Wellington
Piano Lessons | Organ Lessons | Ensemble Coaching, Theory Lessons, Online Lessons
Bio
Dr Kemp English is one of New Zealand’s leading concert performers and recording artists. Most recently, Kemp and duo partner Yuka Eguchi (Assistant Concertmaster of the NZSO) toured for Chamber Music New Zealand (2022) and then gave concerts in NZ, Australia and Europe (2023). Highlights of past solo appearances include the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Sydney Town Hall, Westminster Central Hall London, Tewkesbury Abbey, Chester Cathedral, Hull City Hall, Montpellier Cathedral, Beziers Cathedral, National Centre for Early Music (UK), Auckland, Wellington, Dunedin and Adelaide Town Halls, Scots’ Church Melbourne, University of York, University of Glasgow and the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. His impressive list of recordings, features 23 internationally acclaimed CDs on the Naxos, Decca and Ode record labels, playing the organ, modern piano, fortepiano and harpsichord. His 12 CD cycle of the complete Kozeluch keyboard sonatas (on the Naxos Premium Grand Piano label) gained a five-star review from Germany’s most important review site www.klassik.com.
After a distinguished and prizewinning studentship at London’s Royal Academy of Music, Kemp was invited to become a tutor in the RAM’s Junior Academy. Following posts in schools and tertiary education in the UK and Switzerland, he immigrated to New Zealand in 1994. From 1994 – 2005 Dr English was University Organist and Executant Lecturer in Piano, Organ, Fortepiano and Harpsichord Performance at the University of Otago and conjunctly Organist at St Joseph’s Cathedral and Knox College. In 2005 he relinquished his university, cathedral and private teaching posts and moved to the Tasman region to concentrate on his increasingly hectic international performing and recording career. In recent years he has given Masterclasses in the UK, China and Australia. These rewarding experiences have rekindled his commitment to supporting the next generation of up-and-coming keyboard players. He relocated to the Kapiti Coast in 2020.
Dr English’s students have won major prizes in a number of New Zealand Performance Awards.
Teaching Info
Dr English is available to teach piano, organ, fortepiano and harpsichord for all levels and age groups. He can also offer consultation lessons for players interested in exploring aspects of style and Historical Performance Practice on the fortepiano and harpsichord. Over the years his students have gained distinctions in all the grades of both ABRSM and Trinity London and he has coached many successful diploma students in piano and organ.
Comments from students:
‘Kemp is a fantastic teacher and an incredible pianist. As an adult learner I have found him great at tailoring lessons to my goals and interests whilst also instilling in me the fundamentals. Kemp brings a wealth of knowledge about classical music history and theory from his years as a professional pianist, which adds a great depth to my knowledge and appreciation of the music. Kemp is a warm, patient and attentive teacher and he really is the real deal! I couldn’t have hoped to find a better teacher.’- Dr S (GP) 8/8/24
‘I have been learning to play the Piano with Dr Kemp English for two years. Kemp’s method of teaching focuses on the appreciation of music, the beauty of the notes, articulation and dynamics, while also improving my piano skills to achieve and reach the best expression of the music that I am playing.Kemp is a wealth of knowledge on music and composers, our lessons are never “boring”. Learning music is no longer a “mechanical exercise” of thumping keys, but a full learning experience improving my overall senses and appreciation of music.Kemp is also super patient with me, as an adult student, sometimes I can lose patience in myself on how to play a piece, yet Kemp is always able to find a solution to improve my technique or help me to get to where I want to be.I am so grateful that I have Kemp as my teacher, I couldn’t have asked for anything more – really appreciate you Kemp.’ – P.L. (Lawyer) 8/8/24
‘I found kemp based on his exquisite reviews and long list of accomplishments and decided he was someone I could trust. And, he has been exceptional. He is attentive, encouraging, very skilled, understanding, pushes you just that little bit past your comfort zone, is great at communicating and answering any questions and allows you to feel the fun in learning piano. I chose a teacher that I knew would help propel me into the world of piano as an adult student and he has done exactly that. Thank you for all the help you have given me in exploring the world of piano, I appreciate it 
J.’ 9/8/24
‘As someone who has come back to the piano later in life, I can’t thank you enough for your help. Because of your knowledge, patience and guidance, you have given me the belief that I can study and play very difficult and technical classical pieces. Music which I never believed I had the ability to play until I met you. You are a fantastic teacher.’ R.M. 9/8/24
‘I am very grateful to Dr Kemp and feel honoured to be his student. He is a pianist, organist and musicologist. Dr Kemp’s music teaching is rigorous – he notices even small mistakes – yet, he always inspires me to be proactive, motivating me to seek musical interpretation while correcting errors. With his help, I can associate musical pieces with my life. Additionally, he navigates my understanding of music in other ways. For example, he will introduce me to very attractive instruments other than the piano and a wealth of historical research or books, all of which help me to understand the deeper meaning of musical learning. I really enjoy studying with him.’ S.T. 10/8/24
‘Kemp is a great teacher, and I am thoroughly enjoying my piano lessons with him. His excellent technical advice is engaging and easy to understand, and his feedback is generous and kind. Kemp is endlessly patient with stumbles and errors and always encouraging. He gently nudges me along without being demanding and is relaxed and easy going with a lovely sense of humour. I am learning so much from Kemp and having a great deal of fun along the way’ S. 12/8/24
‘Kemp has inspired me to lift the lid of the piano and fill my apartment with “live” music. Listening to him talk about the piano pieces I’m re-learning, the composers and their lives and the piano as a musical instrument, is not only stimulating (his academic knowledge is extensive) but gives a fascinating context to our lessons. Coupled with his skill and experience as a performance player, learning a piece has become easier and playing it with a sense of enjoyment has given me more confidence to play in front of family and friends. And the icing on the musical cake is when we play duets! ‘ M.T. 12/8/24
‘Kemp is an incredibly skilled and experienced pianist with a wealth of wisdom to share. He is a kind and patient teacher and I really enjoy his lessons.’ A. 16/08/24
‘Dear Kemp, I WILL MISS YOU!!!!! :( Thank you so so so so much for helping me learn and prepare for my Grade 8 exam. I will think of you when I play. You are so funny, nice and the best teacher ever! :). A.’ (14-year-old student. Passed Grade 8 with high Distinction)
‘Dear Kemp, Thank you so much for being an amazing teacher. You are so nice, funny, encouraging and supportive, and you have taught me so much and I am so grateful for that. I will miss you very much … All the best for the future! :). T. P.S. YOU ARE AWESOME!!’ (12-year-old student)
‘I would not hesitate to recommend Kemp as a teacher. It is from his teaching that I have fashioned a career path in music, but more importantly, his support and encouragement have kindled a love for music which I will always be grateful for.’ R.S. MusB(Hons), LTCL, LRSM.