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Teaching
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With over a decade of teaching experience, Joanna Gutowska combines artistic excellence with a deeply individual and supportive pedagogical approach. She obtained her pedagogical qualifications in 2015 and has since worked with students of all ages and levels — teaching children from the age of 3 through to adult learners, advanced performers, and professional musicians. Alongside her private teaching practice, she is working with Wandsworth and Haringey Music Services, Joanna has also taught at the Academy of Music in Kraków, presented cello masterclasses across the UK, and taught at the Dartington Summer School & Festival.
Joanna prepares students for ABRSM examinations in cello, piano, and music theory, as well as auditions and entrance examinations for specialist music schools, junior departments, conservatoires, and universities. Her students have successfully gained places at prestigious institutions including the Junior Royal Academy of Music, Royal College of Music, and Guildhall School in London. Many have also received music scholarships and won prizes in national and international competitions.
APPROACH
Her teaching is rooted in the belief that musical growth should nurture creativity, confidence, curiosity, and personal expression. For younger students and beginner groups, Joanna incorporates elements of the Kodály method — an internationally recognised educational approach that develops musicianship through singing, movement, listening, rhythm, and inner hearing before instrumental technique. This creates a strong and natural musical foundation while keeping lessons engaging, imaginative, and joyful.
Joanna is also the founder of Mind for Strings — innovative group classes designed to support string players through collaborative learning, musicianship training, improvisation, movement, and performance preparation. The project reflects her passion for holistic music education and community-based learning.
As founder of Mind for Stage, Joanna additionally integrates performance psychology and wellbeing into her teaching philosophy. Her work in this field influences the way she supports students in developing confidence, stage presence, focus, emotional resilience, and a healthy relationship with performing.Whether in individual lessons, workshops, or group settings, Joanna aims to create an inspiring and thoughtful environment where students can grow both musically and personally.Joanna regularly organises two student concerts each year at Jacksons Lane in Highgate, London, where students of all ages and levels have the opportunity not only to perform, but also to meet, connect, and share their musical experiences in a supportive and inspiring environment.