Kris Wettstein, Pianist and Teacher (MMus)

Introduction: I'm a versatile teacher and musician with lot of tools at my disposal with which to connect with an audience and inspire students. I studied classical music, and have a strong background in pop, jazz, songwriting and non-western types of music (one highlight of my life was playing with Senegalese pop star Carlou D). I also have 15 years experience bringing my musical toolkit to individual students, showing them how music can be a meaningful part of their lives. As a pianist, my passion is for connecting with the people in the room with warmth and sensitivity. I enjoy supplying 'background music', as it allows me to support the interactions taking place in the room and facilitate a welcoming environment. I am also available to perform as a solo artist. In my capacity as a teacher, it is important to me to help students engage creatively with the material. I show students how the pieces we play were written, and encourage them to write their own music and put their unique spin on it. It never gets boring. In my teaching, each student brings such different talents, interests and backgrounds. It is a joy to connect music to each student's life. In my piano playing, every setting and audience calls for a different approach and style. It is very satisfying to tailor my music to the ever changing situation around me.