Do you teach beginners?
Absolutely, the majority of my students have never played piano before their first lesson, but you’ll be surprised how quickly you can start to produce recognisable melodies, and become confident in reading music!
What sort of music do you teach?
Given that my primary aim is to inspire and encourage from week to week, I’ll tailor your lessons to suit the direction you want to take! Beyond the basics then, we can design lessons to suit what you enjoy, whether it be classical, jazz, pop, blues, etc.
Can you teach at my home?
Yes, this may well be possible if you are based in Chorlton or closeby (depending on my timetable), just contact me for availability on 07950 035413
Do I need a piano or will a keyboard suffice?
Nothing beats the feel and sound of a real acoustic piano but modern electric pianos with full-size weighted keys are a very good substitute and have the advantage of taking far less room including the ability to be completely silent to those around when you plug in your headphones! I can advise on a suitable instrument for you, given your level and how much you want to invest in an instrument.
How much practice do I need to do?
As with anything, the more you practice, the faster the rate at which you’ll develop your skill, but as a new beginner you should aim for a minimum of 15-20 mins practice every day, building up to 30 mins daily once the basics have been mastered. I’ll help to motivate you with new challenges and exciting music!
How can I help my child progress more quickly?
Whether or not you can play an instrument or read music yourself, your child will be hugely motivated by you taking an active interest in their practice and performances. I encourage the parents of all of my younger students to take time to listen, comment and reward their children for their efforts in practice.
Can I learn about music theory?
Yes, I teach music theory from the outset by incorporating it in a fun and engaging way into the lessons for both children and adults. In the early weeks this will be drawing notes, learning about rhythms and note values and even learning some Italian musical terms! To progress to Grade 6 practical test, you must first pass the Grade 5 theory exam which I can prepare you for – I have a 100% pass rate with my students going back 20 years. I can also help prepare for GCSE and A level-based Music exams.