Welcome to Growing Musicians.
Supporting children and adults to grow musically with joy, confidence and creativity.
From curious toddlers exploring music for the first time, to adults rediscovering their love of the piano, everyone can become a confident, creative musician regardless of age or experience. I teach in Tunbridge Wells and at other local music schools, offering:
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Background
Ali Rycroft
Human Sciences BA, University of Oxford, MA Guidance, UEL Psychology
I grew up singing, playing piano, orchestral bass, and recorders - but my lessons as a teenager with Joyce Rathbone were a revelation. She introduced me to the Alexander Technique and helped me develop a direct connection to music. Her approach turned my musical world inside out and her teaching continues to inspire me.
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When I took my daughters to Colourstrings classes in London, I discovered the musical enchantment I would have loved as a child. That led me to qualify as a Colourstrings Kindergarten Associate Teacher, further Kodály training, and continuing Dalcroze Studies.
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I’ve taught music in early years and primary school settings, and have lived and worked in France, Bosnia and the USA. I'm now happily returned to Kent not far from where I grew up, and feel lucky to be teaching music in this beautiful part of the world.
What I Offer
One-to-One Piano Lessons
I teach piano to children (age 6+) and adults, with no experience required. Lessons are imaginative, encouraging and structured to help you grow as a musician - not just learn notes. Alongside playing the keyboard, we might sing, move, improvise, and explore music theory in creative ways.
Colourstrings Music Kindergarten
These small-group classes for babies and young children are based on Dalcroze and Kodály approaches. ​
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Children explore musical concepts like pitch, pulse, rhythm, phrasing and dynamics through games and songs - all designed to nurture inner hearing, coordination and confidence. These classes lay a solid foundation for instrumental learning later on, or simply a lifelong love of music.​​
What Other People Say
"Ali is a wonderfully engaging teacher who manages to have meaningful conversations with even the shyest and contrary of toddlers. She encourages everyone to join in and my son cannot wait to see her each week. He has grown so much in confidence and independence that he can join class by himself and he comes home happy and energised, humming the colourstrings tunes."
- Colourstrings Parent
"Ali is an extraordinary teacher both one to one and in a group setting. She is fun, patient, engaging and encouraging. Her lessons are creative, she recognises the specific needs of each pupil and tailors her activities accordingly. We feel very lucky to have found her."
- Colourstrings & Piano Parent