Professional Musicians
Professional Musicians
I had the pleasure of working with Catherine Leach during my time as Head of Music at Ashton Sixth Form College, where she served as our principal piano tutor for the A Level Music course. Catherine brought exceptional dedication to her teaching, supporting every student in developing both their technical ability and their wider musicianship. She took genuine care to understand each learner’s individual needs and musical interests while drawing on her extensive experience to recommend repertoire that would both inspire and challenge them.
As a musician, Catherine was at the very heart of the department, and as a colleague she was invaluable — providing thoughtful weekly updates on student progress and working collaboratively to ensure the best outcomes for every young person. Her students trusted her deeply, seeing her not only as a teacher but as a mentor and supportive presence during a formative stage of their lives. They consistently looked forward to her lessons, which became a highlight of their studies.
Under Catherine’s guidance, students were always thoroughly prepared for their A Level performance exams, with the vast majority surpassing their own expectations and achieving the grades they needed for university entry.
Anton East
December 2025
Piano teaching is about far more than learning notes for success in examinations. It is about inspiring, caring, nurturing, and developing not only a deep love of music, but a holistic and centred approach to all subject, life and life itself via the unique and fantastic centre that music provides.
Catherine Leach has had enormous successes in exams and in getting pupils to play.
However perhaps her greatest asset as a teacher is the way in which she truly does inspire love, dedication, involvement and fun for all her students. Study with her will unquestionably enhance every aspect of your own or your children's life
Murray McLachlan
Concert Pianist and Writer,
Chair EPTA UK, Head of Keyboard Chetham's School of Music and Senior teacher RNCM
I have known Catherine throughout my time at Up Holland High School. She has always impressed me with her innate musicality and her caring and supportive approach to her students.
She has helped a great number of Up Holland High School pupils past and present to really develop thier musical skills. Many of her pupils have taken G.C.S.E. Music and Catherine goes to great lengths to be present at their practical examinations - often playing piano duets with them - where she is invariably a calming and supportive influence. Her pupils are always very well prepared and they play an interesting repertoire to a very high standard. Not only do many Up Holland high School pupils owe her a debt of grat!
itude - I do too.
Alastair Roberts G.R.N.C.M. Head of Music Up Holland High School 1980 -2012
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