CogniMusica CIC

🎹🌟 Huge Congratulations to our piano student Ella! 🌟🎹

We are absolutely delighted to celebrate Ella’s fantastic achievement of gaining a
Distinction with an outstanding score of 95/100 in her Trinity College London Grade 1 Piano Examination last Monday! 🎉👏

This result is a testament to Ella’s dedication, focus, and hard, systematic work and practice. Her commitment to developing her musical skills has truly paid off, and the examiner described her performance as “An outstanding result. Bravo!”

Justyna, her tutor, and the entire CogniMusica team are incredibly proud of Ella and all the effort she has invested in reaching this wonderful milestone.

We wish Ella every success in the exciting musical journey ahead and look forward to seeing her continue to flourish in future exams, performances, and many more achievements to come.

🎶👏 Well done, Ella. Keep shining and enjoy every step of your musical journey! 🌟🎹

🎶 Meet the Team at CogniMusica – The Finale 🎶

As we come to the end of our Meet the Team series, it feels only right to introduce the person whose vision started it all – our Founder, Director & Chief Executive Officer, Justyna Skop-Wach. ✨

CogniMusica was born from Justyna’s passion for both music and science, and her belief that music education can be so much more than learning notes and scales. Through her work as a tutor, researcher, and entrepreneur, she has dedicated herself to exploring how singing and instrumental playing can support children’s learning, confidence, wellbeing, and cognitive development.

What makes Justyna special is not only her knowledge and experience, but her genuine care for the children and families she works with. She believes that every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive through music, regardless of their background, learning ability, or starting point.

Today, alongside teaching violin, viola, piano, and singing, Justyna continues to lead CogniMusica’s mission of bringing together scientific research, innovation, and high-quality music education to create meaningful learning experiences for young people.

💫 “CogniMusica isn’t just about teaching music – it’s about helping children discover their potential, build confidence, and develop skills that stay with them for life.”

✨ Fun fact: Outside of music and research, Justyna loves board games, travelling, and spending time with her two rabbits (Rosie & Peanut) and tortoise, Leo.

If you’d like to learn more about Justyna’s research and vision, meet the rest of our team, and discover the story and vision behind CogniMusica, visit:

🌐 www.cognimusica.co.uk

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🎶 SIGN UP FOR OUR MUSIC LESSONS 🎶

We offer innovative, research-informed lessons for children aged 4+ in:
• Violin
• Viola
• Piano
• Guitar
• Singing

📍 In-studio lessons in Dundee and Bo’ness
📍 At-home lessons across Scotland
💻 Online lessons available nationwide and internationally

Interested in finding out more about music lessons with CogniMusica?

📩 Send us a private message
📧 [email protected]
📞 07424 054558

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🤗 JOIN OUR TEAM OF TUTORS 🤗

We’re currently growing our team and looking for passionate tutors to join us!

We’re particularly interested in people who:
✔ Love working with children
✔ Have an interest in developmental psychology, education, cognitive science, neuroscience, or related fields
✔ Play one or more musical instruments at an advanced level
✔ Want to be part of an innovative organisation that combines music education with research and evidence-based practice

Think you’d be a great fit for CogniMusica?

📩 Send us a private message
📧 [email protected]
📞 07424 054558

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Thank you for following our Meet the Team series and getting to know the people behind CogniMusica. We look forward to sharing more of our journey with you as we continue to grow. 🎶💙

🎶 Meet the Team at CogniMusica 🎶

Welcome back to our weekly Meet the Team series, where we introduce the incredible people behind CogniMusica! 💫
Every Wednesday, we shine a spotlight on one of our amazing team members, sharing their story, passions, and the unique role they play in helping CogniMusica grow and thrive.

This week, we’re delighted to introduce our Second Director & Chief Operating Officer, Maciej Wach ✨

Maciej leads CogniMusica’s operational strategy, growth, and digital infrastructure. With expertise in data analytics, automation, and business optimisation, he plays a key role in improving efficiency while expanding the organisation’s reach and impact.

At CogniMusica, Maciej develops and delivers go-to-market strategies, strengthens the organisation’s digital presence, and oversees the development of the website and online training platform. He also manages social media channels and uses his expertise to automate workflows, generate insights, and support smarter decision-making across the team.

His work helps turn CogniMusica’s mission into scalable, practical systems, ensuring that high-quality, research-informed music education can reach a wider and more diverse audience. By combining technical innovation with educational vision, he helps make music learning more accessible, targeted, and impactful.

Maciej holds a BSc (Hons) in Geography from Liverpool John Moores University and an MSc in Geographic Data Science from the University of Liverpool. During his MSc, he collaborated with the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority on a project exploring urban inequalities through data analysis and machine learning. His work identified socio-demographic patterns across neighbourhoods and supported targeted policy decision-making through an interactive dashboard.

Today, he applies many of the same analytical approaches at CogniMusica, using data and technology to better understand audiences, improve accessibility, and support more inclusive outreach strategies.

✨ Fun fact: When he’s not working, Maciej is usually out mountain biking or rock climbing.

Stay tuned next Wednesday to meet another member of our wonderful team! 🎶

🎶 Meet the Team at CogniMusica 🎶

Welcome back to our weekly Meet the Team series, where we introduce the incredible people behind CogniMusica! 💫
Every Wednesday, we shine a spotlight on one of our amazing team members, sharing their story, passion, and the unique role they play in helping CogniMusica grow and thrive.

This week, we’re delighted to introduce our Chief Financial Officer, Gabriela Smolira 📱✨

Gabriela leads CogniMusica’s financial planning, strategic development, and long-term sustainability. Working closely with the leadership team, she helps shape the company’s financial direction, ensuring that every decision supports our mission to make high-quality, impactful music education more accessible.

She holds a BSc (Hons) in Business and a Master’s degree in Finance and Accounting from the University of the West of Scotland (UWS). Gabriela also brings valuable industry experience from her work at Morgan Stanley as a Financial Analyst, as well as her current role as Compliance & Operations Team Lead at CreditSights, where she has developed strong expertise in financial modelling, reporting, operations, and data analysis.

Known for her precision, strategic mindset, and exceptional organisational skills, Gabriela brings clarity and structure to complex financial matters. Her thoughtful approach and dedication help ensure CogniMusica operates efficiently while building a strong and sustainable future.

✨ Fun fact: Gabriela has completed seven Kiltwalks! She also loves cooking, hiking, gardening, and spending time with Teemo, her amazing Border Collie, and our unofficial CogniMusica mascot 🐶☀️

Stay tuned next Wednesday to meet another member of our wonderful team! 🎶

🎶 Meet the Team at CogniMusica 🎶

Welcome back to our weekly series, where we introduce the wonderful people behind CogniMusica! 💫
Each Wednesday, we shine a spotlight on one of our team members, sharing their story, passion, and what makes them unique at CogniMusica.

This week, we’re delighted to introduce our amazing Community Events & Creative Manager… Ludwika Czajka ✨

Ludwika is a Dundee-based creative practitioner and event organiser with a Fine Art degree (2024) and a background in hospitality, teaching, and community engagement. She runs life drawing sessions at Dundee Art Society and teaches at Dundee Ceramics Workshop.

She has built a strong network within Dundee's music, food, and creative communities, and is known for her friendly, collaborative approach and ability to bring people together. Her role at CogniMusica focuses on creating welcoming, engaging environments through thoughtfully organised events.

In her role, Ludwika supports the planning and delivery of music events, workshops, and social gatherings, including coordinating catering and working with local creatives. She is also proficient in Procreate and Canva, creating engaging posters, flyers, and digital content to support promotion and outreach. She brings a combination of creativity and local connections, contributing to a vibrant and community-focused programme.

Her creativity, warmth, and passion for community-focused experiences make her a valued part of the CogniMusica team. 💛

✨ Fun fact: Ludwika helped bring our Dundee studio renovation to life and created the amazing CogniMusica logo! She is also passionate about creating pottery under her brand, InnerSea. Over the past two years, she’s been developing her craft and is proud that her cups are now used in the popular speciality coffee café EH9 in Dundee. She also has her own studio at Launch It, where she continues to grow her practice and create her pottery. And another fun fact - Ludwika also practices Egyptian belly dance! 🎨🏺✨

Be sure to check out Ludwika’s creative journey and follow her work on social media! 💫

Stay tuned for next Wednesday to meet another member of our amazing team! 🎶

🎶 Meet the Team at CogniMusica 🎶

Welcome back to our weekly series, where we introduce the wonderful people behind CogniMusica! 💫
Each Wednesday, we shine a spotlight on one of our team members, sharing their story, passion, and what makes them unique at CogniMusica.

This week, we’re excited to present our amazing Social Media Manager… Shuyang Liu 📱✨

Shuyang brings her expertise in digital marketing, content creation, and brand strategy to support the studio’s growth and visibility.

With a background in International Marketing Management, she combines creativity and strategic thinking to communicate CogniMusica’s mission of using music to support children’s cognitive and emotional development. She leads the studio’s social media presence and video marketing across multiple platforms, helping to strengthen its brand identity and expand its reach within the community and beyond.

Her passion for purposeful marketing and education-focused initiatives makes her a valued member of the CogniMusica team.

✨ Fun fact: Shuyang has a cute tortoise who loves climbing onto his stone to enjoy the sunshine in his shelter. She loves taking photos and creating mini vlogs of him to record his growth. 🐢☀️

Stay tuned for next Wednesday to meet another member of our amazing team! 🎶

We’re proud to officially launch the new CogniMusica website 🎉

https://cognimusica.co.uk

This marks an exciting step forward for us as we grow CogniMusica as a CIC focused on supporting children’s learning and cognitive development through music.

We’re now offering high-quality music lessons in:

🎻 Violin,
🎻 Viola,
🎹 Piano,
🎸 Classical Guitar,
🎸 Electric Guitar, and
🎙️ Singing

designed to support both musical and cognitive growth.

Whether you’re looking for lessons, interested in our research, or exploring partnership opportunities, we’d love for you to visit the site and connect with us.

Let’s make music part of how children learn and thrive 🎶

🎶 Meet the Team at CogniMusica 🎶

Welcome back to our weekly series, where we introduce the wonderful people behind CogniMusica! 💫
Each Wednesday, we shine a spotlight on one of our team members, sharing their story, passion, and what makes them unique at CogniMusica.

This week, we’re presenting our talented Guitar and Piano Tutor… Aleksander Skop 🎸🎹

Aleksander brings a dynamic combination of formal musical training, performance experience, and a highly engaging teaching style to inspire students of all ages.

He received his formal education in both classical guitar and piano at the Ignacy Jan Paderewski First and Second Level Musical School in Tarnów, Poland. In addition, he further developed his guitar skills at the Piotr Smoleń Guitar School under the guidance of renowned guitarist Piotr Smoleń, expanding his expertise across a wide range of contemporary styles.

Aleksander is an accomplished performer, regularly playing across genres including blues, rock, and metal, and has been involved in multiple bands and live performances. His stage experience, including appearances in concert series such as Tarnowian Rock Montownia, brings energy and real-world musical insight into his teaching.

As a tutor, Aleksander is known for his strong connection with students and his ability to create a supportive and motivating learning environment. He takes a holistic approach to teaching, combining technical development with creativity and enjoyment, helping students build confidence while developing their musical skills.

Alongside his work at CogniMusica, Aleksander is studying Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) at the University of Rzeszów. His academic interests complement his teaching, supporting a deeper understanding of communication, learning, and child development.

As an international delegate for CogniMusica, Aleksander also contributes to expanding the organisation’s global presence, supporting its mission to provide high-quality, inclusive music education to children worldwide.

✨ Fun fact: In his free time, Aleksander enjoys watching ski jumping and football, socialising with friends, and rock climbing. He also has a soft spot for apple cake and loves spending time with his cat, Greta 🐾

Stay tuned for next Wednesday to meet another member of our amazing team! 🎶

🎶 Meet the Team at CogniMusica 🎶

Welcome back to our weekly series, where we introduce the wonderful people behind CogniMusica! 💫
Each Wednesday, we shine a spotlight on one of our team members, sharing their story, passion, and what makes them unique at CogniMusica.

This week, we’re introducing our Guitar and Piano Tutor… Allana Forbes 🎸🎹

Allana is a passionate and dedicated musician who understands music deeply and plays at an above ABRSM Grade 8 level in both instruments. She also holds a Scottish Higher in Music.

Alongside her work in music, Allana is a full-time student at the University of Dundee, where she is studying towards a BSc in Pharmacology, with aspirations of pursuing a career in scientific research.

Allana grew up around musically inclined friends and family and developed a passion for music from a very young age. Her main ambition at CogniMusica is to see that same passion flourish in young learners and to support their emotional and cognitive development, just as her own was shaped through her musical journey.

✨ Fun fact: Allana is currently learning the flute to grow her musical skillset! Outside of music, she loves travelling and exploring new places, especially heading out on nature walks with her camera. She also enjoys crocheting and knitting, browsing record stores to grow her vinyl collection, and has a pretty cool Lego plant collection, with everything from flowers to bonsai trees!

We’re so glad to have you in our CogniMusica team, Allana!

Stay tuned for next Wednesday to meet another member of our amazing team! 🎶

🎶 Meet the Team at CogniMusica 🎶

We’re excited to introduce a new weekly series where you’ll get to know the wonderful people behind CogniMusica! 💫
Every Wednesday, we’ll be shining a spotlight on one of our team members, sharing their story, passion, and what makes them unique.

We’re kicking things off with our newest Piano Tutor… Liza Pleshakova 🎹

Liza brings both musical sensitivity and a truly individual approach to every lesson. Having studied piano for eight years at Simferopol Children’s Music School No. 1 named after S.V. Rachmaninoff, she developed a deep and lasting connection with music from an early age. For her, the piano was not only an instrument but something that shaped her perception of the world, strengthened her sense of beauty, supported her cognitive development, and became a meaningful form of emotional expression.

During her years of study, she regularly performed at concerts and competitions, sang in a choir, and also studied vocals. This broad musical background gave her not only technical knowledge, but also a deeper understanding of musicality, stage confidence, expression, and artistic development.

She is now passionate about sharing this experience with children. Her goal is to make piano engaging, inspiring, and accessible, while providing high-quality teaching that is adapted to each student’s needs.

Currently studying Psychology at the University of Dundee, she is particularly interested in the connection between music, child development, and wellbeing. Having received education in different countries, she brings a broad and well-rounded perspective to teaching, with an understanding that every student learns differently and benefits from a personalised approach.

✨ Fun fact: In her free time, Liza loves travelling, taking photos and videos, dancing salsa and bachata, and swimming in the sea. She danced ballet when she was younger. She is also passionate about learning new languages and hopes to pursue research in social psychology in Latin America.

Stay tuned for next Wednesday to meet another member of our amazing team! 🎶