Meet the Principal
Elisabeth Bulbena
BMus (Royal Holloway), BA (Hons)
Founder & Principal
“Every child has the ability to make music. My role is to discover how each child learns best and help them realise their full potential.”
Elisabeth BulbenaWelcome
Welcome to Beethoven Music School. Thank you for taking the time to learn more about the philosophy behind our school.
Music has always been a central part of my life. From a young age, I knew that I wanted not only to perform and study music but also to share it with others. However, as my career developed, I realised that becoming an excellent teacher required far more than being an accomplished musician.
It required understanding children.
Over the past twenty years, I have dedicated my career to studying not only music, but also how children learn, how they develop confidence, how they overcome challenges and how every child can be inspired to achieve their potential.
This belief became the foundation upon which Beethoven Music School was built. Our aim has never simply been to prepare students for examinations. Instead, we seek to provide every child with a complete musical education that nurtures creativity, confidence, curiosity and a lifelong love of music.
My Educational Philosophy
Every child is different. Some children learn best through listening, others through movement, creativity or visual learning. Some thrive with structure and routine, whilst others flourish when encouraged to experiment and explore.
For this reason, I have never believed that one teaching method can suit every learner. Throughout my career I have continually studied different educational philosophies, music pedagogies and approaches to child development in order to understand how children learn most effectively.
My teaching is based on one simple principle:
The teaching should adapt to the child, never the child to the teaching.
Every lesson is carefully planned around the individual student's personality, interests, strengths, goals and preferred learning style. This creates lessons that are enjoyable, motivating and challenging whilst allowing every student to progress with confidence.
An International Perspective
One of the greatest influences on my teaching has been the opportunity to study and train in several European countries. Each country has offered different perspectives on education, child development and music teaching.
Rather than following one educational philosophy exclusively, I have combined the strengths of several internationally respected approaches, creating a flexible teaching style that responds to the needs of each individual student.
Edgar Willems
Music education built on listening, singing and natural musical development.
Dalcroze Eurhythmics
Learning rhythm and musical understanding through movement.
The Kodály Method
Singing-led musicianship and strong aural foundations.
Joan Llongueres
An educational philosophy of creativity and active participation.
Music Education Beyond the Instrument
Learning an instrument is about far more than playing the correct notes. True musical education develops listening, creativity, imagination, independence, discipline and confidence. It encourages children to think, create, communicate and express themselves through music.
These approaches emphasise active learning through singing, movement, improvisation, listening and musical understanding. Rather than focusing exclusively on technical exercises, they encourage students to become complete musicians.
This philosophy is reflected throughout Beethoven Music School, where students are encouraged not only to play their instrument well but also to understand, enjoy and experience music in its widest sense.
Inclusive Education
Another area that has become increasingly important throughout my career is inclusive education.
Every child deserves to feel successful.
Over the years I have worked with children from many different backgrounds, personalities and learning profiles, including students with autism, ADHD, high learning potential and a wide range of additional educational needs.
To better support these students I have continued to study child development, educational psychology and neurodiversity, undertaking specialist training that enables me to adapt lessons to individual learning needs.
My aim is not simply to teach music. It is to create an environment in which every child feels understood, supported and able to succeed.
More Than Examinations
Many families first come to Beethoven Music School because they are looking for excellent examination results. Our students regularly achieve outstanding results in both ABRSM and Trinity College London examinations and enjoy performing in concerts, festivals and other musical events.
However, examinations are only one part of a student's musical journey.
- Music teaches patience.
- It develops resilience.
- It encourages creativity.
- It builds confidence.
These are qualities that remain with children throughout their lives, whatever path they choose in the future.
For me, seeing a child discover the joy of music is every bit as rewarding as seeing them receive a distinction in an examination.
Qualifications & Professional Development
Academic Qualifications
- BMus (Bachelor of Music) – Royal Holloway, University of London
- Professional Music Studies – Conservatori Superior de Música del Liceu, Barcelona
- BA (Hons) Humanities
Music Education & Pedagogy
- Diploma in Music Pedagogy (Edgar Willems Method), Italy
- Specialist training in Dalcroze Eurhythmics
- Specialist training in the Kodály Method
- Training in the educational philosophy of Joan Llongueres
- Ongoing professional development in music education and pedagogy
Child Development & Education
My professional development extends beyond music education to include child development, educational psychology and learning methodologies.
Through studies undertaken in the United Kingdom, Spain, France and Italy, I have explored different educational systems and pedagogical approaches, allowing me to develop a broad understanding of how children learn and how teaching can be adapted to meet individual needs.
Inclusive Education & Neurodiversity
- Autism Coach Certification
- ADHD Coach Certification
- Teaching Gifted and Talented Students – Institute of Child Education and Psychology Europe
- Member of the Research Team on High Learning Potential – Institute of Education, University of Barcelona
- Extensive professional development in neurodiversity, SEND and inclusive education
Additional professional development includes specialist courses delivered by the National Autistic Society and the Harrow Mental Health Support Team, covering areas such as sensory processing, executive functioning, emotional regulation, anxiety, demand avoidance and supporting neurodivergent learners.
Professional Experience
For over two decades, I have taught children and young people aged 3 to 18, helping students of all abilities develop confidence, musical understanding and a genuine enjoyment of music.
As Founder and Principal of Beethoven Music School, I have guided hundreds of students through their musical journeys, preparing them for concerts, festivals, ABRSM and Trinity College London examinations, diploma qualifications and, for some, entry to conservatoires and university music programmes.
Above all, I remain committed to helping every student discover the lifelong joy that music can bring.
My Promise to Every Family
When a child joins Beethoven Music School, they are not simply enrolling for music lessons. They are joining a school that values curiosity, creativity, kindness and excellence.
Every lesson is designed to inspire confidence, encourage independent thinking and foster a genuine love of music that will last far beyond childhood.
Whether a student dreams of becoming a professional musician or simply wishes to enjoy making music for life, they will be taught with patience, enthusiasm and respect as an individual.
That is the philosophy on which Beethoven Music School was founded, and it continues to guide everything we do today.
