BIO
Elesa Papakosta-Smyri holds a Master degree of Music Education from LUCA School of Arts, Leuven, Belgium. For her master research she is researching how embodiment activities can be implemented in a group piano teaching context. She gained her bachelor degree from Ionian University, Corfu, Greece with Dr. Athena Phytika. In 2017, at the EAS/ISME Conference in Salzburg, she was a co-presenter with prof. Fytika about her bachelor project with title: “Drawing compositions: Introducing modern art to kindergarten children through piano experimentations”. She has also participated both in music education (with Paola Savvidou, Andri de Vugt and others), piano (with Sven Birch, Bernard Posch, Hao Huang, Alessandra Ferris, Charalambos Aggelopoulos, Dimitris Dimopoulos and others) and chamber music masterclasses (with Vincent David, Lars Mlekusch, Mariano Garcia and others). In 2023 she presented her work at NCKP Conference's teaching demonstration.
TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
"It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge." - Albert Einstein
My teaching philosophy focuses on cultivating musical skills and building up the right basis for piano playing. Focusing on the artistic part of music is an integral part of the piano classes.
Concerning young pianists, through movement activities, experiments and musical games, we work on creativity and the musical growth of the student. Last but not least, through the piano classes the student learns how to be independent, responsible and confident.
INDIVIDUAL PIANO CLASSES FOR CHILDREN
Designing every piano according to my students' needs. Special focus on the development of the technical and musical skills by using new piano teaching methods.
GROUP PIANO CLASSES
A modern approach of teaching piano, especially for younger students. Through collaborative activities we work on the development of all the necessary skills for piano playing.
WORKSHOPS
INDIVIDUAL PIANO CLASSES FOR ADULTS
Through piano classes, adult students explore the magic of creating music, dedicating one hour to their self-expression needs, working on their music skills, such as hands coordination, ear-training, rhythm etc. , by exploring different musical styles from classical to jazz, pop, rock etc.
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WORKSHOPS
A wide variety of workshops for students of all ages is offered: "Piano express Junior", "Piano express Junior (Group edition)", "Moving along with piano", "Drawing compositions". More information on the mail: elesapapakostasmyri@yahoo .gr
MEDIA
Bart Spanhove
Principal professor of recorder at LUCA,
School of arts, Leuven, Belgium
Without doubt, Elesa Papakosta Smyri is one of the most promising students I have ever met at LUCA, School of Arts, Belgium. She combines research skills with exciting performing and excellent teaching. I also remember she actively contributed, leading teammates with a constructive and positive attitude and inspiring them with motivating ideas. In my humble opinion Elesa Papakosta Smyri is a "complete" musician: excellent business, performing, teaching and researcher skills. In a nutshell, an outstanding musician, very dedicated, with a very broad intellectual profile and strong artistic capacities. A great personality. As a professor, I could learn a lot from this exceptional candidate.
Alvanou Georgia
Parent, Thessaloniki, Greece
Miss Elesa is a great professional with good communication and transmissive skills, whom my children love a lot. Her lessons are not only interesting but they are also fun.
Parent's corner
Creating good daily practice habits with your child:
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Create a routine Write down with your child when he/ she is free daily to study the piano.
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Create a practice corner Set a practice nook and the necessary equipment (pencils, headphones, books etc.)
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Prioritize comfort Create a quite piano corner with enough space to move around, good lightning and a comfortable piano stool.
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Get a study timer Set 10 minutes practice sessions!
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Reading the teacher’s notes together Help the child read all the tasks and homework and organize each practice session.
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Use technology Use your phone or tablet to record some small sections of each practice session and watch his/her progress together!
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Let the child be independent Let your child organize each session and show him/her trust.
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Mini house concerts Organize mini concerts every two/ three weeks so that your child has a personal goal that shares only with you!
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Use the study organizers given by the teacher Place the practice notebook on a noticable place, so that your child remembers to use it every time!