I am currently taking on new piano pupils to teach from my home in Christchurch. If you would like to try coming for a lesson to see if you enjoy it please do contact me to arrange a time and day that suits you.
A short biography of m
y piano studies:
I began to take piano lessons at the age of 3 with the Suzuki method of teaching. This method encourages learning by listening and imitating and being surrounded by a musical environment from a very young age. Although I don’t teach using the Suzuki method, the ideals of the system instilled in me a love of music and performing and the certainty that I wanted a career in music, whether it be as an orchestral member, pianist or chamber music player. I continued to study piano throughout school, achieving distinctions in my ABRSM exams, attaining the DipABRSM and becoming an Associate of the Trinity College of Music (ATCL). I also became the regular pianist for all my school choirs and productions, for the Dorset and Bournemouth Youth Choirs and for music and dance examinations as well as giving regular solo piano recitals. I chose to continue my piano education as a second study instrument in the Royal Scottish Academy of Music, receiving distinctions for my final exams. Although I could not continue to study piano at the Royal College of Music I paid for my tuition and living costs in London through giving piano lessons in Kensington and the surrounding areas. I now perform as a pianist and oboist for Live Music Now outreach projects in schools, hospitals and other public venues, bringing interactive music to those that would not normally have the chance to experience it. I also play for weddings and other social events as a solo pianist.
About my teaching:
I have experience in teaching all ranges of ages and abilities – from absolute beginners (age 3 and upwards) to post-grade 8 advanced students and adults. Currently more than half of my pupils are adults who used to learn piano when they were younger (or wished they had!) who now want to pick it up again by taking lessons. One of my recent new pupils is an 81 year old, playing piano as an absolute beginner, and picking it up remarkably well! Most adult pupils relish the challenge and take pleasure in learning a new skill; some want to work through grade exams and others want to play for pure enjoyment, bringing music they have heard and really want to play.
Most of the younger pupils I teach find that they can’t have lessons through their school, or the lessons aren’t long or regular enough to make progress in the way they hoped for. Having an individual
weekly lesson with clear objectives to aim for usually means that young pupils advance rapidly and enjoy playing and practicing much more.
I teach the piano from my home in Christchurch, and usually give lessons of between 30 minutes to an hour. I generally teach following the ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music) system, or the Music Teacher’s Board, so lessons will include scales, sight reading, theory, aural and duet skills as well as either pieces from the ABRSM repertoire or ones chosen between us. Although most adults prefer not to do the exams for real they like to do a mock version of the exam with me so they know approximately what level they are at and feel like they are advancing in a clear way.
So whatever your abilities and objectives in learning the piano, whether to play for fun, to enjoy learning a new skill or to advance through the grades, please do contact me. For further details about lesson price and length or gift vouchers etc. please see my FAQ page. Thanks!