Classical Piano Lessons - Music Theory Lessons - Chamber Music Coaching
Profile
Amber Rainey has worked as a pianist with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra Wellington,
Auckland Philharmonic, Stroma, New Zealand Opera, Chamber Music New Zealand and the New Zealand
School of Music. In other official capacities she has adjudicated for various competitions in the
North Island and is an examiner for the NZMEB (New Zealand Music Examinations Board).
Amber obtained her Masters Degree in Chamber Music and Vocal Accompaniment from the Guildhall School
of Music & Drama, London. Here she placed first in the conservatoire’s accompaniment competition and
after working at the Guildhall as a professional accompanist, she was then offered a fellowship
position.
In 2015, the National Opera Studio, London, promoted Amber as an Emerging Artist. Here she undertook
training as a repetiteur and vocal coach and participated in company residencies at Welsh National
Opera and Opera North, Leeds.
Amber has been teaching piano and theory for 20 years. Her students regularly place in competitions
and score highly in exams. Amber has taught 2nd instrument piano and keyboard skills to singers at
the Guildhall School of Music & Drama in London, 1st instrument piano at City University, London,
vocal coached at the New Zealand School of Music and taught piano in a number of primary schools and
colleges in NZ and England. She is an Associate of the Institute of Registered Music Teachers of New
Zealand, a member of Wellington Suzuki, and a member of the Dowse Performing Arts Group, all of
which provide her students with regular opportunities to perform.
An excerpt from Beethoven's Cello Sonata No.3 in A Major, Op
69 Piano: Amber Rainey
'Amber is one of the most talented, dedicated and hard-working musicians I’ve ever had the
pleasure to collaborate with. An exemplary musician, her passion and knowledge of the Art
Song
and operatic repertoire is extensive and she will motivate and inspire you both in the
studio
and in performance on the concert platform. Whether you are looking for a teacher, a coach
or an
accompanist, Amber is one of the very best.'Alexandra HuttonPrincipal
Soprano, Deutsche Oper Berlin
There is a placeholder fee of $200, payable within one week following
confirmation of lessons, which will be deducted from the first term of lessons.
Students all have a fixed weekly lesson slot.
Invoices are sent out prior to the commencement of each term and are due within two weeks.
Parents will be sent a yearly lessons contract to read, sign and return.
Lessons take place in accordance with the primary school calendar year.
Lessons all take place on a 7"3 concert grand piano.
Lessons are a mix of both practical and theory.
Lessons that can't take place in person due to illness will take place on Zoom, so it is essential
to be able to set up a device such as an iPad next to your instrument.
For primary-aged students, a parent must attend and listen to lessons. When students are well
underway, it is best for them to attend lessons on their own.
Throughout the year there will be opportunities for students to take part in concerts, and
competitions, and to sit exams, depending on a student's level and ability.
It is preferable that students have a tuned piano and a piano stool prior to commencing lessons. A
weighted, full-length keyboard is an option for starting lessons but please note that progress won't
be as quick and it is important that students switch to a piano at the earliest opportunity.
Mother Carey from Frederick Keel’s Salt-Water Ballads Piano: Amber
Rainey
Testimonials
'Amber is the most brilliant piano teacher ever. She has helped me achieve so many goals this
year. I performed in the Youth Music Festival, got into my school band and am doing my Grade Two
exam soon. If I’m ever stuck, Amber will always help me try again. She always makes sure I feel
comfortable and am ready before performing. I love how positive she always is. She is awesome,
kind, caring and loving. She is definitely my kind of teacher!'Sienna, 9
'Our boys absolutely love their piano lessons with Amber. She does a fabulous job of tailoring
their lessons and song choices to suit their interests and strengths. Their progress in piano
playing, music theory and a love of music, in the time they have been learning with Amber, is
amazing. She is highly skilled, warm and engaging. I thoroughly recommend her as a music
teacher.'Jo, Parent
'Having Amber as a teacher means that piano is one of the highlights of my week. Every lesson I
learn so much, she always shows me new ways to improve and I always feel prepared for exams or
performances. Amber makes sure that I am at my best while making me laugh the whole time. Even
out of lessons she is dedicated to putting out useful resources and tools so I can feel fully
supported. Learning with her means that I have so many different and fun opportunities. I
absolutely love having Amber as my piano teacher.'Evie, 14
'I have never loved music more than when I studied with Amber. She brings passion and spirit to
every single lesson and along with her extensive experience has enabled me to become the best I
can be. From theory to chamber music, to piano, she always understands what I need to grow and
has helped me to achieve my goals to an extraordinary effect. With her counsel, I gained my
NZMEB Associate diploma for performance piano with distinction, and consistently placed highly
in competitions. Amber is hands-down the best music teacher I have ever had.'Iris,
17
‘Amber is an absolutely amazing piano teacher. She changed and improved my skills beyond what I
thought I could ever achieve. She is the best teacher I have ever had, and I was devastated when
she moved back to New Zealand. Amber was always supportive, kind, helpful and never got cross. I
would really recommend her as a piano teacher – she completely changed my love for piano from
not too much to loads and I passed my exams with flying colours!’Evie,
12Junior Music Scholar, London
'I loved being taught by Miss Rainey. Within weeks of starting to learn with her, she had whipped
my exam pieces (which I had been playing for months with little improvement) into shape and got
me through the exam with a better mark than I had thought possible. During my time with her,
Miss Rainey’s knowledge of music and skill in teaching hugely improved my playing and
musicality. What I really enjoyed most about learning with Miss Rainey, however, was the fun we
had in lessons. She is very kind, funny and interesting and I always looked forward to our time
together.'Oliver, 13Secondary School Student, Kent
'Amber is a completely dedicated and inspirational vocal coach. Every session was productive and I
left with new ideas on how to approach stylistic, technical and language based vocal concepts.
Not only is she a skilled pianist, but her knowledge of the voice extends far beyond the role of
accompanist. Amber is an incredible coach and individual. I have no hesitation in recommending
her as a vocal coach, your music making will forever be enriched!'Pasquale,
22Emerging Young Artist, New Zealand Opera
'Having lessons from Miss Rainey is one of my highlights from my secondary school years. I was
losing interest in the piano, as I had been playing for many years, but was struggling to find
that interest again. Within our first few lessons, I had found my enthusiasm for the piano
again, and that’s all due to Miss Rainey as a teacher. Her passion for music and all aspects of
playing the piano is unparalleled, and as a teacher, she helped me discover what I really loved
about playing the piano, and aided me in developing my creativity so I could be confident enough
to create and play on my own. Every session was hugely enjoyable and productive, and I always
looked forward to my lessons with her, she is a brilliant and inspiring
teacher.'Noah, 16National Music Scholar, London
An excerpt from Turina’s Piano Trio No. 2 in B Minor, Op. 76 Piano:
Amber Rainey
Videos
A collection of performances from Amber's students
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