Music for Confidence, Creativity & Connection
Piano, singing and guitar lessons for children, specialist vocal coaching, and adult group singing experiences — led by experienced musicians, educator sand performers, Talena and Paul Cuthbert.
Talena Cuthbert
I’ve been teaching, performing and writing music for over 25 years.
Music has always been central to my life — not just as a skill, but as a way of connecting, expressing and building confidence. Layston Music grew from a desire to share that experience in a way that feels supportive, inclusive and genuinely life-enhancing.
I hold formal music qualifications and have worked professionally as a singer and songwriter alongside my teaching career.
Over the past two decades, I’ve taught hundreds of students of all ages — from young beginners to developing performers — supporting them through exams, performances, auditions and personal creative growth.
My experience as a working musician informs everything I teach. Technique matters — but so does expression, confidence and enjoyment.
Alongside my music career, I have over 10 years of experience working with neurodivergent children and adults. I understand that no two learners are the same. My teaching approach is flexible, patient and responsive — creating lessons that feel structured yet calm, encouraging yet appropriately challenging.
I believe:
Music education should build confidence, not pressure.
Singing should feel liberating, not intimidating.
Creativity belongs to everyone.
Community matters.
Whether in a one-to-one lesson or a room full of voices, my aim is always to create a space where people feel safe enough to grow.
Professional Experience & Approach
With over 20 years of teaching experience, my work spans piano and singing lessons, specialist vocal coaching and community singing leadership.
I’ve worked with hundreds of students — from young beginners to experienced performers — supporting musical development in a way that builds both skill and confidence. My background as a professional singer and songwriter deeply informs how I teach: technique matters, but so do expression, creativity and enjoyment.
Tailored, Supportive Teaching
Every student is different — and no two lessons look exactly the same.
I create structured, encouraging learning environments where students can progress at a steady pace while feeling safe to explore and grow. Whether preparing for exams, developing performance skills or learning purely for enjoyment, lessons are adapted to suit the individual.
For over a decade, I have worked extensively with neurodivergent children and adults, as well as those experiencing anxiety and mental health challenges. This experience has shaped a calm, flexible and empathetic teaching style that prioritises wellbeing alongside progress.
Vocal Coaching & Creative Development
Alongside children’s lessons, I work with teens and adults developing their voice more deeply — supporting healthy vocal technique, performance confidence, songwriting and artistic identity.
My approach combines professional vocal training with real-world experience as a working musician, offering guidance that is both technically sound and creatively empowering.
Community & Connection
In recent years, my work has expanded into community singing through The Singing Circle — creating welcoming spaces where adults can reconnect with their voice, sing in harmony and experience the powerful wellbeing benefits of shared music-making.
Whether teaching one-to-one or leading a room full of voices, my aim is always the same: To create a space where people feel confident, supported and inspired through music.
Qualifications and Certifications
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BA First Class Hons - Popular Music and Recording
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Level 4 Diploma - Sound Therapist
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Level 3 Diploma - Breathwork
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Level 3 Diploma - Sound Healing
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Level 3 Diploma - Music and Song Therapy
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Level 2 - Understanding Autism
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Level 2 - Understanding Children and Young People's Mental Health
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Grade 8 (Level 3) ABRSM - Singing
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Grade 7 (Level 3) ABRSM - Piano
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A-Levels (Level 3) - Music & Maths
*Full DSB Certification
*NSPCC Childrens Safeguarding Course
*Public Liability & Business Insurance
*Member of the Musicians Union
*Member of The Complimentary Medical Association
To find out more, check out my LinkedIn Profile here