Young pupils are a challenge, although they are so keen to learn that one has to be careful not to overwhelm them with information in the first piano lessons.

There is much to teach a new pupil. I often find myself not teaching just the piano, but teaching the pupil their ABC, their counting - including basics of mathematics required for rhythm and counting beats, and also music theory. Many teachers do not teach theory alongside the practical application of piano, but this is an oversight, as it will mean the pupil does not gain a complete overview of the art of playing the piano.

One book that I would recommend to all my young pupils is Ling Ng's Theory Made Easy series. This is a series of books with stickers, colouring in and lots of fun exercises. In fact, the book is so engaging, that pupils do not even realise they are learning the theory of music, and always look forward to doing these in the lessons. Also, not one pupil has ever forgotten to do their theory homework in this book - and that is something really quite remarkable!