Rhona Gouldson, Principal Director

Following her instinct to share the musical knowledge – along with the joy & spiritual growth which music can bring about, Rhona soon discovered her gift for teaching and thoroughly enjoys working with all ages, levels and abilities. She has been employed by the Leeson Park School of Music, where she was also Head of Piano and by the DIT Conservatory of Music on a number of occasions. Rhona’s approach to learning incorporates all the senses simultaneously, the focus is on unveiling the composer’s true intentions, firstly by helping students to break down the music into manageable chunks, finding a way to physically play with ease, teaching them efficiency in their own practise, while instilling a love & appreciation of great music and a confidence in her students. Rhona has a Licentiate Diploma from Trinity College London and is a member of EPTA Ireland & MTNA, USA. A highly sought after teacher, her students are frequent competition prizewinners and exam high-achiever award winners.
With a proud passion for the piano and for music education, she founded the Piano Academy of Ireland (formerly Rathgar Piano) in 2006, aiming to ‘Discover the Musician Within’ and featured on RTE’s Nationwide. Along with founding a National Piano Festival in 2008 – a performance space for all ages and levels, aimed at celebrating the piano, together with her husband, Dr. Archie Chen, they then went on to found the Dublin International Piano Festival & Summer Academy in 2013 - a 10-day programme, including a concert series, filling the need for a quality holistic programme of learning, with an esteemed international faculty of teachers & performers, fostering excellence in aspiring young pianists from around the world.
Rachel simply enjoys her piano lessons. I don’t know how Rhona does it as I wasn’t around during the lessons but I can see that Rachel is well- motivated and is always looking forward to her next lesson. Rachel has only been in the School for 3 months and I have already seen an improvement. (I have tried two other piano teachers with her previously but did not go very far as she refuses to play for them- Rhona certainly has a way with young children!)
Dr. Ruth Low, parent
We are very happy to have Rhona teach our son Joe. We really appreciate the effort and dedication Rhona puts into teaching Joe. He absolutely adores Rhona and enjoys the lessons.
mother of Joe O’Grady
I’m happy with the progress of her lesson. In a short period of time she learned a lot of songs to play and even joined and won a prize in a festival.
Anon Parent
Discover the Musician Within
Phone: Call us at 01 4972333
Email: info@pianoacademy.ie
Office Hours:
TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY
10:00AM - 2:00PM
Address:
Head Office and Studios:
1) 71B Brighton Road, Back of Methodist Church, Rathgar, D06Y497
Piano Studio:
2) Tennant Hall, Highfield Road,Christ Church, Rathgar
Email: info@pianoacademy.ie
Office Hours:
TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY
10:00AM - 2:00PM
Address:
Head Office and Studios:
1) 71B Brighton Road, Back of Methodist Church, Rathgar, D06Y497
Piano Studio: