Subjects

Interview

Which subject(s) do you teach?
I teach piano mostly, but also composing, some theory to support your intuitions, musicianship (largely for playing in a band), keyboards; I have a Moog Voyager, Micro Moog, Nord Electro, Grand Piano, Clavinet D6, and Virtual instruments including the Vienna Symphonic Library Special Edition.
What I most enjoy is to help to develop the creativity in a person, whatever instrument they use.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y62eDVWt2gs

Tell me about your qualifications.
Physics, history of art and architecture, and geography A-levels. Foundation course in Architecture. A further two A-levels in Philosophy, and Applied Maths and a joint degree in Physics and Philosophy. I also studied Russian and got a GCE.

What kind of experience do you have?
I taught myself piano from the age of ten, and played 4 nights a week in a pub band for three years from the age of 16. However, I followed a scientific and arts path, taking art, physics, history of art and architecture, and geography A-levels. I finished a foundation course in Architecture at what was then the Polytechnic of Central London (PCL), but I was playing all the time as well. I then left academia and found a publisher for my songs, I played keyboards and bass for Desmond Decker and keyboards and a little sax for The Human League on their 86/87 world tour. I also worked as a sound engineer, and produced some tracks in a professional studio. I later went back to education, but again not in music, but got A-level Philosophy and A-level Applied Maths in order to start a joint degree in Physics and Philosophy. I also studied Russian and got a GCE in this. I got my honours degree, and immediately went to live in Vienna, Austria, where I composed my solo piano pieces, and taught English and gave piano lessons for seven years. Before leaving Vienna, I gave two concerts of my own piano music.

How much do you charge?
Fees are negotiable, but around £25 for one hour. I would charge £30+ per hour for group lessons.

Where do you teach?
I can travel to all parts of Lewisham, to Brockley, Nunhead, Peckham, Sydenham, Greenwich, Charlton, Bromley, Camberwell, Dulwich, and I would charge a little more for traveling unless we have a two hour lesson. I prefer a longer lesson with a short break in the middle.

When are you available?
I am available most Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and most evenings.

Which ages and levels do you teach?
I do not teach classical higher than 'Fur Elise', and I prefer not to teach notes, but enjoy teaching the basics.

Do you have an up-to-date CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) disclosure certificate?
I have not taught in a British school (I taught English in Vienna in two schools for seven years), and cannot get CRB checked as self employed.

Do you have a personal message for students?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y62eDVWt2gs

Articles

Learning Should Be Fun
Subject: Piano
Tags: develop your musical creativity, learn to play the piano, learn to write songs by doing
Created: 02/02/2011