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PIANO LESSONS
By cultivating good technique, musicianship and understanding, Andrew helps his students develop into confident independent musicians, whatever their special interests.
With this in mind he tries to ensure that lessons are both enjoyable and challenging, so that pupils can be inspired to make the best progress. Andrew focuses on the positive development of each student at his or her own pace, and carefully tailors lessons to suit the individual needs and aspirations of each pupil.
Although trained as a classical musician, Andrew also teaches jazz, popular and other contemporary styles. Music Theory (including exam preparation) can be taught as part of regular lessons, and is also available separately (sometimes in group sessions). Whether you want to play jazz and popular piano pieces for fun or train seriously as a classical player, Andrew has the skills and enthusiasm to help you fulfill your musical potential.
Great Music
Andrew encourages all his pupils to develop a broad knowledge and deep love for music in the widest range of styles. He believes in helping students learn to play the music they are interested in, while also enlarging their experience of music. He helps pupils to play pieces as musically as possible, with good technical control, sensitive musicianship, and creative interpretation.
Technique
In addition to finger exercises such as scales and arpeggios, lessons will sometimes include simple movement exercises that develop physical freedom, relaxation and mindful awareness when playing. This is important for preventing discomfort and injury, and enables Andrew's students to play with physical ease and a confident musical tone control - features of their playing which are regularly commented on at concerts and in competition reports.
Musicianship and Aural
Andrew works with each student to develop their aural (listening) awareness. He teaches students about the historical context or background of the pieces they play, helping them to more fully engage with the music. He also sets listening tasks which expand pupils' knowledge of music. Andrew's students also have the opportunity to develop their ability to improvise freely and compose their own pieces. Making your own music is an important part of developing as a musician, and enhances your appreciation of the great music others have composed over the centuries.
Sight Reading and Music Theory
Developing a full understanding of musical literacy - the ability to read and write music - is crucial. Andrew believes these sills are hugely important for developing musical independence, and not merely as an exam requirement.
Playing Together
Andrew's students enjoy playing duets with him - and sometimes with each other - from an early stage. This helps players develop their broader musicianship. With more advanced students, Andrew also teaches Piano Accompaniment skills (the fact that he plays Flute to post-Grade 8 level is very useful here!).
Lessons are enjoyable and pupils are often surprised by just how quickly they progress! | 
While ideally all piano students have their own acoustic piano at home for practising on, many beginners use a keyboard. In the earliest stages this is fine, even if it is a small portable keyboard. However, when a pupil is clearly enjoying the piano and making some progress it is strongly advised to get a piano or electric piano with the full range of keys, and with a weighted/hammer action keyboard. Any student working beyond Grade 5 must have an acoustic piano in order to develop the physical freedom and control required by more advanced repertoire.