Meet our team
Lisa Murfitt
Deputy Head, Keyboard/Piano/Vocal Tutor
Lisa’s initial musical background was that of a classically trained flautist through the Guernsey Music Centre. However, her love of harmony led her to seek out keyboard skills at home. In her teens, Lisa was heavily involved in church music groups which laid the foundations for her ability to sight sing and improvise vocal harmonies.
After gaining an A grade at both GCSE and A-Level Music, as well as attaining Grade 8 in Flute, Lisa went on to study Music and Related Arts at Chichester University. Here her experiences were widened greatly through Jazz, Rock and free Improvisation and Related Arts, as well as performances in the UK and Europe with the Chichester University Chamber Choir and free improvisation group Pivo Prosim.
Following her degree, Lisa went on to Study a PGCE in Secondary Music Education at Bath Spa University, and later completed her NQT year in Carisbrooke High school in the Isle of Wight, where she taught Key Stage 3, GCSE, AS- and A-level music.
Since 2002, Lisa has returned to Guernsey with her husband and has taught both privately and through Prelude Music School, Music Centre and Adult Education. She has also spent four years as the keyboard player and vocalist with the popular Guernsey function band The Bandits, also playing with Top Banana, Wild Card and Elysium.
Lisa is also a keen writer and acoustic performer and performs covers as well as her own songs at various local venues.
Lisa’s passion is to be part of the local music scene and, through teaching, to enable others to share in the pleasure of playing music and performing with other people.
Deborah Lawson
Piano Tutor
Deborah studied for a DipHE at King Alfred’s College in Winchester and then went on to graduate with a BA Honours Degree from the City of London Polytechnic. Since then she has gained experience working in primary schools whilst studying for a PGCE.
Deborah also completed a level 4 PTLLS course qualifying her to teach in the lifelong learning sector. Having started playing the piano as a child, Deborah returned to learning in later life and passed her ABRSM Grade 5 Music Theory exam with Distinction. Deborah has now achieved her ABRSM Grade 8 in Piano with Merit.
She is passionate about music, teaching, playing the piano, has been an active member of a local choir and is now a member of the worship group in her local parish church. Having also had experience of teaching privately, Deborah is really enjoying the more structured format of teaching at Thirst.
Bethan Batiste
Piano/Saxophone/Clarinet/Early years Tutor
Bethan began learning clarinet at the age of 9 through Music Centre, later adding saxophone and piano during secondary school. She studied Music at both GCSE and A-Level, achieving Grade 8 clarinet and continuing her development as a pianist and saxophonist.
While she performed in ensembles such as Jazz Orchestra and Symphonic Wind Band, Bethan found her real passion in teaching. She began tutoring a few students during her school years and went on to join Thirst in 2022, where she now teaches piano, saxophone and clarinet, as well as leading creative musicianship sessions.
Bethan achieved a Distinction in the RSL Level 4 Diploma in Music Teaching and is currently working towards her Level 6. She is passionate about making music fun and accessible, often using games, resources and beginner-friendly instruments (such as Nuvo) to help children of all ages build confidence, understanding and creativity.
Imogen Hayman
Piano/Vocal Tutor
From a very young age, Imogen enjoyed singing and experimenting with music and she began her musical journey by studying piano, guitar and music theory.
Throughout her childhood, Imogen participated in various school and church choirs, including the Castel Church Choir and the Sarnian Singers. She was also a dedicated and active participant in the Guernsey Eisteddfod for many years.
At 15, Imogen completed her work experience at Thirst and was subsequently offered a part-time position teaching piano. This continued until August 2021, when Imogen left the island to pursue her university studies.
Imogen achieved a Degree in Music Industry Practice from the Academy of Contemporary Music and later completed a Master’s in Creative Industry Futures. During her time in the UK, she had the privilege of studying under industry professionals, such as the renowned Tim Hawes (Ivor Novello award-winning songwriter). As well as being skilled in vocals, piano and music theory, Imogen is also accomplished in songwriting and music production. While at university, Imogen joined the local pop group Methodical Madness, which began by covering songs to raise money for charity. In 2023, the group shifted to creating original music and quickly rose through the charts, with their singles reaching number one in both Luxembourg and Iceland. To date, they have accumulated over 16 million streams and plan to continue releasing new music regularly.