Piano lessons are for you whether you’re a complete beginner, have a little bit of knowledge about music, or have previously had lessons. We’ll go at a pace to suit you and your interest and skill level.
At your first piano lesson we’ll see where you’re at and take it from there. If you’re just starting, we’ll go step by step, making sure you feel comfortable at each stage of the game. In the beginning we might use one of my favourite method books, as this can really help you see how everything fits together.
But when you’re ready we’ll branch out to try different things, including music in a variety of styles. And from the very first lesson we’ll be playing together. This includes duets and small improvisations, and with and without music.
Piano lessons can also include how to structure chords and chord progressions. This is for you if you’d like to learn how to create your own arrangements of songs or try composing some of your own. If you’d still like to play chords but aren’t interested in learning the theory side of it, you can learn the basic shapes of chords (just like many guitarists do). This is an option that doesn’t require an in-depth knowledge of how everything fits together.
Whatever we do, we’ll take it at a speed that suits you. I’ll make sure you know exactly what you’re doing and why, putting you in control of your own musical path into the world of music.
Recording studio
Recording is also an integral part of all lessons, providing the opportunity to listen critically, and to experiment with layering parts, hearing harmonies, and testing out new compositions.
Online or in-person
Piano lessons are available online and in-person. There is also the option to do a mix of the two, if that suits you best.
Piano for younger learners (from age seven)
Piano is a wonderful way to start your child’s musical journey. It provides a comprehensive education in harmony, rhythm, and coordination. This is great preparation if they go on to play another instrument or to sing.
Your child will learn how to read and interpret the notes on the page, an invaluable skill to have. This means that when they’re older they’ll have the confidence to work out the notes when a new piece of music is put in front of them, something many adults who had lessons when they were young are still too scared to do. I think it’s vital if you’re going to play an instrument and learn how to read music that you understand what is happening and why. To support this we’ll also do lots of theory and other music activities away from the piano to reinforce skills.
My younger students also learn how to be creative, right from the very first lesson. We will do improvisation activities (making stuff up!), playing together, and singing. We’ll also experiment with composing and recording of songs and compositions.
This approach develops young musicians who are well-rounded, confident, and creative, and who always tell me they wish their lessons were longer!
When will my child be ready to start?
Children are ready for lessons when they can do the following:
- easily concentrate for the length of the lesson
- follow directions
- recognise and write basic numbers
- recognise and write the alphabet
- know their left hand from their right
- have some control over their wrists, hands, and fingers
It can take a while for some children to achieve a good balance between what they will be required to do physically and intellectually. In my opinion, there is no rush. It’s much better to wait a year or two and have your child attend a group music-making class that includes singing and rhythm activities in the meantime. Apart from being lots of fun, it will help develop all the above skills, so that when they do start lessons they’re really ready. For more information, visit the FAQ page.
An other option is to try musicianship skills for a little while. These lessons have none of the pressure of reading and performing but still all the fun. They are a great way to prepare for piano lessons. For more information, go to musicianship skills
To read more about piano, musicianship, singing, and everything to do with the world of music, have a look at the free, weekly Discovering Music newsletter offering a creative path into the world of music, with resources, words, strategies, exercises, and encouragement.