I teach students in their own homes and not my own, so my teaching is centred in and around Histon and Impington to keep travel times practicable. I teach beginners to Grade 8, from age 7 through to adults. When necessary I am able to provide lessons online.
I offer a traditional approach to teaching, aiming to provide a solid foundation based on reading, technique, musicianship and historical awareness. I believe that this approach provides an effective gateway for exploring different musical genres as it maximises options due to being reading-based. I view exams as progressive stepping-stones rather than as exclusive targets; my main intention is to inspire enthusiasm and ensure progress through teaching music in various styles, leading to increased enjoyment of the instrument. When circumstances allow I organise an (optional!) friendly annual students' concert with refreshments in the Summer Term. This provides an opportunity for performing experience, and it also gives those taking part a chance to meet other piano students and hear them play.
After attending the Leys School Cambridge as a music scholar, I studied music at CCAT (aka Anglia Ruskin University), graduating in 1988 with a BA Hons degree in Music. At CCAT I had piano lessons with a visiting professor from the Royal College of Music, London, winning the Helmore prize for Haydn/Mozart performance (1986) and the Marturet prize for Composition (1988). In 1992 I gained an LRSM piano teacher’s diploma. For several years I taught piano part-time, facilitating many Associated Board exam successes. In 2007 I completed a PGCE general primary course at Cambridge University, and spent the next few years teaching classes, groups and one-to-ones in Cambridgeshire. Currently, I teach around 30 piano students (at varying ages and levels) each week in their homes, and I also teach several children piano each week at Oakington C of E Primary School during school hours. In recent years I have played piano in my church music group, organised and taken part in local performances and composed and arranged music in my spare time. My other interests include reading, walking, swimming, cinema and board games. I am married with three adult children. I hold an enhanced CRB check and will be pleased to supply the name of a referee on request.
| Subject | Minimum lesson length | Recommended lesson length | Scale of fees per visit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Piano/Keyboard | 30 mins | Grades 0–5: 30 mins Grades 6–7: 45 mins Grade 8: 60 mins |
£23.00 for 30 min £34.50 for 45 min £45.00 for 60 min (or multiples of above) |
| Music Theory | 30 mins | Grades 0–5: 30 mins Grades 6–8: 45 mins |