About Marissa Håkansson
I am an Australian classical piano teacher with an online piano studio based in northern Sweden. I teach children and adult beginners of all ages, worldwide. I am also available for in-person lessons at my studio in Ås, Jämtland, Sweden.
I help my students to build foundational skills in music and piano playing, while inspiring them to develop a life-long love of music. I also specialise in healthy piano technique that helps pianists to prevent or recover from injury.
I believe that we all have musical abilities, and that it is never too early or too late to pursue your dreams of playing the piano!
Classical piano training
I have studied classical piano in Australia and Sweden, including private training in healthy piano technique.
''I am committed to my continuing education as a musician and teacher, so I can help my students develop into the pianists they want to be.''
I completed a three-year classical music program with a specialisation in piano at Birka Folkhögskola, in Jämtland, Sweden. My final year of study included a personal research project on piano pedagogy. I previously completed examinations in piano and music theory through the Australian Music Examinations Board.
Additionally, I have undergone training in the Taubman approach to piano technique with Therese Milanovic, PhD, a master teacher of the Taubman approach. This approach trains pianists to develop healthy playing habits so they can prevent (or recover) from injury and play with ease. The Taubman approach has enabled me to refine my technique, recover from injury, and share this knowledge with my students.
I actively seek out training opportunities and resources in music education, so that I can develop my skills and knowledge as a pianist and educator. This has included courses and research on piano technique for healthy piano playing. My other area of interest is understanding how children and adults learn music, including the role of audiation (our ability to 'think' music).
I am grateful to my current piano teachers, Stephanie Wendt, DMA, and Therese Milanovic, PhD, who have generously shared their expertise with me, and who continue to be an ongoing source of support and inspiration.
For me, music is one of life's great joys, and it would be a privilege to help you bring more music into your or your child's life. Are you ready to get started?
My story with classical piano
Classical music has had a profound impact on my life! It's power to uplift, heal, and create a more connected, empathetic world inspires me on a daily basis.
It's my mission to nurture a love of classical music in my students and community.
Classical music makes my heart and soul soar in a way that nothing else can. I first fell in love with classical music through my childhood ballet classes, and not long afterwards I started to take piano lessons. The connection and love of the instrument continued throughout my school years, and in my early twenties I found myself teaching piano to young children.
Sadly, I had very little confidence in myself at that time. I did not dare to pursue my musical dreams, and so piano (and music) slowly slipped out of my life.
''I've always loved music, especially classical music — it makes my heart and soul soar in a way that nothing else can.''
However, as the years passed, I missed the piano dreadfully: it felt like a part of me was missing. I longed to play, to immerse myself in music, and to experience the joy that comes from musical expression! I knew in my heart of hearts that I not only wanted music in my life, but needed it.
It took some bold steps forward, and the gentle encouragement of a caring teacher, to reignite my dreams of playing the piano. I then returned to the piano, studying classical music full-time and pursuing my aspirations to teach.
My experiences of learning the piano both as a child and as a returning adult has fueled my passion for understanding the most effective way to learn music, so we can play to our fullest ability, no matter our age. Through my studies, I have developed a strong passion for the importance of technique in unlocking musicality and self-expression at the piano.
I can say without any hesitation that studying the piano, and bringing music back into my life, is the the best decision I've ever made, and one that has been immensely healing.