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.
MYLES MANDERS-YOUNG
B.Mus., ARSM.
Myles Manders-Young started playing the piano at the age of 11. 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 Cardiff University School of Music and at the Princess Galyani Institute of Music in Bangkok, Thailand. Myles is now studying under Mark Bebbington and Daniel Browell for his Piano Performance Masters Degree at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. He 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. He is currently Student Ambassador for the European Piano Teachers' Network.
CIARA THOMPSON
ARSM.
Ciara Thompson began learning the piano when a local teenager offered to teach her as part of his Duke of Edinburgh Award. When he became busy with school exams, Ciara persuaded her parents to find her a new teacher, as she had developed a deep love for practising and performing. Around the same time, she began violin lessons at her primary school and later took up the saxophone to gain experience performing in local ensembles.
In 2024, Ciara commenced her Bachelor of Music studies at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, where she studies piano with Professor John Thwaites. At the end of her first year, she was awarded the First-Year Pianist Prize in recognition of her dedication and outstanding progress.
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In 2025, Ciara received funding from the Conservatoire to attend the Cadenza International Summer Music School, where she participated in several chamber music projects. She looks forward to building on this experience by developing new ensemble collaborations during her second year.
Ciara has been particularly inspired by masterclasses at the Conservatoire, including those with Peter Donohoe, and has developed a growing interest in folk music through her involvement with Joe Broughton’s Conservatoire Folk Ensemble. These experiences have become important sources of inspiration for her work as both a solo pianist and an ensemble musician.