Piano Lessons (Casual)
This is my standard method of piano teaching. Pupils have either 30 or 60 minute lessons weekly and I have a flexible approach to what and how I teach. I try to make sure the pupil is fully engaged and strike the right balance of challenge, reward and fun. All the fundamentals are covered; technique, sight reading, varied repertoire, theory, etc. but the style of teaching can vary from pupil to pupil.
This option is open to anyone of any age, ability or prior experience and we can progress entirely at your own pace.
Exams, competitions and the opportunities to perform in public are available but not mandatory.
Piano Lessons (Advanced)
This is my programme for more ambitious pupils who want to get as much out of my teaching, and the excellent performance opportunities available in New Plymouth, as possible. We will work through a structured syllabus with the objective of attaining grade 8 in 5-6 years and an ATCL diploma soon after.
This is open to pupils aged 8 and above, although 10 is the optimal starting age. We cover all the fundamentals in more detail so lessons are 1 hour weekly, with a high attendance rate needed to stay on course.
Practice time is logged on my student portal and exams, competitions and public performances are mandatory.
Keyboard Lessons
Electronic keyboards work differently to pianos (including digital) so follow a different teaching syllabus. As well as learning to read music and develop technical competency, keyboard lessons look at how to operate the numerous features on the instrument such as; left hand chord accompaniment, automated backing tracks and sequencing. Because each make and model of keyboard is different pupils will have to bring their instrument with them to each lesson.
Keyboard exams are possible but not required, and opportunities to perform publicly are limited. Nevertheless, learning to fully master an electric keyboard is great fun and richly rewarding.
Music Theory Lessons
A good understanding of music theory is vital to taking musicianship to the highest level, regardless of one’s instrument. Although theory may be covered in instrumental lessons, dedicated theory lessons can really help flesh out your knowledge and delve deeper into how music works. This should be considered for any musician looking at tackling the higher grades and diplomas.
What’s covered will depend on the level the pupil is at, starting at the fundamentals of notation and structures and going all the way to complex harmony, counterpoint and analysis.
Lessons are 60 minutes and can be booked on an as-and-when basis
Clarinet Lessons
I teach clarinet to pupils ages 10 and over, and it is preferable if there is some experience of playing wind instruments, such as recorder. Obtaining a clarinet must be done prior to the first lesson - some shops and schools do have the option of loaning instruments to anyone thinking of starting up.
Initially lessons will only be 30 minutes but can extend to 60 minutes when your embouchure develops enough strength.