TEACHING

All children are different in their rates of development, and the right age for one student may be too young for another. It is important that students have good literacy and numeracy skills before beginning piano lessons, and ideally, some experience of class-based music making. As a general rule I only teach students from the age 6, although some children are ready to start with shorter 20-minute lessons from the age of 5, incorporating musicianship, theory and aural skills from the beginning.

I am happy to carry out a musical assessment to find out if your child may be ready to begin piano lessons. The most important thing is that your child enjoys music and has an interest in learning to play the piano!

Contact me via the website with details of your postcode. I live in AL3 and teach at students' homes, so in order to limit travel time I will only be able to accept students who live near the city centre in St Albans.

Please note, at the moment I am operating a waiting list for new private students as I am at full capacity during after-school hours.

When a space become available, I will then arrange a consultation lesson for new students who fulfill distance requirements. I look forward to hearing from you!

Yes! I teach locally in St Albans, providing the distance is not too far from the centre where I live (max 1km).

Yes. Ideally this should be a well-maintained acoustic piano (grand or upright), tuned at least once a year.

A digital piano is acceptable in the early stages before deciding to commit to piano studies. However, there is a limit to the variety of tone that can be achieved on a digital instrument, which is why I do not normally recommend them beyond the early stages of studying.

A good quality acoustic instrument is always preferable and an adjustable stool is also essential for cultivating good posture at the piano!

Yes. I will recommend appropriate material for the student (this can include repertoire, studies and theory books). I am also happy to work with you on particular pieces that you enjoy, as long as they are suitable for your level.

This depends on the age and experience of the student. For most young students, 30 minutes is the maximum lesson length. For more mature/advanced students, I am able to offer lessons of up to 60 minutes and more.

Following an initial consultation, students usually pay for a month (4 lessons) in advance.

There is no charge for cancelled lessons as long as I receive at least 24 hours’ notice. I will always do my best to reschedule the lesson if possible, though this is not guaranteed as my teaching schedule is currently full.

This depends on the age and experience of the student, but as a general rule, small amounts of regular practice is better than cramming in one longer session.

I will always give clear instructions to students on the material to be practised and what targets I would like them to achieve during the week. It's important that students enjoy playing the piano in between lessons, as this will enable them to achieve a good level of progress.

Yes. I am able to prepare students for ABRSM practical and theory exams. This is not a requirement however, and I am equally happy to teach you if you want to learn to play the piano without taking exams.

Yes! I usually incorporate this into the lesson by relating it to practical music-making. I also sometimes give music theory homework tasks. For younger students this can be in the form of fun puzzles and games. I also use flashcards to assist with note-reading.

Yes, I have an enhanced DBS check and am a member of the Independent Society of Musicians (ISM).

From September 2025 my rate is £52/hr (£26 for 30 minutes). This rate is subject to an annual increase.