BIOGRAPHY

Lewis Kesterton is a classical pianist and leading pedagogue, recognised for his work as a teacher, curator, and champion of pianists preparing for a 21st-century career.​

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As Head of Piano at The City Literary Institute, Lewis runs the UK's largest piano programme, coaches advanced adult pianists and curates the City Lit Piano Festival. He also teaches in the Junior department at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, working with gifted young pianists and as a chamber music coach. He encourages his students to think beyond the walls of the practice room, preparing them to be resourceful, adaptable musicians, and has a particular interest in supporting students overcoming injury. He is regularly invited to give masterclasses and to teach on piano courses around the country, has given presentations for Tonebase, and has served as a Trustee of EPTA UK.

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Lewis studied piano at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire under Mark Bebbington and Katharine Lam before moving to London to work with Penelope Roskell at Trinity Laban, at the Royal College of Music with Mengyang Pan, and at City, University of London with Laura Roberts. In 2019 he was awarded the John Ireland Trust Piano Prize and took second prize in the London College of Music's Mona Blackman Competition. He performs regularly across the UK as a soloist, chamber musician and accompanist, and has a particular affinity with the music of Schubert, Chopin and Mozart.

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Since beginning his teaching career in 2016, Lewis has developed his own distinctive and innovative pedagogical approach, informed by extensive study of music education. He has a particular specialism in guiding pianists through large-scale projects and substantial bodies of repertoire, and has worked as a coach for piano teachers in the UK and beyond.