Jen Griffiths

I have always been a musician. With perfect pitch and able to read music from the age of three, I picked up the recorder, violin at age four, and formally piano from age seven. I was in orchestras as a violinist and later viola player between the ages of nine-eighteen, but my passion was always with the piano. I loved being part of ensembles, especially a jazz band during my sixth form, but I always had stage fright when it came to solo performance, However I did achieve a merit in my grade 8 piano exam at the age of seventeen. In my late 20s, I was diagnosed with generalised anxiety disorder and every missed opportunity and reason to be invisible started to make sense. It took until lockdown in my mid 30s where I found a way out of that disorder through deep self development. Here I was able to lose my need for perfectionism, and my extreme fear of judgement, and start to build my brand. I set up as a private piano tutor in 2016, but struggled to be heard amongst the competition. Emerging as the Tropic Pianist Gamer in late 2021, I had built a (quiet) reputation of being a patient, understanding and relatable piano tutor, but I was still lacking any portfolio as a performer to speak of. In my online community that I'd started up in lockdown, I was able to build my confidence online step by step. In 2022 I started taking more requests. My specialism is sight reading, so I wanted to challenge myself. 2023 is the year I want to get out there as the pianist I was always meant to be. Nothing is holding me back now, and although my portfolio is nearly all from my studio at home, it shows what I'm able to do as a performer. I love inspiring and entertaining people through the magic of music. I inspire through both teaching and performing. I also love accompanying instrumentalists, so would love to get some experience that way too. Would love to hear from you!