MEET THE TEAM
Biographies and Qualifications
DR SEÁN CAROLAN
Ph.d., M.Ed., BA(Hons)., PGCE.
I am the owner of the Birmingham Piano and Music Studio. I did my Music degree at University of Liverpool, studying piano with David Walters, organ with the renowned Noel Rawsthorne, composition with Steve Pratt and Music Education. I gained the Sue Willis Memorial Prize for Performance whilst there and went on to teach music throughout the Northwest. I've taught Key Stage One through to A Level Music and was Music Co-Ordinator for several School Clusters in Birmingham. A year in Mexico City in the mid 1990's allowed me to participate in some collaborative work with schools and Orchestras. Upon returning to the UK, I gained a Master's and Ph.D, in Education. In addition to this, I've taught and lectured Composition and Musical Theory for Sandwell and Birmingham Education Authorities.
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I've taught piano locally in the Birmingham area, as well as in schools and colleges. I've been teaching for more years than I'd like to admit and am proud to have had students who had their first piano lesson with me and have gone on to University to study music themselves. I am primarily a Music Practitioner with an emphasis on performance and general Music education.
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During my 35 years of teaching, I am delighted to say I have a 100% success rate with students being entered for ABRSM examinations. The key to success is regular practice, performance opportunities and relying on the advice of an experienced teacher, I also successfully applied and became a part of ABRSM's examining panel. The ABRSM is the gold standard in music assessment Worldwide and has a rich history and excellent reputation. Examining has allowed me to travel extensively throughout the UK, as well as to Hong Kong and recently examining in China.
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Being up to date with current developments and national standards, myself and indeed all teachers at the Birmingham Piano & Music Studio have an up to date and valid DBS, we are fully insured, as is the Studio, and we have all completed training for Child Safeguarding with the NSPCC.
MAJA PLUTA
Maja grew up in Poland in a musical family. She started playing the violin at the age of 7 and piano at 11. In 2014 she won a scholarship to study violin at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, graduating in 2018 with a first class honours degree.
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Throughout her studies at the conservatoire, Maja discovered a passion for music education, as well as chamber music, experimental contemporary music and free improvisation. Some highlights of her time at the conservatoire include winning Sylvia Cleaver Chamber Music Prize in 2016 with her quartet and successful management of an original collaborative project, Kaleidoscope, which brought together composers and performers to devise new music, using folk melodies and free improvisation. She also participated in the orchestral training scheme with Birmingham Royal Ballet.
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In the 2019/2020 season, she took part in the training scheme for emerging performers of contemporary music with Birmingham Contemporary Music Group. She has a passion for learning languages and composition. In 2014 she won a school composition competition for her piece Awakening among fjords, inspired by the tour to Norway & Iceland she went on as a member of Cracow Youth Chamber Orchestra.
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Maja completed Phase 1 of training of the Colourstrings method of teaching violin and received training at DaCapo school in London, where she learnt about incorporating Kodaly musicianship in instrumental teaching. She enjoys a busy life of a freelance musician, performing, teaching and leading workshops in Birmingham and across the UK.
MYLES MANDERS-YOUNG
B.Mus., ARSM.
Myles Manders-Young started playing the piano at the age of 12. He demonstrated great skill from an early age and learned quickly. He further highlighted his love of music by regular attendance at concerts and performances. Since discovering his talent with a roll out rubber keyboard, music became his main hobby. After many years of piano lessons and several distinction results for ABRSM examinations, Myles studied at the School of Music at Cardiff University. He was also an exchange student at the Princess Galyani Institute of Music in Bangkok Thailand and has performed in prestigious venues such as Sala Sudasiri Sobha and The Firs, Elgar's Birthplace.
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Myles has received guidance and inspiration from esteemed musicians. Notably, on technique from the renowned pedagogue Pascal Nemirovski, whose keen ear and expertise greatly influenced his development as a pianist. Additionally, pianist and academic Kenneth Hamilton has been a significant source of inspiration, providing Myles with invaluable insights into the world of piano performance.
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In 2019, Myles was awarded the 'Musician of the Year' award at the Birmingham Piano & Music Studio for his determination and dedication towards achieving his musical goals. He has also won Third Prize at the 7th International Chopin Piano Competition Thailand, and Gold Prize at the 4th International Bangkok Piano Competition. He was also part of ABRSM's Youth Advisory Board in the UK and was invited to the Yehudi Menuhin School to host sessions for the Overseas Winter Piano Master's Academy. Myles is now studying for his Piano Performance Masters Degree at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.