As many of you know, I have recently relocated to Spain, and with that comes the end of my piano teaching career in Middlesbrough and the wider Teesside area.

Since moving to the UK in 2017, I’ve had the privilege of teaching so many wonderful pupils, from enthusiastic young beginners to adults rediscovering their love of music. Whether working towards ABRSM exams, preparing for performances, or simply learning for enjoyment, each student has brought something special to our lessons.

It has been an honour to share in your musical journeys. From the quiet triumph of mastering a tricky passage to the joy of performing at Positively Piano Club, these moments have meant the world to me.

I’m especially proud of those who chose to sit ABRSM exams. Your dedication, musicality, and perseverance paid off, with the vast majority achieving a Distinction. Guiding you through those milestones and celebrating your successes has been one of the most rewarding aspects of teaching.

I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the many teachers and musicmaking colleagues in our local community, including Jean White, Elenore, Anita, and of course Barbara Bury, along with all competition organisers and adjudicators. One of my early memories is meeting Barbara at a piano competition in Darlington. She came over, said she had heard I’d moved to the area to start teaching, and gave me the warmest welcome. That small act of kindness stayed with me, and I’ve continued to feel part of a generous, collaborative musical community ever since.

A special word of thanks also goes to David Lancaster, who kept my piano in perfect tune over the years. His care and skill ensured that my pupils always had the best possible instrument to play on, and I am deeply grateful for his quiet but essential contribution to our lessons.

Working with Elenore and Anita to organise Positively Piano Club has been a particular joy, a space where pupils could perform, share their music, and build confidence in a relaxed, friendly environment. Special thanks as well to Cheryl, whose tireless work coordinating high scorers’ concerts and the Stockton Recital Series has given so many young musicians the chance to perform at a high standard in professional settings.

I’m also grateful to everyone behind piano competitions such as Saltburn Music Festival and the Wharfedale Festival, and to their kind adjudicators, whose professional feedback and encouragement have raised the bar and confidence for many young performers. These events have given pupils across the region the opportunity to shine, and I’ve been proud to celebrate several competition successes on my blog over the years. Standout moments included major achievements at Wharfedale, followed by notable wins at Saltburn, all signs of the thriving, supportive local music scene.

To all the families who welcomed me into your homes and entrusted me with your children’s musical education, thank you. Your support has made this chapter of my life deeply meaningful.

Although I will no longer be teaching in England regularly, I intend to continue offering some lessons online, and may also return periodically to the UK for limited in-person lessons, as well as continuing to share updates and reflections through this blog as I settle into life in Spain.

This is not goodbye, it’s simply hasta luego. May music continue to bring you joy wherever you play.

With warmest wishes,
Anna Peszko