What is on Offer?
I provide one-to-one tuition in piano, organ, electronic keyboard, and music theory. My teaching practice has been established since 2004 and I am dedicated to offering quality, insightful instruction in a comfortably informal setting. If you play another instrument and need to pass your Grade 5 music theory in order to progress to the higher practical grades, I can help. Musical understanding and appreciation go hand-in-hand with a sound, natural instrumental technique.
Who can learn?
Students of all ages and abilities are welcome to learn with me, from complete beginners to ABRSM Grade 8 level, from small children to those more mature students wishing to brush up on old skills or who wish to try something that they have always wanted to, but never quite got round to it!
Progress is dependent partly upon aptitude and regular, constructive practice. I can help provide the tools for the most effective and productive use of practice time.
Where do lessons take place?
Lessons are given at my home in the Goldenacre area of Edinburgh, 10 minutes bus ride from the city centre. My music room is equipped with a vintage Schiedmayer upright piano (circa 1909) and a state-of-the-art Makin digital organ. I give organ lessons either at home or at my church, Broughton St Mary's Parish Church on Bellevue Crescent, which houses a beautiful 1882 Lewis pipe organ.
During the current pandemic I am offering lessons online via the 'Zoom' platform. Please get in touch if you need more information or help setting up a lesson.
How long are lessons and how much to they cost?
This depends on the age and the current standard of the individual: beginners benefit from regular (weekly) half-hour lessons, and advanced or adult students up to an hour.
My rate is £19 per half-hour, £27.50 for 45 minutes, or £35 for hourly piano lessons. Organ lessons, for which there is use of historic organ of Broughton St Mary's, are £40 per hour.
What kind of music can I learn?
The core of my teaching material is broadly classical, as this gives a good progression in developing both coordination and music reading skills. Being able to read music is I believe an essential tool as this can unlock a vast repertoire and is applicable to any genre.