Hayley Elton  

Hayley Elton is a talented concert pianist with a multitude of musical talents associated with the piano. She began playing the piano at the age of seven, and by the time she was nine, she was the youngest person to gain entrance to the Guildhall School of Music – and to pass the Grade 4 exam with distinction. At 14, she sailed through Grade 8.

Hayley went on to study with Eileen Reynolds, professor of music at the Royal College of Music, who introduced her to classical Spanish music, adding to Hayley’s already ever-expanding repertoire. Towards the end of her classical training, Kendall Taylor, CBE, Vice-president of the Royal College took her under his wing and Hayley was privileged to complete her training with him.

In 1987 & 88, Hayley’s much-acclaimed performance at the Stratford & East London Music Festival gained her the Chopin Prize. She then went on to take all the cups for Sonata, Open, Recital and Chopin at both the Watford & District and Ruislip & Northwood Festivals.

But it was her astounding performance in Spain’s International Chopin Festival that brought Hayley’s name to the attention of musicians and promoters Europe wide. She was invited to perform in the International Winter Series in Spain, 1990-’97; and to top the bill in an invitation-only concert in honour of the Spanish royal family.

As a result she was invited to perform in the UK’s most prestigious concert halls; and her performance at London’s Barbican Hall led to thrilling critical acclaim in major national newspapers.

Hayley’s first television appearance was on the James Whale Show in 1995, led to many more television appearances, and to producing and presenting her own radio series.

In 1998 Hayley devised a new, unique and revolutionary method of teaching piano in which it is entirely possible for a beginner of any age (her youngest pupil is just 15 months, and her oldest is very old indeed!) to play a simple piece after just ten minutes tuition…technique which has the full approval of the Chief Examiner of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music.

Many celebrities – including Patrick Moore, Jayne Torvill, Tessa Sanderson, Jonathon Edwards - have taken up Hayley’s Piano Challenge on live television programmes including - The Big Breakfast, This Morning and London Tonight. Further television appearances on BBC Breakfast News, Channel 4 and Channel 5 News and on a number of European channels are scheduled for this year. A highlight of these programmes will show how Hayley’s remarkable techniques can be applied successfully to babies as young as 15 months – and other humans of seriously advanced ages!!

Hayley threw down the gauntlet to Third Division Barnet FC. She was let loose on the youth team teaching them to play the piano to prove that piano playing improves concentration, rhythm and co-ordination, and since teaching the Youth team she has given numerous radio and television interviews on the fact that her method has certainly helped the youth team. Watch this space as the team moves up !

At the end of 2000 Hayley was invited onto the Big Breakfast Show to teach Victoria Beckham (Posh Spice) to play a tune on the piano within 5 minutes. This she accomplished, in fact Victoria wanted to take further lessons!

To date Hayley is working on a unique sound with her piano skills to assist with relaxation and the relief of stress.

PUBLISHING
Hayley has published three books:
Celebrity Piano Challenge; Take the Elton Piano Challenge, Book I, in December 1998; and Book 2 in November 1999.