PIANO LESSONS

On this page you’ll find details about piano and theory lessons, available in Cardiff or to online students anywhere in the world.

How Online Lessons Work

Online lessons can be taught through zoom, FaceTime, GoogleMeet or Teams.

What You Need

  • An instrument to play on
  • Any device which can connect to a video chat platform and has a camera – I need to see your hands on the keys, and hopefully your face too!
  • (Screenshot here used with permission)



What You Can Expect

  • Lessons are taught using multiple webcams allowing students to see what I’m doing from all angles
  • Screen sharing allows me to annotate sheet music and point to specific sections
  • Demonstration videos can be recorded during lessons and sent by email
  • Typed up lesson notes can be sent after each lesson

 

Parents are welcome to sit in on lessons for any students under the age of 18 if wanted. I have an up to date DBS check, and can give details on request. 

About My Teaching

Philosophy

For me, the main goal of lessons is to help students develop the skills to continue learning and enjoying music throughout their lives. I encourage students to explore a wide range of styles, genres, concepts and approaches to playing, stretching their musical horizons. Ultimately though, it’s important that they learn pieces which they find genuinely appealing, and to learn using whichever approach works for them. It’s not my job to tell a student what to like, it’s my job to help them with whatever they want to do, and to make it as easy and enjoyable as possible.

To achieve this, my teaching style is student-centred, creative and flexible. Students are free to pursue graded exams if this would help to motivate their musical development, and encouraged to perform if they want to. Several of my students have combined piano and singing, and have gone on to play at open mic nights, upload to youtube or even release their own music. Whether a student is learning purely for their own pleasure, preparing for examinations or even aiming for a career in music, I offer advice, guidance, encouragement and support.

Training and Qualifications

I have over 15 years experience teaching instrumental lessons. I hold post grade 8 diplomas in piano performance and popular music vocals, and I continue to develop my performing skills. I also hold a degree in music from Cardiff University, and an MA in Instrumental Tuition from the University of Reading. For more information, please see my full biography on the ‘About Me’ page.

Cost and Terms

Lessons can be any length, and are charged at £28 per hour (so £14 for half an hour etc). This is payable by BACS for UK students, or using other electronic payment for students elsewhere in the world.

At first, lessons can be paid for on the day, but payment must be received before the start of the lesson. After an initial trial period, lessons will be paid for monthly in advance, and regular invoices will be sent. If a student is unable to make their regular lesson and I have sufficient notice, I will do my best to arrange another time within that week. Missed lessons which cannot be rearranged must be paid for. If I am unable to teach for any reason, you will not be charged for any planned lessons.

To ask any questions or arrange a free 1/2 hour trial lesson, please get in touch using the contact details at the bottom of the page