Hi, I’m Denny—a piano teacher and part-time nurse based in Whangaparaoa, Auckland. My journey with music has been one of persistence, challenge, and deep joy.
I grew up in South Africa, where learning piano felt out of reach. It wasn’t until I moved to New Zealand and started a family that I was able to begin lessons—often in between nursing shifts and raising young children. With no musical background and many setbacks along the way, I slowly worked through every ABRSM exam from Grade 1 to Grade 8 over the course of 20 years, guided by nine different teachers and a lot of determination.
Today, I teach piano to students of all ages and backgrounds, bringing patience, empathy, and encouragement to each lesson. I understand what it’s like to feel nervous, to struggle, and to keep going anyway. That’s why I create a space where students feel supported and inspired—whether they’re just starting out or returning to music later in life.
To build confidence in performing, I now play at a retirement home and a local market on a well-worn piano that’s full of character. One of my proudest achievements is learning Chopin’s Fantaisie-Impromptu, which I play from memory thanks to careful analysis, harmonic coloring, and even adding lyrics to the largo section.
If you’re curious about lessons or simply want to reconnect with music, I’d love to hear from you.