Establishing the basics

Taking your first steps as a beginner may be daunting but with a carefully-selected programme of attractive and enticing pieces, and supportive exercises to develop your technique, you will soon have the basis of a musical foundation on which to build.

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Learning how to sit at the piano and how to adopt a good hand position are essential for any aspiring pianist, so it is important that we look at these things first. After a few simple warm-up exercises to get some mobility in the fingers, we will learn our first piece together. This will be shown to you without the music, initially, to help you develop a better aural sense of the music and to make your first piece more accessible. 

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Naturally, you will be taught how to read music - a vital skill that gives pupils the confidence to discover new music independently; however, approaching a new piece without the music allow beginners to play something meaningful at their first lesson without being overwhelmed with reading and playing simultaneously.

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To help develop a sense of rhythm and to improve listening skills, we will work on some simple duets. Many beginners find the playing of duets really enjoyable and are surprised by just how good it all sounds! Having worked with many beginners we will approach this methodically and at a pace that is right for you. 

Developing your sound

Once the basics are in-place​ it is inevitable you will want to expand not only your technique but your piano sound as well. To play convincingly with musical feeling involves much more than merely following instructions: it's about listening to your playing and developing a critical ear, which is a musician's best tool. 

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The skills we work on here include tone development and the balancing of hands so the melody projects clearly above the accompaniment. We will learn how to shape a phrase musically, and the importance of finding space between the phrases to allow the music to breathe. Being able to play notes with different articulations in each hand contribute greatly to the musical character and it essential that such skills are developed. 

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However, one of the most important techniques every pianist has to master is the art of effective pedalling. To sustain many notes at one time truly transforms the piano sound lending it considerable power and depth and a host of expressive nuances.  

Perfecting your technique

One of the most rewarding aspects for any music teacher is when a student reaches a level of proficiency that enables them to tackle complex and challenging works with technical and musical confidence. Whilst teaching a beginner requires patience and understanding; teaching at an advanced level similarly requires developed technical skills and relevant professional expertise. 

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If you are considering taking lessons with the intention of working towards an advanced grade or diploma you can be confident that we can formulate a programme of study that will prepare you successfully for such a goal. Initial work will begin on selecting suitable technical studies to further your practical skills, alongside critical listening of your pieces you would like to play for your grade or diploma. An assured technique and good stylistic awareness across a range of styles will be expected at this level, however, it's important to play to your musical strengths and to choose music that you have an affinity for. 

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At diploma level, most students follow the performance route, which can be taken as a purely recital option, or a shorter performance component with supportive tests. For those working towards a teaching diploma, candidates will, naturally, be required to demonstrate that they can teach effectively and that they have a sound knowledge of suitable teaching repertoire. Whichever path you choose, you will develop a range of skills that will provide a strong technical and musical understanding, giving you the confidence to tackle challenging and complex music unaided.