Our Teachers

Ali Edwards, Managing Director and Founder

2009-04-18T15:45:51Z

Ali graduated from Birmingham Conservatoire with a Masters degree (Distinction) in oboe and piano performance in 1996. She then went on to Rotterdam Conservatoire to study oboe under Emanuel Abbuhl after which she worked as a freelance player with numerous orchestras both here and abroad. Funky Monkey Keyboard Classes then evolved from her successful teaching of the piano to beginners in London. Her pupils found the lessons both motivating and enjoyable, and since then over 1500 children have learnt the keyboard in SE, SW London and Kent. Ali now devotes all of her time to running the business, including developing and improving the Funky Monkey curriculum to a first rate standard. She is married to John, who is unfailingly supportive of the venture and, since April 2008, mother to Lucy who is, of course, absolutely adorable! Future plans include licensing the 'Funky Monkey Keyboard Classes' scheme across the UK.

Catherine Frantz

2009-04-18T15:49:22Z

Catherine is a proud mum of two, who loves music and children, making her the perfect candidate for our team! Despite being fairly new to the teaching side of music, she is proving a big hit in our 'in school' clubs in Langton Green and Groombridge. She played the flute to Grade 8 and piano to Grade 6 level, so really knows her crotchets from her quavers.

Olivia Hornby

2009-04-18T15:50:58Z

Olivia has a wealth of experience in music, with a first class BA Hons from Colchester Institute being just one of the many strings to her bow. Based in Deptford, she teaches many styles of music, from jazz through classical to pop which, along with her youthful approach and natural enthusiasm, makes her a great Funky Monkey teacher.

Victoria Isaac

2009-04-18T16:00:56Z

Victoria is principally a flautist and second study pianist, but has a CV bursting with experience in various workshops and mime and music based activities throughout the UK. Her classes are lively and always enjoyable and has an excellent rapport with her pupils.

Siobhan Towland

2009-04-18T16:01:25Z

Siobhan returns to us from her travels in South America to take on most classes in SE London and a bit of SW too! Trained as an early years teacher, she has a wealth of experience teaching all aspects of music both in the classroom and on a one-to-one basis. Her principal instruments are violin and piano and she is a vibrant and engaging teacher, ideal for our classes!

Allison Eastwood

2009-04-18T16:01:25Z

Allison was the first successful applicant to start our Kent classes. She lives in Tonbridge and is running the Tunbridge Wells Saturday classes and runs our holiday courses in Kent. Before having her two children she worked as a secondary school music teacher at Tunbridge Wells Grammar and acting Head of Music at Beaverwood School.

Ruth Fenton

2009-04-18T16:19:11Z

Ruth has an array of talents, including conducting, singing, viola and piano - an inspiration to any aspiring young musician. She attended the Birmingham Conservatoire until 2003 (narrowly missing the Director!) and spent the following two years in France. She is now back and enjoying all the trappings of SW London, working as a freelance jazz singer and teacher.