Toni Crichton did her degree in Classical Music at the SA College of Music, University of Cape Town with a Post Graduate Certificate in Education.

She majored in piano, with violin as her second instrument.  With a keen interest in Music Therapy, Toni incorporated Psychology into the first few years of her degree and values the role of Music in Education and in the role music plays in the development of each individual.

At St Andrews School for Girls, Toni studied piano under Margie Cleghorn. At UCT, she studied under Prof. Francois Du Toit and Liesel Maret Jocobs Kemp and was first exposed to Jazz, which remains a passion. 

Having pursued further study in Music Production, her teaching now incorporates an emphasis on the ability to combine theoretical understanding with performance and production in whichever genre each pupil pursues.

Much of her experience has been in schools over more than a decade, in the government as well as private sector.  This has included the running of music departments, teaching classes, with experience in accompaniment, productions, choral training, orchestra, marimba and Orff training as well as individual lessons for all ages. 

Now based at a recording studio in Green Point, she currently spends some time teaching individual piano at a private school in Cape Town and running courses and individual lessons at the studio.  She is currently working on her first piano album with renowned producer Gabi Le Roux and works closely with him providing workshops in Music Production.

“Having taught music for over a decade, I am still passionate about facilitating the musical growth and appreciation in each individual I work with. Music is a language, which allows us to feel, to experience and to create, and this is a very personal journey for each individual.  I recognize the privilege it is to be a part of that journey for each of my students, and place a strong emphasis on enjoyment in my teaching style.  While my approach is relaxed, I rely on strong foundational principles which will allow pupils to grow to their full musical potential in whichever genre they decide to pursue.”

First Published 11 January 2011