Piano lessons information

Guidelines for parents

Is my child old enough to start lessons?

Adult students

Taking music exams

Healthy posture

Buying an instrument

Looking after your instrument

I welcome adult students of all abilities and really enjoy the rapport that I have with my students.  Adults learn in a very different way from children, and I am a patient, friendly and understanding teacher.  During the first lesson we will discuss you musical interests and aims, and make sure that you can fit in your piano playing with your lifestyle.  You can book a one-off initial consultation lesson before starting regular lessons.

If you would like to have the assurance that the guarantee of your own fixed lesson time offers, then please be aware that during school term times my schedule necessitates a commitment to weekly lessons at a regular time.  For you to get the most of this, you will need to have time to practise regularly too. 

Alternatively, if you would like more flexibility over the time or frequency of your lessons, you are welcome to come for lessons during school holidays or at times when I am available by prior arrangement.    

• Please ensure that you arrive on time for the lesson.  I am afraid that I cannot extend lessons which begin late due to late arrival.
   

• Please make sure that your fingernails are always kept short so that you can play properly (see Healthy Posture).
   
• Be patient with yourself.  Give yourself the time to learn things and don't get too frustrated if these skills aren't learnt as fast as a 7 year old child; that expectation is unrealistic. Your advantage is the maturity to focus well on the task at hand and really to understand the musical language of the piece you are playing. Hence, chances are you will enjoy it more, even if your technique is slower to develop.
   

• For the most enjoyment and best results, practice should take place every day.  It's best if the piano is in a room away from noisy distractions.
   

• Make sure that you are seated comfortably at the piano.  The Healthy Posture page shows you how important the height and position of the stool is.