Piano Lessons, Lectures, Piano Workshops and Piano Masterclasses

As well as giving private tuition in my own Notting Hill piano teaching studio, I offer visits to universities, colleges and other learning environments to lecture in a variety of topics. Please contact me to find out about booking workshops and masterclasses.

Classical and Jazz Piano

  • Preparation for ABRSM exams, university entrance, recitals and auditions.
  • Essential repertoire based on syllabii and/or preferred direction of study.
  • Sight reading, memorising of pieces and transcription.
  • General musicianship - aural recognition, reproduction, other general music skills.
  • Jazz theory - harmonic and melodic, chord substitution and alteration, analysis of notable jazz repertoire.
  • In depth study of scales, arpeggios and studies aimed at manual dexterity.
  • A large collection of personally developed exercises designed for the contemporary piano student.

    • Effective Piano Practice

  • Mental approach to practice before, during and after practice sessions.
  • Structure, goal-setting and execution, ideal practice length based on individual type.
  • Weak points and how best to work on them.
  • Working with a metronome or beats.
  • Self-appraisal through recording and note-taking, keeping a practice diary etc.

    • Improvisation and Solo Technique

  • Melodic and motific development in improvisation, releasing artistic flow, maintaining control and direction.
  • Harmonisation, substitution, extension.
  • The language of jazz and building your own vocabulary from its legacy.
  • Analysis of jazz, classical and popular song repertoire.
  • Technical exercises and techniques for developing solos.

    • Performance

  • Physical aspects of performance, including posture, seat height, hand placement, relaxation etc.
  • The body before, during and after performance - a holistic look at the body's interaction with the piano, with reference to sports, yoga, dance, martial arts etc.
  • The psychology of performance, preparation and mental state.
  • A study of some notable performers with reference to all of the above.
  • Physical exercises for strength-building, avoidance of injury and relaxation.

    • Electronic keyboards - Playing and Programming for EDM and Pop

  • The most popular techniques and styles used in house, EDM, trance, pop etc.
  • Difference in playing styles between traditional pianos and electronic keyboards.
  • A look at some of the most popular hardware and software used today.
  • Analysis and learning of genre-specific repertoire.
  • Sound creation and manipulation.
  • An overview of patch programming in the context of live performance.

    •   Postgrads

  • Where now? more FE or out into the big wide world?
  • What to take with you and what to leave behind. Will you use species counterpoint in your latest dubstep track?
  • What they can't teach you at music college (practical life-skills for musicians).
  • Building blocks. Exploring the possibilities based on your skills and qualifications.
  • General career advice from the perspective of a working musician with 25 years in the business.

    • Piano Workshop in Notting Hill | Piano Workshop in Knightsbridge | Piano Workshop in Kensington | Piano Workshop in Holland Park | Piano Workshop in Shepherds Bush | Piano Workshop in Maida Vale | Piano Workshop in Paddington | Piano Workshop in Royal Oak | Piano Workshop in Kensal Green | Piano Workshop in Kensal Rise | Piano Workshop in Harlesden | Piano Workshop in Willesden | Piano Workshop in Acton | Piano Workshop in Bayswater | Piano Workshop in Lancaster Gate | Piano Workshop in White City | Piano Workshop in North Kensington | Piano Workshop in Kilburn | Piano Workshop in West London | Piano Workshop in Central London | Piano Workshop in Greater London | Piano Workshop