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Keyquest Music is the private teaching practice and music education business of pianist, composer and consultant Andrew Eales B.Mus, A.R.C.M |
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“The composing course helped me to learn about combining two very different instruments to create an atmospheric piece. Andrew showed me how technology can be used to develop my ideas when composing.
Lauren Hollis (age 10)
"In the summer holidays I went on Andrew's composing course. I learnt that composing doesn't necessarily have to be written down, it can be improvised and recorded, and it doesn't have to be performed by instruments either. There are compositions made entirely of electronic sounds, which would be almost impossible to write down... Composing is a way of expressing yourself, it can reflect your feelings or tell a story, and is used to get something across to other people."
Charlotte Grao (aged 14) |
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Andrew is a full member of
The Incorporated Society of Musicians

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Please note that all content supplied on the Keyquest Music website is protected by applicable copyright laws worldwide.
Keyquest Music © 2011 |
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MUSIC THEORY
Understanding the theory of music is essential for anyone wanting a full music education.
Pupils who have a good understanding of music notation are likely to learn pieces quicker, sight-read better, and develop a deeper knowledge of music in general.
For anyone learning to play an instrument who wishes to take ABRSM Grade 6 or above, a certificate in Grade 5 Theory is a requirement (although Jazz Piano and Practical Musicianship are offered as alternatives - please ask if you are interested in either of these).
Music theory also provides essential knowledge for those considering music at AS and A'Level, or who wish to study music at higher education.
For these reasons, music theory is a built-in feature of good music teaching from the earliest levels of playing. However, once pupils reach around Grade 2 piano / Keyquest 3, it becomes increasingly important for them to study music theory in more detail. |
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Andrew's Approach
Here's what is on offer from Keyquest Music:
- Private Theory Lessons can be arranged for individuals as a 30-minute weekly lesson.
- Those already having individual private tuition with Andrew can extend their lesson time (e.g. to 45 minutes weekly) to include structured theory tuition.
- Music Theory Crash Courses take place throughout the year, usually during half terms and summer holidays. These are given to small groups or 3-5 members and usually consist of 4 one-hour sessions. The aim of these courses is to cover the main content of one grade over the duration of a single week.
As a general rule Andrew finds that pupils enjoy learning theory in a group context and benefit from the interaction and relaxed atmosphere this can bring. Andrew's pupils are advised to come to the Music Theory Crash courses whenever possible.
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COMPOSITION COURSES
"Discovering that you can compose music is very exciting and can lead to a lifetime of creative fulfillment." (Margaret Lucy Wilkins)
Think of a great musician, and chances are you'll be thinking of somebody who composes their own music, as well as playing that of others.
Throughout most of Classical Music history composers have performed, and performers have composed. When we turn our attention to jazz, popular and folk music we find exactly the same thing. A proper part of any music education is therefore learning to compose music. Composing your own music will open up a whole new world of musical expression. Creating your own music is one certain way to also deepen your understanding, appreciation and love of other composers' music.
Andrew runs Composition Courses throughout the year, tailored and organised to suit the needs and interests of those who take part. Each Course runs as a standalone unit of work that can be delivered on consecutive days during a school holiday, once a week in an evening, or at your convenience. At the end of the specified Course you will receive a CD or MP3 recording of your own composition.
These Courses concentrate on developing the student's creativity. Knowledge of music theory and technology are not included, because Andrew facilitates the recording of your composition or the production of a printed score. However, a budding composer should make arrangements to learn these essential skills through systematic tuition, which Andrew can provide separately. |
| To discuss your interest and/or to book a Place on a Composition Course, Contact Andrew »
Young Composer's Group
This group meets occasionally through the year to listen to and discuss recent compositions by group members. It provides a forum at which young composers can assess their development, share inspiration and build cooperative partnerships.
Membership is by invitation only, based on previous attendance of Composition Courses, and the group sessions are provided Free of Charge. |
DISCOVER MUSIC TECHNOLOGY
Technology has altered music making forever. Your learning with Keyquest Music will benefit from the latest technology, and if you are interested in doing so then you can also start to get to grips with using music software yourself.
Within instrumental teaching this is extremely useful, as Andrew uses state of the art equipment to assist pupils' progress as musicians:
- by making recordings of their playing so that they can listen back and evaluate the quality of their performance
- by recording demo performances of new pieces and sending them to pupils/parents as MP3 files or posting them on this site
- by using Sibelius notation software to produce sheet music and additional resources for pupils, including theory sheets and teaching resources
- by recording pupils finished performances and producing CDs for them

Andrew has advised schools about the use of music technology in the classroom, and is available for teacher training and support in this area. Andrew is familiar with a wide range of music software applications, including Ableton Live, Sibelius, Propellerhead Record, Reason, Adobe Audition, Tracktion and others. He is available for workshops, courses and one-to-one training in these applications.
If you wish to discuss your Music Technology needs please: Contact Andrew » | |