Ricky Taing

Ricky is a freelance pianist, flautist, singer and educator based in London and Kent. Ricky’s musical career started at the age of 10 where he learnt to play the piano at the Blackheath Conservatoire, then furthering his studies at The Mick Jagger Centre studying piano with John Hayward and Mark Andrew and flute with Alan Simpson. He was then awarded a scholarship to study at the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music & Dance Junior Department, studying piano with Peter Arnold and flute with Thea Cramp.

As a former member of the English Schools’ Orchestra and the National Youth Concert Band of Great Britain, he holds extensive performing experience both as a soloist and ensemble player, most recently having given a recital for the Canterbury Music Club at the Colyer-Fergusson Hall. A first-class King's College London graduate, he studied flute under Professor Laura Jellicoe at the Royal Academy of Music, and voice with Robert Rice as the Trendell Memorial Choral Scholar.

Recognised with the Trinity Laban Cassal Prize for Woodwind, he has competed in various music festivals and competitions across the country. He also holds both Trinity College London Grade 8 Piano and Flute with Distinction and is a keen soloist, accompanist and ensemble member. Recent professional engagements include playing as a soloist and accompanist for various worship services in London. As a performer, he has furthered his piano and flute aptitude through masterclasses with Karen Jones and Kate Halsall and has also participated in the Chethams' International Summer School for Pianists.

His ethos towards music education is to make it as accessible as possible to people from all backgrounds, promoting the benefits and the vital roles that music plays in our daily lives. As a volunteer, he is passionate about promoting the positive mental effects associated with listening and playing music, having been musical director of a choral spectacular at a residential home for the elderly.

Improper teaching can lead to unnecessary tension in the body and bad habits which result in not only making tackling harder repertoire more difficult, but also injury, which is why I believe that achieving proper technique from the start is critical. As an educator, I instil these practices using an inspiring and encouraging approach, whilst supporting one towards achieving their personal goals, either through completing ABRSM/Trinity graded examinations (my students receiving a 100% pass with distinction rate) or casually for personal enjoyment.

I am a professional member of Music Mark UK and the Independent Society of Musicians (ISM) where I have been a guest contributor for their Music Journal, and am fully DBS (enhanced) checked as a PGCE-informed educator from the Institute of Education, University College London.