Edyta Lajdorf

Piano Lessons London

Have you been looking on the internet for piano lessons London? Professional pianist, harpsichordist and qualified piano teacher Edyta Lajdorf is available for lessons in Central and West London.

I offer piano lessons for children from the age of five and adults. I’m happy to teach all standards and levels  – from beginners to diploma level. I prepare my students for exams (Piano Grades 1-8 and DipABRSM, Music Theory Grades 1-8, Music GSCE and Music A-Level). With my students I work on the ability to read music,  whilst improving their technique. I also focus on improvising, playing by ear and developing their knowledge of music theory.  Aural, harmony and general musicianship is another important factor I teach. I’m happy to work on classical and popular repertoire depending on your preferences. I prepare my students for concerts, competitions, exams and auditions for specialist music schools. I encourage my students to participate in concerts I organise for them. It’s a great opportunity to show friends and family what great progress they’re making. A performance encourages everyone to practice and to have a clear goal they’re working towards. 

Piano Lessons London for adults

Are you interested in piano lessons for adults in London? Have you always dreamed of being able to play the piano but didn’t have enough courage to sign up for the first lesson? It’s never too late! Most of my adult students were very nervous before their first piano lesson but after realising that there’s nothing to worry about, they’ve been surprising everyone (and especially themselves) with their rapid progress. Most of my adult students have a very clear goal and reasons why they want to learn the piano. Are you worrying that you might not have enough time and motivation to practice? I am available to teach on a flexible basis with availability during the day, evenings and weekends. Also, I’m a great example of how to turn your passion into work and still enjoy it. All Piano Lessons London are tailor-maid depending on your experience:

• Beginner piano lessons
• Lessons for self-taught adults
• Tuition for amateur pianists

Piano Lessons London for kids

Do you want your child to start piano lessons but you’re not sure if it’s too early? The optimal age to start playing an instrument is 5 years old. On the other hand, I have two 4-year-old students and they are making great progress. Everything depends on your child’s concentration skills and interest.

Every child is different so I’ll always make a plan individually for each student. I’m happy to work on classical and popular pieces depending on your child’s preferences. During the lessons we learn how to read music and play by ear. We explore our aural skills, learn about history of music and composers from different periods of time. I always encourage my students to improvise or compose their own pieces. Artistic creativity has a significant impact on the construction of human sensitivity and ways to express their emotions, feelings and moods. My aim is not only to teach piano, but to develop love and interest in music in all my students.

Twice a year I organise concerts for my students. It’s a great opportunity for the little performers to show their friends and family what a great progress they made. A performance encourages children to practice and to have a clear goal towards that they’re working.

All piano lessons London are delivered by Edyta Lajdorf BMus (Hons), LRSM (Licentiate of the Royal Schools of Music in Teaching), SMISM, Royal College of Music graduate, experienced performer and accomplished teacher. If you want to find out more about me, go to my biography and my teaching biography.

Still have more questions about piano lessons London? Visit piano lessons for kids, your first lesson and FAQ page.

Piano Lessons London – Your first lesson

What to expect on your first lesson – Adults

If it’s your first piano lesson, first of all, don’t worry! Bring your positive attitude and motivation to learn and we’ll take it from there. On your first lesson we’ll talk about your expectations, goals and music you like to listen to. We’ll learn a few simple pieces of music and you will be introduced to the basic music notation. I promise that after the first lesson you’ll be able to play your first piece using both hands. If you don’t have a piano at home, I’m happy to advise you in purchasing the right instrument for you. I also have a number of contacts in the industry for anyone looking to buy or even rent. For more information about my approach and lessons, please visit piano lessons London.

Have you received some previous piano instructions before? If you’re not a beginner and have been playing for a while, please bring a piece or two that you want to be working on. If you haven’t practised for a while, you can always play your favourite piece on the first lesson. By listening to your playing, I’ll be able to get to know you a bit better and advise you on some future repertoire.

What to expect on your first lesson – Kids

I teach my students with the emphasis on fun, creativity and progress. My aim is to set an atmosphere that will evoke your child’s interest in music. Very often the first contact with an instrument influences our approach towards music and our future development. I always ensure that my students enjoy their first lesson as much as possible. During the first lesson we’ll be getting to know the instrument (what piano consists of and what sounds it makes), how to sit properly and how to play with the correct hand position. We’ll learn what low, middle and high register of the keyboard are and how to play a sequence of notes. We’ll start (or even accomplish) ‘Twinkle, twinkle little star’ or any other simple nursery rhyme that your child already knows.

Has your child been playing the piano before? I would encourage them to bring a piece of music they have been working on recently for our first lesson.

Edyta Lajdorf BMus (Hons), LRSM (Teaching), SMISM, concert pianist, harpsichordist, piano teacher and accompanist. If you wish to enquire about piano lessons London, please contact me directly.

Piano Lessons London – Kids

Are you interested in piano lessons London for Kids? Not really sure whether it might be too early for your child to start an instrument or not? There’re are lots of places in London that offer piano lessons for kids but I thoroughly believe that as a Royal College of Music graduate, experienced performer, qualified piano teacher and music lover, I’m the best person when it comes to teaching your kids and inspiring them with my passion to music.

Piano lessons for kids – beginners

During the first lesson or two, we’ll be getting to know the instrument. We’ll learn at least two nursery rhyme tunes and we’ll be starting to read and write the first notes. I think it’s very important that from the first lesson students learn how to play by ear, read music, play by heart, sight-read, sing, improvise, have the correct posture and hand position. I’m happy to work on the pieces that my students would like to play. If the piece they want to play is still too difficult, I’ll rewrite it for them to match their skills.

With my beginner students I work from different books and materials, for example:

• Hal Leonard ‘Student Piano Library’
• Pauline Hall ‘Tunes for ten fingers’
• John Thompson ‘Easiest Piano Course’ 
• Pamela Wedgewood ‘Up-grade!’
• Paul Harris ‘Improve you sight-reading, scales and practice‘
• ABRSM ‘Piano Grades 1-8 and DipABRSM’
• Trinity College London ‘Piano Exam Pieces & Exercises, Grades 1-8’

Piano lessons for kids – intermediate and advanced students

I like to work with my students on a different type of repertoire – from early music to contemporary, jazz and modern. I support my students in taking grading exams and diplomas through ABRSM and Trinity College. I think that exams set a goal for young musicians and help them feel that they make progress and just achieved another certificate. On the other hand, I don’t like the approach, that unfortunately lots of teachers have, of only doing 3 required pieces and moving straight away to the next grading exam. There’re lots of pieces in piano music that help students solve technical, rhythmical and interpretation difficult problems and who wants to play the same thing all year round! I encourage my students to work on at least 6 new pieces before they move on to the next grade.

I offer piano lessons for kids at my studio on Old Brompton Road near Earls Court station. I’m also happy to travel to students’ homes in South West London. Please do get in touch if you wish to arrange a trial lesson. If you’re interested in piano lessons for adults, click on the link: piano lessons London for more information.

All piano lessons London are delivered by Edyta Lajdorf BMus (Hons), LRSM (Licentiate of the Royal Schools of Music in Teaching), SMISM, Royal College of Music graduate, concert pianist and harpsichordist. She won several prizes in the international competitions and performed concerts and recitals in the UK, Czech Republic, United States, Malta, Netherlands and Poland.

Edyta Lajdorf BMus (Hons), LRSM (Teaching), SMISM, experienced performer and accomplished piano teacher is available for lessons in West and Central London. Please go to piano lessons London if you wish to find out more about my teaching approach.

Concert 2016

Royal College of Music, 26.06.2016

Concert 2015

Peregrine’s Pianos, 13.12.2015

Concert 2015

Royal College of Music, 5.07.2015

Piano Lessons London – FAQ

New students always ask lots of questions and that’s why I decided to put a list together of the most common enquiries I receive. I hope you find it helpful.

How often and how long are Piano Lessons London?

I generally recommend meeting once a week. If you are highly motivated and have lots of time to practice, it might be worth having a lesson twice a week. If you are an adult, I would recommend 1 hour session but with younger children (age 5-6) it’s good to start with 30 – 45 mins.

When do Piano Lessons London take place?

I’m teaching on a flexible basis with availabilities between 9am and 9pm from Monday to Saturday. I sometimes teach on Sundays but would prefer not to book a regular lesson on that day. Even the biggest music enthusiast needs a day of silence (when not practising!). I’m more flexible during the day when my younger students are still at school but I still have a few after-school slots available.

Where do Piano Lessons London take place?

I mostly teach in my flat on Old Brompton Road near Earls Court Tube station. I also travel to my students that live close by but it depends on the distance and my availability.

What ages and levels do you teach?

I teach all ages and levels. My youngest students are 4 years old and the oldest 70 (however I’ve never dared to ask). I’m happy to work with complete beginners and advanced students.

How many lessons do I have to commit to?

If you would like to have a regular slot every week, I would recommend committing to at least five lessons. If by any reason you can’t continue your lessons please give me at least one month notice so that I could offer your time slot to someone else.

Please be aware that all lessons are subject to a 24 hour cancellation policy. Should any lesson date or time need to be cancelled or rearranged, a full 24 hours notice is required to avoid being charged for the missed lesson. 

Do I need my own piano?

It’s important to be able to practise between the lessons so if you don’t have access to a piano (e.g. at school or work) I would recommend buying an instrument. If you are not 100% sure if piano is your thing, you can start by buying a keyboard. Please make sure it has at least 5 octaves and weighted keys. If you decide to buy an upright piano or a grand piano it will be a lifetime purchase. A good instrument is not a car that’s value would suddenly drop after you take it for the first ride. I’m happy to help you with your purchase so don’t hesitate to ask questions. I have a number of contacts in the industry if you’re looking to buy or rent an instrument.

How do I know if my child is ready to begin piano lessons?

If your child knows the alphabet, can count up to 10 and can concentrate/sit still for at least 15 mins, we’re ready to learn the piano!

What subjects do you teach?

I teach piano, practical musicianship, music theory, chamber music, harpsichord, GCSE Music, A-level Music and the basics of classical singing.

What kind of qualifications and exams do you prepare your students for?

I’m happy to prepare my students for Piano Grades 1-8 (ABRSM and Trinity), DipABRSM,  Music Theory Grades 1-8 (ABRSM and Trinity), Music GSCE and Music A-Levels. Please remember, exams are not a must and you are more than welcome to never take them. However, if you like having a goal towards which you’re working on or would like to see a certified progress in your playing, it’s working giving an exam a try.

Do you have an up-to-date DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service, formerly CRB) Certificate?

Yes I do. Please get in touch if you would like to see the document.

What kind of qualifications do you have?

I graduated from the Royal College of Music in London, where I was under the tutelage of prof. Gordon Fergus – Thompson for piano and prof. Jane Chapman for harpsichord. I’m currently a postgraduate student and a scholar of Guildhall School of Music and Drama. In September 2016 I also obtained my LRSM Diploma in Instrumental Teaching from the ABRSM.

I have won several prizes in international piano and harpsichord competitions. I have performed concerts internationally in the Czech Republic, United States, Netherlands, Malta and Poland and in the United Kingdom at venues such as Huddersfield Town Hall, St Martin-in-the-Fields, Regent Hall, Savile Club, Victoria and Albert Museum, Milton Court, Bridgewater Hall, the Royal College of Music, the Embassy of the Republic of Poland, St Mary Abbots Parish Church, Bush Hall and Toynbee Hall. In addition to my solo performances I have played with orchestras, string quartets and choirs. Please see my biography for more details.

What kind of music will we be working on?

I’m happy to work on both classical and popular repertoire. However, if you are a beginner, it will be useful (and easier)  to start with some nursery rhymes. They are very simple and make us familiar with the geography of the keyboard and the basic harmony progressions (Tonic, Subdominant, Dominant). After a few lessons, that we spend on learning the basics, I’m happy to rewrite some popular tunes to match your level. If you’re not a beginner, you are welcome to bring any repertoire you like. I enjoy listening to and playing pieces using different styles and genres.

Peter Dec and Edyta Lajdorf met at the Royal College of Music in London. Straight away they found a musical connection and decided to begin their collaboration. Their debut took place at Regent Hall on Friday September 30th at 1pm. Please check the Concerts page for more details about the concert and our future performances.

Piotr Dec is a Bachelor of Music (Hons) scholar of the Royal College of Music in London (RCM), where he studies modern clarinet with Janet Hilton and Barnaby Robson, and classical clarinet with Prof. Colin Lawson CBE and Dr. Ingrid Pearson, generously supported by the Worshipful Company of Musicians.

In May this year, Piotr made his professional debut playing solo in the Royal Albert Hall, Elgar Room. He recently premiered Dan Chappell’s ‘After a Portrait’ at the National Portrait Gallery and also featured playing solo on a recording for Chinese Berita Global television. Together with stunning soprano Jennifer Coleman, was in the final of National English Song Competition (2016). In 2015 he made the world premiere of Satie’s Furniture Music at the Southbank Centre and performed Sir Arthur Somervell’s Clarinet Quintet at the ‘Exploring the Archive’ concert at the RCM. In the same year he received a scholarship to work with artists from the Vienna International Music Academy and Berlin Philharmonic Academy. Together with soprano Helaine Liebman, Piotr gave a series of concerts at St. George’s Hanover Square commemorating the holocaust, composed by the American composer Lori Laitman.

Piotr was the winner of the National Polish Clarinet Competition in Wroclaw (2013), and was also awarded second prize at the International Woodwind Competition in Wroclaw (2013) and International Clarinet Festival in Szczecin (2013). He has appeared playing solo in many well-known venues such as: Wroclaw Philharmonic, Wroclaw Radio and Television Concert Hall, St. John’s Smith Square, St Martin-in-the-Fields, St. George’s Hanover Square, Southbank Centre, St. James’s Piccadilly Church, Foundling Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum.

He began his musical training in Wroclaw, Poland, with Mieczyslaw Stachura, professor of Karol Lipinski Academy of Music in Wroclaw, gaining a diploma with the highest distinction. He has participated numerous masterclasses given by: Philippe Berrod, Julian Bliss, Patrick Messina, Shirley Brill and Wenzel Fuchs.

For more information about Piotr, please visit www.piotrdec.wix.com

Edyta Lajdorf was born in Poland. She is a Master of Music scholar of Guildhall School of Music and Drama, where she studies piano with prof. Paul Roberts and prof. Martin Roscoe, and harpsichord with prof. Carole Cerasi. Edyta has completed her Bachelor Degree at the Royal College of Music in London, where she was under the tutelage of prof. Gordon Fergus – Thompson for piano and prof. Jane Chapman for harpsichord.

Edyta has received the Donemus prize in the Prix Annelie de Man in Amsterdam in the Netherlands (2015), second prize in the Valetta International Piano Competition in Malta (2014), been the finalist of the 1st International Piano Competition ‘Performance without limits’ in Lodz in Poland (2013), won the WISE Foundation’s Outstanding Artist award in Boston in the United States (2012), received second prize in the I. J. Paderewski VIII National Piano Competition in Piotrkow Trybunalski in Poland (2011) and second prize in the J.S.Bach XX International Piano Competition in Gorzow Wielkopolski in Poland (2011). In the International Piano Competition in Usti upon Laben in the Czech Republic she received third (2006) and second (2007) prize, and a prize for her interpretation of Beethoven (2007). She also represented her school in the National Audition for Piano Class where she gained second (2005) and fifth place (2010). She took part in the International Chopin Audition in Sochaczew in Poland, winning prizes in 2003, 2004 and 2006. Edyta has performed concerts internationally in the Czech Republic, United States, Netherlands, Malta and Poland and in the United Kingdom at venues such as Huddersfield Town Hall, Regent Hall, Savile Club, the Royal College of Music, the Embassy of the Republic of Poland, St Mary Abbots Parish Church, Bush Hall and Toynbee Hall. In addition to her solo performances she has played with orchestras, string quartets and choirs. She accompanied soloists in numerous events, including the 3rd Vocal Festival ‘Belcanto” in Naleczow.

Edyta has attended many music workshops and masterclasses which gave her the opportunity to work with professors from all over the world (G. Isphording, V. Rosenbaum, A. Korsantia, J. Stanford, A. Wodnicki, J. Banowetz, M. McLachlan, A. Barutti, P. Slavik, V. Nossina, R. Fric).