Testimonials Joanna Marie Skillett LRAM, BMus (Hons)

Emily, Singing Student
I started learning with Joanna in 2009 having come from a Musical Theatre based teacher. My plan was to audition for music colleges to study Classical singing. Joanna worked on lots of repertoire, technique, language and general performance study with me ensuring I was capable in all aspects of Classical singing. I was fortunate to secure a place on the Undergraduate Degree Course at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, which I know wouldn’t have been possible without the support and teaching of Jo & I extremely thankful!

Hannah, Singing student
Over the past 6years that I have been singing with Joanna, I feel as my voice has grown, I have grown as a person. Joanna told me about the National Youth Choir, and about how the experience I could gain from just auditioning would be useful to me. I am now successfully a member of the National Youth Girl's Choir South, which wouldn't have been possible without the help, knowledge and guidance of Joanna. I have also acheived high marks in Grades 1 - 7 ABRSM singing exams. The technique and the way in which I sing has all been developed over the years under the guidance of Joanna. I have now been accepted to The Royal Academy of Music Junior Academy Department and I feel that the knowledge I have gained, and continue to gain, will be helpful for me to use through my life.

Mia, Piano Student
I like my piano lessons because if I don't understand something the first time, Joanna will patiently explain it again and again to me until I do understand it. I would feel sad and disappinted if Joanna wasn't my teacher anymore. I love having Joanna as my piano teacher because she is always happy and kind, but always pays special attention to how I am improving my piano playing.

Sue, (mum of piano student Mia)
Jo has been teaching Mia since she was about 5 (she is now 11). Mia loved her from the very first lesson and that adoration has never faltered. Mia has never once not wanted to attend a lesson and always goes in skipping and comes out skipping and smiling - which makes me smile too! Jo has got a really good way of making lessons fun without losing sight of what the objectives are for that week's lesson. We are so happy for Mia to continue learning piano with Jo for as long as possible. If the piano teacher wasn't Jo - we are not sure how long these lesson would have last.

Ellie - Piano Student
Jo has taught me for four years and helped me through passing grades and understanding music. I enjoy lessons with her; Jo helped me when I started to find music and doing grades in the piano a bit boring, so we took a break and then I learnt how to read music easier and fully understand the piece. I now am doing Grade 5 and enjoy it very much. Taking a break from grades has helped me to find enthusiasm for music even more. :)