I teach piano students of all ages, from beginners up to all levels. I prepare students for ABRSM exams if they wish to do that, but there is no obligation on a student to take exams. I also prepare high school students for the practical portion of their GSCE or A Level music.

I believe that a good technique has to be established from the beginning and developed constantly, as that determines whether the student will be able to cope with the technical demands of pieces as they increase in complexity. In each lesson, some time is therefore to be devoted to technical work.

Improving the student’s sight reading is another component that is given attention in lessons. Sightreading can be taught and can be improved through practice and I aim to make each pupil a confident sight-reader.
If the student wishes to take exams in person instead of the recorded performance exam, then aural training is also regularly incorporated into the lessons.

Once a student reaches Gr 2 level or above, they get the opportunity to select the pieces they want to play for an exam. Even if the student takes exams I encourage them to learn more pieces from a wider range of styles to broaden their experience of piano music.

80% of my piano exam students achieve a distinction for their ABRSM piano exams.

Where possible, I group students of similar ability together for duet playing, which makes for a fun experience. Where students want to, they are entered for duet exams.

See FEES AND MUSIC SCHOOL TERMS for more information.