Auckland
Keyboard Lessons, Piano Lessons | Aural Lessons, Theory Lessons, Online Lessons
Bio
Ready to embark on your musical journey and explore the richness of music? Let’s make it happen—together.
I’m Irena, a multilingual music educator and researcher with 12+ years of international teaching experience in Europe and New Zealand. With a rich music theory and performance background, I create musical experiences that centre around your interests and needs.
Drawing on both performance and academic training, I design lessons that blend technical skills, creative expression, and solid musicianship—all adapted to each student’s needs and goals. Whether you’re working towards exams, performances, or simply playing for enjoyment, my approach is flexible and student-centred.
What you can expect in lessons:
- A warm, inclusive, and supportive learning environment
- A balance of structured progression and creative exploration
- Clear communication and development of mutual trust
- Fun, engaging activities that build confidence and skills
- Optional opportunities for performance and goal-setting
My aim is to make learning music enjoyable, engaging, and meaningful. Through open communication, trust, and a student-centred approach, I help learners build confidence, develop their skills, and connect more deeply with music, whether they’re just starting out or continuing their journey.
Let’s connect and explore how we can turn your musical goals into real, lasting progress.
Teaching Info
Throughout my career, I’ve worked with over 1,800 students of all ages and skill levels—from primary school children to adults. I’m passionate about fostering a love for music in every student, and I take pride in preparing learners for exams (ABRSM, Trinity College) and competitions, with over 85% earning first or special awards. Many of my former students have gone on to become professional musicians, university students, and performers at respected European music institutions.
To support steady progress, I work closely with each learner to set clear musical and artistic goals—tailored to their age, level, and personal interests. My teaching is grounded in culturally responsive pedagogy, helping students connect with music on intellectual, emotional, and social levels. By acknowledging and valuing their unique backgrounds, I aim to nurture their creativity and artistic imagination.
My piano lessons focus on developing sound technique, healthy posture, hand dexterity, and expressive playing. I encourage students to explore their musical voice and often incorporate creative elements such as improvisation and chamber musicking, where possible.
My music theory lessons build a strong understanding of notation, tone structures (intervals, chords, inversions), scales and modes, harmonic progressions, musical form, and composition. I also draw on music history and context to help students deepen their appreciation of how these theoretical concepts have developed over time.
We just wanted to feed back that our piano teacher, Irena, has been the most amazing teacher! Her enthusiasm and friendly nature has been fantastic and she has really made our children want to practice and love music. She has always gone above and beyond for us (she got the children to write about why they liked music etc) and we really appreciate all that she has done. She always has a smile and takes an interest in the children. She is awesome!
Emma and Alex (parents)
Irena is a perfect musician and teacher. You will learn a lot from her. She shares her knowledge and has helped me pass my exams at uni easily. I can't wait until the next lesson with her, not only because she is a great teacher, but also because she is a great friend. She still motivates, supports and inspires me. I highly recommend her to everyone!
Tina
As a beginner with no experience in reading and performing music, Irena helped me feel confident with her sense of humour and ability to transfer her knowledge. She helped to master various playing techniques. I am still fascinated by her knowledge and understanding of various genres and periods of music. She assisted me so I no longer felt like an average listener and brought me closer to Macedonian folk music by practising compound time signatures. The lessons were enjoyable because Irena always provided musicality, brightness, and strong support. I can say, without exaggeration, that she had a special role in building my character.
Boris
I had the pleasure of studying with Prof. Irena Angelovska for three years. I learned and developed a lot during that time. She taught me music theory, harmony, and analysis in a way no one could have before. Irena was clear and precise and concentrated on practical instruction. Thanks to her, I passed my high school exams without stressing and achieved excellent university results. Aside from her excellent teaching style, she is also very good at bonding with her students personally. She recognises the students' character and needs and works with each one to meet their needs. She has always been punctual and, above all, helpful. Irena is an outstanding pianist and musician. It was an incredible pleasure to work with and learn from her.
