"Playing the piano is easy! You just need to hit the right notes at the right time!"
Artur Rubenstein
Learning the piano
Learning to play a musical instrument is one of the most rewarding, nourishing and satisfying undertakings. Despite the great Rubenstein's tongue-in-cheek comment, it's NOT easy, it's a real challenge - but who wants easy achievements?
Playing the piano requires the development of awareness, physical co-ordination, listening skills, concentration, discipline, heart and character - all sounds very serious but it can be great fun too!
Misconceptions
Many people harbour unhelpful views about music and learning to play an instrument.
Here are a few:
- I am not musical - in fact, I am tone deaf!
- I don't have the right hands to play the piano
- Classical music is boring
- I don't have the time to practice
- You can't teach an old dog new tricks!
The list could go on but they are all nonsense! OK, we are not all cut out to be concert pianists but why should we compare ourselves with the best? The fact is that we are all capable of enjoying the experience of learning to make music.
What you can expect of me as a piano teacher
I value my reputation very highly and as a member of E.P.T.A. you can rest assured that I follow their guidelines for professional and ethical conduct (I have been CRB checked). You can expect me to be prepared for your lesson, to be interested in your progress and to offer clear, realistic goals. I will always do my best to create a friendly, purposeful environment for learning. You can read more about me if you like or contact me.
What I expect of you
By nature I am quite easy-going, prefer a relaxed (though focused) atmosphere in the studio, and I am not in the business of giving you or your child a hard time if you haven't practiced much. There is already plenty of pressure on young people and I am not interested in adding to it.
However there is little point in teaching someone who has no regular access to a piano (or digital equivalent), has no commitment to regular practice, or who fails to be punctual. I don't want to waste your money!