About Angela Buckley, M.A., B.A. Mus. (Hons.)
Hi there! My name is Angela and I’m a Musicologist and Music teacher in Waterford, Ireland. Since I was around 4-5 years old I’ve been playing piano. I’ve been very lucky with the piano teachers I have had, they were very kind, patient, knowledgeable and supportive and made music very accessible to me.
I took Music as subject for my Junior and Leaving Certificate and subsequently got a place in the Waterford Institute of Technology to study Music full-time. In 2001, I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Music (Honours) degree and immediately began teaching Piano in the WIT Music School and also taught Leaving Certificate Music in a local private school for 5 years.
In 2007, I graduated from WIT with a Master of Arts (specialising in Music) and shortly afterwards, began a Phd in the area of Irish Music Manuscripts. Due to having young children and working full-time I had to postpone completing my PhD but I do hope to return to it at some stage.
What is my teaching style?
For the student, my teaching style is fun, creative, and very student-centered. I like to tailor lessons to each individual student. For me, my methods are well-researched, up-to-date and pedagogical. Methods include: off-bench activities, manipulative games, pattern play, improvisation, composition, chord play, Kodaly-inspired learning and I use a number of the most up-to-date, pedagogically-sound method books.
What are some of the best parts of being a Music teacher?
There are so many things! Showing students how to compose their own music is a pleasure. Being able to compose really consolidates a lot of skills such as keyboard geography and orientation, staff geography and orientation, the mathematics of music theory, etc. Being able to use different techniques to help a student understand what is going on is a real pleasure. Teaching chords and pattern play are also very valuable teaching tools. Students love playing their favourite songs and it’s a huge opportunity for me to really work on different music concepts.
Music, Fun, Colour & Creativity 
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