Meet Our Teachers

Anna has worked as an HCPC registered music therapist for the past 15 years, using music creatively to support both children and adults with varying needs. Anna is passionate about using music to communicate, and has worked in nurseries, schools, care homes and community settings. Anna takes a calm and caring approach, working with the client to develop areas of need.

Music therapy does not require any previous experience of playing an instrument, rather it is about using music as a form of communication and expression when words are difficult. Music therapy can help with mental health needs, neurodiversities, learning disabilities and physical difficulties.

Anna is looking forward to developing community music groups with the Regis School of Music, as well as using the space for individual sessions.

A graduate of the Royal College of Music and a member of the European Piano Teachers Association (EPTA), Soheila’s teaching career spans more than 35 years.

She has made a close study of the successful methods and practices of teaching the piano and loves to start working with children from an early age.

Soheila also has vast experience in preparing older students for festivals, auditions, competitions, exams and diplomas, and many of her pupils have won music scholarships to well-known public schools, including Eton, Charterhouse, Canford and Marlborough.

As well as her private practice in association with The Regis School of Music, Soheila teaches piano at Westbourne House School.

Mark is an experienced violin and piano teacher and also performing musician. He teaches students of all abilities both privately and in schools. He has experience teaching from 4 years old up to 90! Mark is a fun and patient teacher and he offers the opportunity for students to take exams if they wish. He has a 100% pass rate with students averaging over 80% in their exams (merit). When Mark is not teaching he is often found performing in care homes and for weddings or leading choirs! Look out for more information about the upcoming community string orchestra based at The Regis School of Music which Mark will be conducting.

Izabela is an active bassoonist and teacher. She graduated from the Royal College of Music in 2016 and has since enjoyed a various freelance career working with many professional UK orchestras and ensembles. Izabela also teaches piano, recorder, ukulele and wind ensemble classes.

Izabela is happy to offer online lessons for those that prefer this option and will shortly be launching Ukulele and Recorder Clubs at the Regis School of Music

An experienced and highly qualified violin and viola teacher with over thirteen years of private and institutional

teaching experience across Chichester and London. Trained at the Royal Academy of Music under Margaret

Faultless and Nicolette Moonen, Ray brings exceptional musical and pedagogical credentials to his teaching. He

has recently submitted a PhD thesis at the University of Chichester exploring mindfulness-based well-being

interventions for conservatoire musicians, with his viva forthcoming in 2026.

Azalia Holman holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Concertmaster and Piano Teaching from Russia, where her professional musical journey began. She moved to the UK in 2003 and has been teaching piano professionally since 2010.

Azalia works with students of all ages and abilities, focusing not only on technical development but also on confidence, discipline and creative expression. She organises seasonal student concerts that celebrate progress and community, with proceeds donated to Crisis Charity — a cause close to her heart. Azalia views teaching as a vocation and is committed to nurturing each student’s individual musical path with patience and encouragement.

Inna Erskine began playing violin at the age of three. She studied at the Junior Department of the Royal College of Music before continuing at the Purcell School of Music, working with distinguished teachers including Pamela Spofforth, Grigori Zhislin, Jean Fiske and Jack Glickman.

Following an extended break from performance, Inna returned to music with renewed passion and has taught privately and in schools for nearly 20 years. She is trained in the String Babies method, supporting very young learners and students with additional needs, and is proudly SEN-aware in her approach. Inna performs regularly at weddings and events as both soloist and ensemble musician, and serves as Co-Principal and Strings Specialist at the Regis School of Music.

Louise Martin is a woodwind and music theory teacher based in Hampshire and West Sussex. A graduate of the University of Chichester (BA Hons Music), she has developed a thriving teaching practice both privately and within schools.

Louise teaches clarinet, saxophone and flute, and specialises in introducing younger children to music through starter instruments such as the Nuvo range, enabling pupils to begin as early as Year 2. Alongside her teaching, she performs regularly as Principal Clarinet with the Portsmouth Philharmonic and enjoys playing in theatre pit bands, big bands and function ensembles. Her lessons combine strong technical foundations with a varied and engaging approach.

Nigel McNestrie studied piano and cello at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama with John York and Leonard Stehn. After graduating, he established himself across the South of England, performing with English Festival Opera, touring with The London Schubert Players and co-founding The Lancing Piano Trio.

In addition to chamber and orchestral work, Nigel is in high demand with operatic societies, performing on cello, keyboard and piano accordion. He has a particular interest in Early Music and plays the viola da gamba. Nigel combines extensive performance experience with a deep commitment to music education and collaborative music-making.

Molly Palmer studied Violin Performance at the University of Chichester, graduating with a 2:1 before completing an Advanced Performance year. She also holds Trinity Grade 8 with Distinction.

Since graduating, Molly has dedicated her career to violin teaching across West Sussex and Hampshire, working in primary, secondary and preparatory schools as well as privately. Her students have achieved a 100% pass rate in ABRSM and Trinity examinations, although she also supports learners who prefer to explore repertoire without formal exams. Molly focuses on creating engaging, supportive lessons tailored to each individual’s goals and musical interests.

Peter Salway retrained as a piano technician after a career in electrical and electronics engineering, completing a degree in Musical Instrument Technology at the London College of Furniture. During his studies, he was awarded the John Broadwood Scholarship by the Worshipful Company of Musicians and later undertook an internship at Trinity College of Music.

Now based in Bognor Regis, Peter provides domestic, concert and event tuning and repair services across the South Coast. He has worked on tour with internationally renowned artists including Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Jacob Collier and Jamie Cullum. Peter combines technical precision with extensive professional experience to ensure pianos perform at their highest standard.

Sophie Middleditch graduated from Lancaster University before studying recorder, modern and baroque flute at Trinity College of Music with leading specialists including Rebecca Miles and Stephen Preston. She has since built an extensive performing and teaching career.

Sophie performs widely as a soloist and chamber musician at major festivals and venues across the UK, and has appeared with ensembles including the Essex Baroque Orchestra and Britten Pears Baroque Orchestra. She founded The Parnassian Ensemble in 1998, earning critical acclaim and recording for Avie Records. A dedicated educator, Sophie has been recorder tutor at Chichester University since 1996 and is highly regarded for her inspiring and scholarly approach to early music.

Born in Vorkuta in the former Soviet Union, Nina Levtov began playing piano at the age of four. At eleven she was accepted to the Special Music School for Musically Gifted Children in St. Petersburg (then Leningrad), later graduating from Mussorgsky Music College and continuing her studies at the St. Petersburg Conservatoire.

In 1979, Nina emigrated to the UK with her family and established a distinguished career as both a concert pianist and dedicated teacher. In 1996, she co-founded the Regis School of Music, where she teaches over 30 students and plays a central role in organising concerts, competitions and masterclasses. Nina is committed to nurturing musical excellence while fostering confidence and artistry in her students.

Sam Chara graduated from the Royal Conservatory in Amsterdam with a specialism in Vocal Jazz and has worked as a performer and singing teacher for over 25 years. She teaches across a wide range of genres including Pop, Jazz, Rock and Classical styles.

Lessons focus on vocal technique, posture and breathwork — incorporating Alexander Technique and Qigong — followed by song interpretation and performance, with Sam accompanying on piano. She also teaches music theory, songwriting and preparation for further study in music and the entertainment industry. Sam aims to create lessons that are technically grounded, expressive and enjoyable, supporting each student’s artistic confidence and growth.

Andrew Richardson is an experienced guitar teacher working with students of all ages and abilities, preparing candidates for Trinity and ABRSM practical and theory examinations, as well as those learning purely for enjoyment. He holds an ALCM in Guitar Performance, a BA (Hons) in Music Education, a PGCE, ISM membership and enhanced DBS clearance.

With over 35 years’ experience in music education, including serving as Head of Music in three Hampshire secondary schools, Andrew has pioneered digital approaches to music learning and developed interactive resources used internationally. He has also studied conducting and directs ensembles including Guitar Harmony at the West Sussex Guitar Club. Andrew teaches in Waterlooville and Bognor Regis and brings a wealth of professional and educational expertise to his lessons.