our expertise | your confidence

Our Team

We are a team of professional musicians and music educators who have been trained to a very high standard.  

We are passionate about music and teaching and we pride ourselves in working closely together as a team to support each other.  

As always, we strive to deliver excellence in music teaching.  

Amongst us, we share the expertise in instrumental and vocal teaching, performance, composition, improvisation, musical direction, music ensembles, 

professional recording, music education research, methodology & pedagogy, teacher training as well as music of different genres 

such as Classical, Pop, Jazz and the Musical Theatre.

We share the same vision which is to help each learner succeed in their own merit, both musically and non-musically.  

We know that not every pupil would want to become a professional musician but we expect all our pupils to leave us with a life-long enjoyment of music 

and are equipped as independent musicians in their own right.  

For those with the desire to pursue music as a career, we are here to help and guide them every step of their way.  

We long to build a community of music lovers and competent musicians where everyone feels happy and comfortable.

Ms Karen Kwok | Principal

Teacher of Piano, Music Theory & Musicianship

 - Te

BMus (Hons), MA, CT ABRSM, DipABRSM, CertPTC

Karen is a professional piano teacher, adjudicator, music educator and teacher trainer working in the UK and overseas. With almost 20 years’ experience teaching piano, music theory and musicianship, she has taught pupils of all ages and abilities, including Early Years.

A classically trained pianist, Karen is also experienced and adept at improvisation and conducting. With her extensive teaching experience and a strong background in Dalcroze and Kodály training, she has developed a uniquely holistic approach to teaching music. This methodology has facilitated the development of many young learners into competent and well-rounded musicians.

As the founder and director of the Excelsis School of Music, she has seen countless pupils enjoy exam success, but more importantly, she has seen them gain a lifelong love and enjoyment of music. In addition to her passion for teaching, Karen has strong interests in music education research as well as the musical theatre. Whilst at university she founded and conducted numerous choirs and orchestras, and subsequently produced and directed two bilingual musicals in London

Karen is a professional member of the European Piano Teachers Association (EPTA); the Incorporated Society of Musicians (ISM); and the Music Teaching Professionals (MMA). She is also an associate member of the Music Education Council and a member of Dalcroze UK

Alžbeta Turčányiová | Teacher of Singing & Piano

BMus (Hons) MMus

Alžbeta is a versatile singer and tutor of music, specialising in improvisation and jazz but equally comfortable in Classical, musical theatre and pop music repertoire. She graduated from Leeds College of Music under the tutelage of Lauren Kinsella and is stablished as one of the leading contemporary singers in Leeds, performing at an array of venues and events with the likes of Iain Ballamy, Ben Cottrell, Richard Iles, Henry Lowther, Bruce Barth and Jamil Sheriff.

Alžbeta is a hardworking, creative and intelligent musician, eager to develop and embrace new experiences. She has recently relocated to London to embark on her Masters studies at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. As a confident and understanding music educator and an exemplary tutor for young musicians, she respects her pupils and treat them as unique individuals.

Alžbeta has won the “Best Newcomer of the Year“ at the New Faces of Slovak Jazz Awards in 2011 and subsequently awarded a scholarship to study at the Bratislava Summer Jazz School with the likes of Gabor Winand, Elsa Valle and Daniel Čačija. She also received scholarships to study at a jazz course in Pufels, Italian Alps, led by Kit Downes (Royal Academy of Music) alongside James Maddren (Guildhall School of Music and Drama) in August 2017 and the Global Music Foundation Jazz Course led by Stephen Keogh, with tuition from Bruce Barth, Perico Sambeat, Guillermo Rozenthuler and Viktorija Pilatovic.

Rita L | Teacher of Violin & Piano

BMus (Hons), LTCL, LRAM

Rita began learning the piano and violin at a young age, earning a music performance diploma (LTCL) from Trinity College London in 2007. She has received numerous accolades on both instruments, including the Golden Star Award at the Beijing China Youth Violin Soloist Showcase. In 2010, she was honored with support from the Wells Music Society of Hong Kong, enabling her to continue her studies in the UK as a specialist musician.

At Wells Cathedral School, Rita studied violin and chamber music with Matthew Souter and piano with David Secchi. She later earned a Bachelor of Music with Honours in Performance from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, studying under Nathaniel Vallois.

In 2017, Rita began teaching, visiting various schools to lead music workshops. She has since found great joy in sharing her passion for music through education. She went on to earn a Master's degree with Merit in Performance at the Royal Academy of Music, studying with Joshua Fisher. Additionally, she holds a Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Music (LRAM) in instrumental music teaching.

As a performer, Rita has appeared in concerts across the UK, Europe, and Hong Kong, with notable performances at The National Art Gallery, Birmingham Symphony Hall, New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham Hippodrome, Powderham Castle, and the Hong Kong Cultural Centre.

Gözde W | Teacher of Singing & Piano

Gözde W is a dedicated music educator with 16 years of teaching experience. A formally trained opera singer, she holds a bachelor's degree from a conservatory and has a deep passion for nurturing students in both vocal and instrumental performance.

Gözde teaches piano, singing, and keyboard, covering a wide range of styles, including classical, pop, rock, and musical theatre. She prepares students for graded exams (Initial to Grade 8 and Diploma) and also supports secondary school students with their GCSE Music studies. In addition to one-to-one teaching, she has led choirs for four years, working with pop, rock, and classical ensembles.

With a wealth of performance experience and a strong background in music education, Gözde’s teaching approach is both structured and inspiring, helping students build confidence and technical skills while exploring their musical creativity.

Agnieszka T | Teacher of Piano, Cello, Choir & Dalcroze Eurhythmics

MMus, ArtDip, PGCert

Agnieszka is an accomplished musician and educator whose musical journey began at the age of seven in Poland. With a rich career spanning performance, education, and mentoring, she fosters intuitive and inspiring playing through creativity, body awareness, and tailored teaching methods.

Holding Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), Agnieszka has earned a Master’s in Performance (MMus) from the Grażyna & Kiejstut Bacewicz Music Conservatoire, an Artist Diploma (ArtDip) from the Royal College of Music, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching Performance (PGCert) from the Guildhall School of Music & Drama. She also holds certifications in Choral Education, Colourstrings Teaching, and Music Therapy (Nordoff Robbins), alongside studies in psychology, coaching, and counselling.

A passionate advocate for holistic education, Agnieszka has spent years deepening her expertise in Kodály and Dalcroze Eurhythmics. In 2024, she embarked on a four-year journey to become a Feldenkrais Practitioner, further exploring awareness through movement.

Beyond music, she engages in dance, theatre, and Vipassana Meditation, integrating diverse art forms into her teaching. Agnieszka is deeply committed to the transformative power of the arts, enriching students’ musical and personal growth.

Noemi Foschi | Teacher of Violin & Viola

BMus (Hons) MA

Noemi Foschi was born in Spain and began viola lessons at the age of seven with Joaquin Miracle and Evelio Tieles Ferrer. At the age of 17, she went on to study in London with the renowned international soloist, professor Rivka Golani.

Noemi was the prize winner of the Band Kurtz Viola Prize at Trinity Laban Conservatoire in years 2015 and 2016. During her studies, she has been awarded numerous awards and Trinity Laban's scholarships as well as being finalist of several competitions.

Noemi has performed in various distinguished venues such as Wigmore Hall, Franz Liszt Academy, L'Auditori of Barcelona, l'Atlàntida in Vic (Spain), Pau Casals Concert Hall, Josep Carreras Concert Hall, Cadogan Hall, St Johns Smith Square, Southwark Cathedral, Royal Albert Hall and the Wembley Arena Stadium among others.

Noemi has completed her Postgraduate's Degree with Dr. Rivka Golani at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance as a scholar.

Jack W | Teacher of Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute & Piano

BA (Hons), MPerf

Jack is a versatile saxophonist, clarinetist, flautist, and dedicated educator based in London. With a strong foundation in jazz and improvisation, he has extensive experience teaching woodwind and piano to students of all levels, from beginners to advanced musicians preparing for exams and performances.

Jack holds a Master of Performance (Distinction) from Guildhall School of Music & Drama and a BA (Hons) from Leeds College of Music, specializing in jazz saxophone. As an active performer and composer, he has played at major festivals across the UK and Europe, including the London Jazz Festival and Cambridge Folk Festival, and has collaborated with renowned artists such as Akram Abdulfattah.

A passionate educator, Jack teaches saxophone, clarinet, flute, and piano, working with both individuals and groups. He is a Whole-Class Instrumental Teaching (WCIT) Leader and a 1-1 tutor at several schools, including LAE Tottenham and Heartlands High School. Since 2020, he has been a valued teacher at The Excelsis School of Music.

Jack is deeply committed to jazz education and ensemble leadership, fostering confidence and creativity in students. His real-world experience as a performer enriches his teaching, inspiring students to explore their own musical journeys.

Dante Y | Teacher of Drums, Ukulele, Recorder & Piano

PGCE, MFA, LTCL

Dante holds a PGCE in Secondary Music Education from UCL and is classically trained in flute and piano from the age of six. She holds Licentiate Music Recital Diplomas (LTCL) from Trinity College London in both instruments. In addition to her musical expertise, she is a versatile actor-musician, having trained at the University of Essex and earned a Master of Fine Arts in Music Theatre from East 15 Acting School.

Her music tutoring career began as the Music Director of her a cappella singing group at Tsinghua University, Beijing, where she majored in English Literature and minored in Audio Engineering. She has since worked extensively as a piano accompanist for pantomime productions and music examinations. She also holds an ABRSM Grade 8 Distinction in Classical Percussion and has performed as a percussionist and multi-instrumentalist in the plays Epiphany and Moon, before expanding her repertoire as a drummer in successful pop and rock bands.

Dante has performed at prestigious venues, including Shakespeare’s Globe, the Bridewell Theatre, the Chelsea Theatre, the Bloomsbury Theatre, Central Saint Martins, the Hens and Chickens Theatre, the Hong Kong Coliseum, Shatin City Hall (HK), the Juyin Theatre (PRC), and the Nine Theatre (PRC).

Beyond performing and accompanying productions, she is passionate about exploring effective and engaging methods of music education and technology. She tailors her lessons to suit individual musical goals, whether preparing students for instrumental and music theory exams, developing self-accompaniment skills on the piano, or refining performance pieces for special events.

Fluent in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, and French, Dante takes great pride in delivering lessons in a reassuring and patient teaching style, fostering an inspiring and enjoyable learning environment for all her students.

Emrah Y | Teacher of Guitar, Flute, Piano & Recorder

Emrah began his musical journey in 1996, undertaking vocal and solfège training while simultaneously studying guitar under Gürkan Adısanoğlu. In 1997, he joined the Üsküdar Music Society choir, where he received comprehensive instruction in Turkish music theory, methodology, history, and repertoire.

In 2000, he was admitted to the Music Department at Kocaeli University, successfully passing the entrance examination with classical guitar before opting to specialise in flute. He studied flute under Professor Dr Ece Emine Karsal, classical guitar with Associate Professor Kubilay Can, piano with Lecturer Gülşen Gökşel Erdal, and choral singing with Lecturer and Composer Feridun Aslan.

During the 2004–2005 academic year, he served as a flute teacher at Kocaeli Anatolian Fine Arts High School and subsequently taught flute and guitar at various educational institutions. In 2007, he completed a master’s degree in pedagogical education at Istanbul University’s Faculty of Social Sciences.

In 2009, he established Beşiktaş Music Atelier, a Ministry of National Education-approved institution offering expert teacher certification (awarded to only 10% of courses in Istanbul) and preparation for London College of Music and ABRSM examinations. He taught multiple disciplines, including Guitar, Flute, Piano, Chamber Music, and Pop Orchestra, both at his institution and at Uğur College.

Following the closure of his school in 2021 due to the pandemic, Emrah relocated to London, where he continues his career as a musician. Since then, he has been teaching Piano, Guitar, and Recorder at Excelsis Music School.