I teach beginners in piano from age 5 upwards. With the youngest students I have refined an approach which blends a variety of activities in lessons. Students learn music notation, play from memory, improvise and play lots of musical games to keep learning fun and engaging, while giving them a broad foundation in musical skills. All students are encouraged to perform and share their music, but I am happy to take lessons in many directions depending on the student. Students can take exams in piano if they wish, others may wish to focus on playing in bands, improvising or playing pieces they choose, but the focus of lessons is to first build a love for music in whatever form.

I am highly experienced in working with students who have prior experience of lessons and are progressing to intermediate or advanced level, wishing to work on their technique, or who want to switch from classical to jazz piano lessons. Having made this switch myself I understand the challenges of learning in a new way, and the benefits of classical training. I am able to fill in any gaps in knowledge needed for theory exams, GCSE and A-level music or university applications. My students have gone on to study music at top universities and conservatoires (Cambridge, KCL…).

Teaching adults is a really rewarding part of my job, and I have a specific approach for adult beginners which allows them to build fundamental skills while applying their own life experience, all while being sensitive to the pressures of work and family life. Many adults play just for themselves, but some also find after some time that they wish to pursue exams, which I am happy to facilitate. In any case I always encourage adults to perform and share their music when they are ready. While weekly lessons are most beneficial, I am happy to be flexible and provide lessons fortnightly or on a more ad hoc basis to fit in with your busy schedule.

I have also taught a number of adults who are returning to lessons, having learned as children. Students come with very varied experiences with lessons (both positive and negative). So I work together with you to build on those experiences and establish new goals. Piano teaching has changed a lot over the past few decades, so I’m always keen to show adults new ways of learning and new styles of music which they may not have seen in more traditional lessons. For example, many adults find creative improvisation and composition/arranging very enjoyable if this wasn’t an option for them to explore previously.

I have taught students from Sussex, Brighton, BIMM and Waterbear universities, and am able to provide teaching that supplements performance, theory and academic courses. Lessons for students can be flexible around university timetables and holidays.

I studied in depth music theory, analysis and composition modules at Cambridge, and also hold grade 8 theory. I have a particular interest in theory and analysis teaching and have helped students achieve grade 8 theory, prepare for A-level or university music courses, learn jazz theory, and compose.