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.
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.
I teach on a flexible basis with availabilities between 9am and 9pm from Monday to Saturday. 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.
I mostly teach in my flat on Old Brompton Road near Earls Court Tube station.
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. You can find some contact details on the resources page.
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), GCSE Music and A level Music. 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 worth 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 Royal Albert Hall, 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.
