Hello and welcome!
I'm a qualified, professional piano teacher based in Nether Heyford. I have over 20 years' experience in teaching students of all ages and abilities; my current pupils range in age from 6 to 60+ and in ability from beginner to diploma standard.
I have an excellent record of examination results - in fact, since I began teaching in 1985, I have only ever had one pupil fail an exam.
Many of my students take examinations, and others just wish to learn to play for pleasure - it's up to you. I teach various styles of playing, including harmony and improvisation, and provided you have the aptitude and enthusiasm, I can bring out the best in you!
As well as teaching, I give regular concerts and recitals, so I'm used to showing pupils not only the basics of how to play, but how to perform to the best of their ability.
I was given my first piano lesson at the age of 7 by my mother who was a piano teacher herself. Two years later, I became a chorister at St Paul’s Cathedral. At the age of 14, I began learning the organ, and by the time I’d left school, I’d passed my first diploma.
I moved to Northampton after obtaining a degree in music at Jesus College, Cambridge where I was Organ Scholar; now I’m working as a freelance teacher, pianist and organist in South Northamptonshire.
I’ve toured widely, giving concerts and recitals throughout the UK, Europe, USA, Canada, Singapore, Poland and New Zealand. I’m equally at home playing in a large concert hall or at an intimate wedding ceremony!
I compose on an occasional basis, and have had a number of my compositions and arrangements recorded and broadcast on radio and television. I have a wide range of musical tastes, and play piano and keyboards in big bands and small jazz groups.
I’m an experienced accompanist, and in 1991 accompanied the winners of the Sainsbury’s Choir of the Year competition.
When not making music, I enjoy exploring railways, walking my dog, and generally pottering around in the garden!
News
April 2009 - Examination results
Examination results for the Spring Term 2009 - ten candidates.
- Katie - Grade 1 piano - pass with Distinction
- Emma - Grade 4 piano - pass with Distinction
- Josh - Grade 1 piano - pass with Distinction
- Ben - Grade 2 piano - pass with Merit
- Sophie - Grade 2 piano - pass with Merit
- Michelle - Grade 5 piano - pass
- Eileen - Grade 2 piano - pass
- Carolyn - Grade 5 piano - pass
- Pippa - Grade 5 piano - pass
- Laura - Grade 5 theory - pass
Congratulations to all pupils, particularly those who had to take their exams very early in the examination period, and others who suffered broken limbs only weeks before their exam!
December 2008 - Examination results
Examination results for the Autumn Term 2008 - three candidates this term.
- Katie - Grade 1 piano - pass with Distinction
- Isaac - Grade 2 piano - pass with Distinction
- Tim - Grade 6 piano - pass with Merit
Congratulations to all three of you!
December 2008 - Fees
Fees for the Spring Term 2009 will remain unchanged. Please see the Fees and Testimonials page for current rates.
September 2008 - Farewell
Farewell to Dan who started learning piano with me 7 years ago and has worked incredibly hard to end up with a fine result at Grade 8; good luck for your first year at UCL.
Also farewell to Imogen who started piano lessons with me 11 years ago and has developed into a fine pianist. She has gained a well-deserved place at Queens College, Cambridge.
July 2008 - Examination results
Examination results for the Summer Term 2008 - only two candidates this term.
- Dan - Grade 8 piano - pass with Merit
- Jack - Grade 4 piano - pass with Merit
Congratulations to you both!
| To find out more and to discuss anything, you can email me using the contact form below. Alternatively use the details on the right. |
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Tuition Fees
Lessons are tailored to each pupil’s requirements, and can last either 30, 45 or 60 minutes. Fees for the Summer Term 2009 are £14 per half hour.
Testimonials
The success of every pupil is dependent on the relationship between teacher and student. I strive to strike up a happy working relationship with each pupil, so that they feel comfortable and relaxed at the piano, and are therefore able to perform to the best of their abilities. The following are genuine testimonials from current pupils."Thank you for your patience, hard work and for being such a fantastic piano teacher. Katie really looks forward to her lessons - I am so glad we found you!"
"Andrew is a superb teacher and player alike. His passion for music and the piano makes every lesson enjoyable and his explanations and guidance makes even the hardest of pieces easy to play."
"Andrew was recommended to me as an excellent tutor of all age groups and as a senior citizen I believed I would be a challenge, particularly as I had received no previous experience of the piano. However after 2 years of tuition I have been very pleased with the good progress made from my weekly lessons, and with the continued encouragement from Andrew I now expect to achieve my ambition to play the piano for pleasure."
"Having first learned to play the piano nearly 50 years ago, in January 2007 I decided to improve this old skill. Andrew was recommended to me and is an excellent choice. Whilst a motivator, he has plenty of patience and I really look forward to my lessons."
"I have at last found a teacher who enthuses with his pure love of music. His sense of humour and endless patience all help to make lessons with Andrew a real pleasure."
"Andrew has been teaching me for approximately six years now, and his friendly and vibrant nature is still the same as it was in my first ever lesson! He is tremendously skilled at both playing and teaching the piano, with his demonstrations and fantastic enthusiasm making learning the piano a wonderful experience. The atmosphere in lessons is never intimidating, only ever welcoming, and I would most definitely recommend Andrew to anyone!"
Letters
"Thank you so much for teaching me the piano for the past 11 years. I really enjoy playing and think it's a skill I shall keep for life. I shall really miss our weekly lessons and the many topics covered therein. You really have been a great teacher."
"I would like to thank you so much for these last few years. Your teaching has been wonderful and I have enjoyed every moment! We were very lucky to find you, and I would recommend you to anybody without hesitation! I would like to wish you every success in the future, and I will no doubt be seeing you again before too long."
FAQs
I’m looking for a piano teacher. Do you teach all ages?
Yes, I teach children and adults of all ages. Unless your child is showing particular interest or aptitude at a very early age, I generally suggest 6 to 6½ as being the earliest age at which to start lessons.
Do I need a piano?
You will certainly need an instrument on which to practise. A piano in decent working order or a touch-sensitive keyboard with weighted keys is best, but a basic keyboard will suffice to begin with.
Where are you based?
I am located in the village of Nether Heyford which is about 1 mile south of Weedon (6 miles west of Northampton, 6 miles north of Towcester and 6 miles east of Daventry).
Can you travel to me?
I normally teach at home. I will consider special circumstances, although prices will differ from my standard rates.
How much do you charge?
Current fees are detailed on the Fees and Testimonials section.
Is that cheap/expensive for a piano teacher?
Rates vary from teacher to teacher and are dependent on experience, expertise, qualifications, etc. A brief search on the internet will give you an idea of price ranges.
How long will I need?
That’s entirely up to you. Lessons last a minimum of 30 mins, but many pupils prefer to have longer. For those studying at a more advanced level (roughly Grades 6-7 above), 45 minutes or an hour is preferable.
Do I need regular lessons?
Most students will benefit from weekly lessons; however, I can usually accommodate students wishing to adopt an alternative schedule.
Do you teach during the school holidays?
Yes, I offer all my students the option of continuing their tuition during school holidays. After all, that is often when they have more time to practise.
Are you CRB checked?
Yes.
Can I sit in on my child’s lessons?
Yes; parents are very welcome to sit in during lessons, either regularly or occasionally.
What are your qualifications?
I have an MA in Music from Cambridge University and hold the diploma of Fellow of the Royal College of Organists.
To what level can you teach?
I teach pupils of all standards from beginner to diploma level and beyond. In fact, I currently have three piano teachers who come to me for tuition.
I’ve seen advertisements on the internet for amazing, fast-learning techniques. Do these work?
If you find one that does, I’d be very interested to hear about it. It would save us all a lot of hard work!
I’ve always wanted to play the piano. Am I too old to learn?
You’ve heard the cliché "you’re never too old to learn"? Well, there are advantages and disadvantages to learning at a mature age. However, a number of my students are senior citizens, and gain huge enjoyment from their lessons as well as making excellent progress.
I’d like to learn for pleasure. Do I have to take exams?
No, it’s entirely up to you.
I’d like to learn keyboard harmony/improvisation/to play by ear. Can you teach that?
Yes, most definitely. I can give you the knowledge you need to develop these rare and highly-valued skills. In fact, I endeavour to cover them with many of my more advanced current pupils.
How do I pay?
I accept cheques and cash, either in advance or by the lesson, whichever is easiest for you.
My child is totally confused when it comes to Theory and I’m at my wit’s end. Can you help?
Absolutely! Most aspects of theory are utterly straightforward and my logical approach to teaching the subject has helped many bewildered students over the years.
I’m looking for a good accompanist for my/my child’s instrumental exam. Can you help?
Yes, I work with a number of local instrumental teachers providing tuition before the exam and expert accompaniment on the day. A good accompanist can make a huge difference to your examination result.
I would like to get to Grade 8. How long will that take me?
Well, practice makes perfect, and it all depends on how much time you are willing to devote. A good, average rate of progress is one grade per year. Pupils who put in plenty of work, and have a keen, musical ear can expect to progress faster than this, especially in the early grades, but bear in mind you are learning a skill which will last you a lifetime, and that cannot be acquired at the drop of a hat.
Do I really need a teacher? Can’t I teach myself?
There is no reason you cannot teach yourself, and some people successfully do this. But it’s by no means easy, and a good teacher can make a world of difference in many ways.
Can I hear you play?
Yes, there will be sound samples available on the site very soon.
I also teach:
*Please note - I teach only classical (i.e. church) organ.
Chameleon Arts Management http://www.chameleon-arts.co.uk/Pages/Weddings/Classical/Organists/wedorganists.html
Market Harborough Singers http://www.marketharboroughsingers.co.uk/
Thanks to the following advertisers
UK Piano Page http://www.uk-piano.org/piano_teachers/Northamptonshire/Nether_Heyford/1251-0.html
UK Villages http://www.ukvillages.co.uk/village/Nether%20Heyford-Northamptonshire?open&logid
Hobgoblin Music http://www.hobgoblin.com/hobnob/teachers.shtml
Format of lessons
Lessons take place in my sitting room on a Challen grand piano with a good, light touch, particuarly suited to clear, expressive playing. Parents are welcome to sit in on their children’s lessons and can relax in a comfy chair. If you are unable, or prefer not to stay, you can leave your children and pick them up after the lesson (for your information, I am CRB checked). Ample parking is available right outside my house.
