter, Freya, piano for the last 2 years. Nichola is always full of enthusiasm. Freya has made a good progress and has passed her Grade 2 exam recently. We would definitely recommend her."