Piano & Keyboard

Piano

Lower age limit: Year 4 (no upper limit)

Levels taught: Beginner to Advanced

Styles taught: All

Piano lessons are available on an individual and shared basis, and there are opportunities for duet and ensemble playing.

Most students follow a classical route; however, there are opportunities to specialise in both jazz and popular piano music. David can also assist those who wish to develop their piano accompanying skills, and opportunities to accompany can always be arranged.

There are a number of examinations available for those who wish to take them. These include the classical piano exams offered by ABRSM, Trinity Guildhall and the London College of Music, as well as piano duet exams offered by the same.

Those wishing to learn the piano will need access to a suitable instrument at home. This might be a digital or acoustic piano, but in general, should not be an electronic keyboard. The latter may be sufficient for absolute beginners, but does not provide an adequate basis for the development of sound playing technique. Those who only have an electronic keyboard should consider electronic keyboard lessons.

Electronic Keyboard

Lower age limit: Year 4 (no upper limit)

Levels taught: Beginner to Advanced

Styles taught: All

Learning to play the keyboard is not, as some think, the same as learning the piano. There are of course overlaps, but in many ways, students acquire a different skill set. Students will learn not only how to play the instrument itself, but how to manipulate it to produce a wide range of effects, creating exciting and professional-sounding performances from the earliest stages.

The repertoire for the electronic keyboard tends to encompass mainly popular and jazz music, but there is always opportunity to explore all kinds of other genres including classical.

Both Trinity Guildhall and LCM offer examinations for keyboard players, for those who wish.