Music for Confidence, Creativity & Connection
Piano and singing lessons for children, specialist vocal coaching, and adult group singing experiences — led by experienced musician, educator and performer, Talena 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