Adults often say how relaxing, enjoyable and informative my lessons are
Children enjoy their lessons very much and I am told, look forward to them
My thoughts students should enjoy each lesson and each lesson should inspire

Why learn to play the piano?  Firstly, it's wonderful to play the piano, even in the early stages and it's a good way to shake off the stress of a busy lifestyle.  The benefits for children are many; playing the piano brings a new purpose and a life long interest that is very rewarding.  It is said that learning a musical instrument opens the mind and promotes focus and concentration which is very beneficial to both adults and children.  Adults sometimes say that they wish they had learnt to play the piano when they were younger.  My answer is...  Start learning now!  When you look up from your busy schedule in two years time and once again say "I wish I had learnt to play the piano" just think that had you started when you said it the last time, you would be able to play now, and improving all the time.

Beginners learning for pleasure are surprised and happy with their speedy progress

I maintain a good record of Distinction's and Merits with exam students

Teaching:  My teaching studio has been described as very pleasant and well appointed by a distinguished piano teacher from the Oxford School of Music.  I provide a very good quality grand piano and give patient but enthusiastic lessons and have a way of explaining (or demonstrating) concepts so that students of all ages understand.  I enjoy passing on knowledge that has taken me years to acquire.  I have a patient nature and believe that anyone (Doctor Suzuki) can learn to play.  It is not a gift that some people are born with, it is there for everyone to enjoy.  I put in a lot of effort outside of lessons and am constantly researching for pieces that will keep a students interest high.  My website also benefits my students by featuring their performances whereby relations from all over the country or anywhere in the world can hear them play. Click to hear some students. 

I provide practise planners which are professionally bound and have a ready supply of music including some of my own compositions.  Heinrich Neuhaus says that talent is just "someone who wants to learn to play" and I wholeheartedly agree.

Classical or Jazz/blues: The piano is a beautiful instrument to play whichever style you choose and some of my students are learning both styles  The repertoire available for the piano is vast, with compositions from the great classical composers to Jools Holland style of jazz&blues.  Many of these compositions (Classical and modern) are carefully arranged so that they are not too technically difficult and yet still sound impressive and are a great pleasure to play.  For students who do take grade exams, I like to teach good all round musicianship as well, rather than just ending up with someone who can play grade pieces and nothing else.

Improvisation: An important ability for both classical and jazz/blues.  Again, this is something I teach in a way that is clear and achievable.

Music Theory: I feel that it is important for students to understand the theory of what they are doing, it helps them to advance at a quicker rate.  I incorporate this aspect into each lesson in such a way that it doesn't become a dreary subject.

Music Composition:  I am a professional music composer/producer using sequencers (Sibelius,Cubase) in a computer environment to produce music for the television, radio and multi-media industries across the world, and for this reason I can present structured lessons at my home studio that will benefit any student with an interest in composing music in this specialised field.

John Hancock