Enjoy Piano Lessons   Looking for a friendly and experienced piano teacher in Milton Keynes?   Andrew Eales is one of the most respected and qualified piano teachers in the area, and is known throughout the UK for his contribution to raising standards in music education.   Formerly the Head of Piano for the Milton Keynes Music Service, Andrew now runs a thriving private practice delivering high quality tuition at his fully equipped teaching studio just minutes from the centre of Milton Keynes.    Although trained as a classical musician, Andrew also teaches jazz, new age, 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 fulfil your musical potential.

Grade 8 student Matthew Dale learning at Andrew's studio

Andrew's Approach Andrew makes it his top priority to help each pupil develop into a confident, independent musician. 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 focusses 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.  Because of this, lesson content will vary considerably from one pupil to the next, but will usually include and emphasise the following: Great Music: Andrew encourages all his pupils to develop a broader knowledge and deeper 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. A key part of this is enabling pupils to play the pieces as musically as possible, with a good dynamic range and control, a sensitive awareness of musical phrasing, and creative interpretation. Exercises: 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 tp play with physical ease and a confident musical tone control -features of their playing which are regularly commented on at concerts and in examination 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. 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 independance, 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!). Keyboard Harmony: in some cases Andrew helps students to develop their ability to play from chord symbols and/or figured bass. By cultivating good technique, musicianship and understanding, Andrew helps his pupils develop into confident independent musicians, whatever their special interests. Lessons are enjoyable and pupils are often surprised by just how quickly they progress!

Taking the Grades   Pupils who wish to are entered for the ABRSM grades, which are the internationally recognised benchmarks for instrumental music. Where prefered, Andrew may also enter pupils for the Trinity-Guildhall examinations.    Andrew is experienced in entering pupils for all of the eight Grades, not just the lower levels. Indeed, he is very happy to provide tuition up to and beyond Grade 8, including entrance for Music Colleges, etc. It is useful to note that Grades 6 - 8 also attract UCAS points. ABRSM date shows that of the pupils Andrew has entered: 100% have passed more than 80% gaining a Merit or Distinction. This is a far higher success rate than average. When Andrew feels that a pupil is capable of taking a particular grade he will discuss it with the pupil and (where appropriate) their parent, deciding together on any goal and timescale. If a pupil is not ready he will not enter them for the exam. Examination Results ABRSM examinations are marked out of a possible 150 marks as follows: Pass: 100 - 119,    Merit: 120 - 129,    Distinction: 130 - 150  Spring Term 2010:   Nikita Malik Grade 5 121 Merit Charlotte Dredge Grade 3 121 Merit Emma Joesbury Grade 3 117 Pass April Faruqui Grade 2 118 Pass Louie Lovell Grade 1 125 Merit James Ruggles Grade 1 124 Merit   Autumn Term 2009:   Kerena Smith Grade 1 130 Distinction   Summer Term 2009:   Emily Knell Grade 8 121 Merit Eilish Pearson Grade 7 130 Distinction Bradley Jordan Grade 7 127 Merit Emma-Louise Bahra Grade 5 133 Distinction Imogen Vincent Grade 5 120 Merit Lily Welham Grade 1 138 Distinction Chrissie Montague Grade 1 133 Distinction   Spring Term 2009:   Matthew Dale Grade 7 125 Merit Charlotte Grao Grade 6 130 Distinction Amy Callow Grade 6 125 Merit Sophia Lim Grade 5 131 Distinction Lauren Hollis Grade 3 138 Distinction Charlotte Dredge Grade 2 125 Merit April Faruqui Grade 1 138 Distinction