Cotswold Pianist
HI!
I am lydia
A pianist based in the beautiful Cotswolds, UK. I’ve been playing the piano since I was 5 years old and have over 20 years’ experience both performing and teaching.
As an experienced teacher, I am the founder of Cotswold Piano Studio (link?), a thriving studio providing lessons to nearly 200 pupils across Cotswold primary schools and privately.
I regularly play at weddings and events, providing beautiful, ambient music which suits the elegant surroundings in the many stunning venues nearby!
I also work as an accompanist for choirs and soloists.
I’d love you to have a look around my website, get to know me a bit more and find out what I can offer you!!
Posted on Hannah SharpTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Lydia was delightful to work with for our winter wedding in the Cotswolds!! We asked if she would be able to play some Coldplay and Harry Potter music for our ceremony…she overdid herself—it was outstanding. After the ceremony, Lydia also played for our cocktail hours and the music sounded beautiful inside the warm and cozy manor house. Lydia was very easy to communicate with, I’d highly recommend her if you are looking for a talented pianist for an event or wedding!!Posted on Rosie WaldronTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We’re from the Cotswolds and got married in the Cotswolds, Old Gore Barn. We knew we wanted a talented pianist, so Cotswold pianist is what I typed in to my search. This led us to Lydia, and from the moment we heard her stunning pieces on Instagram, we knew we’d found the right person. From our first message, communication with Lydia was speedy, clear, and so positive. I had my heart set on walking down the aisle to a unique arrangement of Pachelbel’s Canon blending into Beautiful Crazy—a song that isn’t very well known but is an incredibly special song for my now husband and I. Lydia was genuinely excited to learn it and brought it to life beautifully. We also requested Sparks Fly by Taylor Swift, and when I wasn’t sure it would translate to piano, Lydia went the extra mile: she recorded it and sent it over so we could hear for ourselves. That’s the kind of dedication she brings. She even came to Old Gore one autumn weekend to do a run-through of my aisle walk, timing the music perfectly so everything felt natural on the day. It was such a thoughtful touch and put me completely at ease. On our wedding day, Lydia was everything you could want—polite, professional, kind, and wonderfully calm. The music was perfect, and it set the most magical atmosphere. Our guests were so impressed that my best friend even booked her for her own wedding afterwards! We couldn’t recommend Lydia highly enough—she was a dream to work with from start to finish, and her music made our day unforgettable. Tom & RosiePosted on Hannah Louise TaylorTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had Lydia play at our wedding at Old Gore Barn, both for the ceremony and for the drinks reception. Everything felt so easy and seamless, with Lydia even learning a specific Taylor Swift mash up (Lover x Crazier) from TikTok for us. The music throughout the day was beautiful and really added to the day. Would 100% recommend Lydia as a wedding pianist.Posted on Liberty WelchTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We were so lucky to have Lydia play the piano at our wedding at Lains Barn in Oxfordshire. From start to finish, her music created the most magical atmosphere. I had asked her to play specific pieces including Nuvole Bianche and I Giorni by Ludovico Einaudi and Edelweiss from the Sound of Music. She performed them so beautifully. Walking down the aisle to that music was one of the most emotional moments of my life and my husband later told me that hearing his favourite Ludovico songs was what set him off crying as he watched me walk towards him. Beyond her incredible talent, she was also such a joy to work with. Her communication was fab in the lead up to the wedding and on the day she was so friendly, professional, and so thoughtful in making sure everything was perfect. If you’re looking for a pianist to make your special day unforgettable, we couldn’t recommend Lydia more highly. Thank you Lydia. Liberty and Chris KanePosted on Becky SlaterTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Lydia was amazing - we are so glad we chose to have her perform at our wedding at Merriscourt. She was incredibly easy to communicate with and very responsive, and willing to support with all of our song choices. Her piano playing was absolutely beautiful and she was great to work with on the day. Thank you so much Lydia!Posted on Mark HampshireTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The entire engagement with Lydia, from planning to performance was first class and always beyond expectations. We had to let Lydia down a couple of times when making our planning meeting and it was never a problem. Lydia was always personable and accommodating. Lydia played a real eclectic mix of songs and pieces on the day and as a result of our requests. She was superb and we received so many compliments from our guests. A fabulous pianist coupled with super person, providing a quite brilliant set during drinks. We would highly recommend for any relevant event and book Lydia again in a heartbeat.Posted on Eleanor MisselbrookTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Lydia did such a wonderful job playing for the ceremony at our wedding. She was really responsive in the run up and played beautifully on the day.Posted on Iain Russell-JarvieTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Love to listen regularly to this superb, talented pianist.Posted on Ben ApplebyTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We absolutely loved having Lydia perform the ceremony music at our wedding. Not only is she a fantastic pianist, but went above and beyond during the planning process, mixing in some special requests and Christmas songs. Every guest commented how special it was having Lydia play and she kept us entertained while the bride kept us all waiting ahead of the ceremony! Lydia is so talented and friendly, and we'd definitely recommend her to anyone planning a wedding! Ben & ElizabethPosted on Rebecca FordTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Having Lydia perform our ceremony music was a joy! She worked on two bespoke song requests, which she learnt specifically for our wedding, and they were perfect. She was really easy to book and communicate with, and I would hire her again in a heartbeat! Thank you Lydia!
Teaching
I teach piano from any age from 5-80+.
My teaching philosophy is that no ‘one size fits all’ and every pupil learns in their own way, at their own pace and in their own style.
I take time to get to know my pupils, see how they tick, what works and what doesn’t, and to be flexible enough to make changes where necessary!
I teach a small number of pupils privately, but the majority of my teaching work is now done through my organisation, Cotswold Piano Studio (link?).
I began this business in 2024 as a way of meeting the huge demand for piano lessons in the Cotswolds!Head over to the website (link) to learn more about us and how you can sign up for lessons!
Weddings and events
I LOVE working with couples to provide the right mood for your wedding or event. I am able to play in all styles, but my specialism is providing beautiful and elegant music in either a light jazz, classical or easy listening style.
You can listen to many examples of my playing on my youtube channel
As a trained classical pianist I can also provide any piece of classical music you require (as long as I have enough notice to make it perfectly polished for you!).
Accompanist
As an accompanist with nearly 30 years’ experience, I have worked with many choirs including The Mastersingers, The Bolton Musical and Choral Society, The Genesis Choral (under the direction of Neil Ferris), Bampton Singers, Sutton Singers, London Youth Choirs and more.
I am currently the regular accompanist for The Wychwood Singers where I work with the fabulous conductor Lizzie Soden. I’d almost say I love accompanying more than solo playing, as there is no feeling like playing with others!!
I am available to accompany music exams at all levels as well as solo performances. Please get in touch to discuss fees and availability.
Performances
I usually perform solo several times throughout the year. Recent performances include the Chipping Norton Music Festival, and Advent Piano (performed at Condicote Village Hall).
Due to a neck injury I was unable to do much performing in 2025, but now that I am on the road to recovery I look forward to more performances in the future!
See details of upcoming performances here.
I can’t wait
to hear from you
If you would like to hire me please do use my contact form to find out about prices and packages, or to book a free no obligation telephone call to see if I am the right fit for you.