welcome to my studio!
I’m Marie-Louise Bethune. I teach piano, double bass and theory of music to beginner and advanced students of all ages. I’ve been teaching for over 35 years, privately and at schools in South Africa, Switzerland, Germany and here in Sydney.
My teaching centres on establishing a good rapport with students to share the knowledge, technique and skills they need to enjoy playing a wide range of music. From their first lessons, many students start learning to improvise and write their own pieces. I help students connect emotionally to the music they are learning so that they listen and play in a fully engaged way. I also assist them to set and achieve personal goals, such as playing a particular piece or passing an exam, or preparing for auditions. My students learn how to practise effectively and efficiently and to establish and maintain a regular practice schedule. I hold at least one soiree per term for students to perform at and be inspired by others.
Some of my students have or are pursuing careers as professional musicians and music teachers; many simply come for the joy of learning and playing their instrument.
playing music allows us to touch the hearts of others
my background
I studied piano and double bass for my BMus at the University of Cape Town, and obtained my MMus in double bass from the Hochschule für Musik in Düsseldorf.
I’ve played with professional orchestras in South Africa, Germany and Australia, and with notable musicians including Andrei Gavrilov, David Geringas, the Beaux Arts Trio, and my childhood idol, Vladimir Ashkenazy. More recently, I have played with the Bass Liberation Orchestra and with the Living Room Theatre. Currently, my main interest as a musician is in collaborating with various artists in improvised performance.
I have played in musicals, cabaret and theatre, and for studio recordings and live broadcasts. I’ve been invited to adjudicate at eisteddfods and am frequently engaged to accompany students for exams and auditions.
My own learning journey is ongoing on piano and double bass but also in vocal harmony and drums, in which I take regular lessons. Playing music with others makes me happy, especially when it allows for some improvisation.