Piano Teacher Stafford/ Staffordshire - Lewis Cowan

Methodology

I have played piano since I was 6 years old, I enjoy playing most things from classical to Disney, Pop to Jazz and everything in between. I teach students of any age from beginners to advanced.

- Which subject(s) do you teach?

I teach Piano (including many different styles) as well as theory, composition, technique and performance playing. I prepare students for exams if that's the route they wish to go down or just for pleasure.

- Tell me about your qualifications.

I have been playing piano since I was 6 years old. I am currently working on Grade 8 Solo Piano and have additional teaching experience outside of music.

- How much do you charge?

The first lesson is a free trial, it gives the student (and parents if applicable) the chance to meet me and see what a typical lesson is like. It allows you to ask any other questions you may have and allows me to get an initial idea of the most urgent areas to work on if the student decides to join. I currently charge £10 per half-hour lesson, £15 for a 45 minute lesson and £20 for a full hour lesson. Payments are invoiced monthly in advance and if receiving invoices by email you can also pay by card. Otherwise I accept cash/cheques or bank transfers. If a family has more than 1 student, they will receive a 10% discount on all the 2nd student's lessons and 20% discount on the lessons of any additional students.

The majority of students come to me for lessons, if you need me to come to you then we can discuss travelling/time costs at your initial free lesson.

- Where do you teach?

I teach at my home near the centre of Stafford. Most students travel to me for lessons. I currently travel to a few students and this is a possibility if it is going to be difficult to get here but would incur additional costs. I am willing to travel up to 10 miles out of Stafford at the most, for example, Rugely, Stone, Doxey etc.

- When are you available?

Days and times are always changing so please call or email to see if we can agree on a day/time that suits you. I teach mornings/days/evenings most days. I continue to teach through half terms and move to a pay-per-lesson system for the summer holidays. It is advised that most students have at least 2 lessons in this time to keep their standard up until September.

- Which ages and levels do you teach?

My youngest student currently is 5 and I teach all ages above this. The majority of my students are currently beginners but I currently have a grade 5 and a grade 6 student.

- Which qualifications do you prepare your students for?

The majority of students follow the Trinity syllabus, which allows students to go from Initial up to Grade 8 and Theory from Grade 1 to Grade 8. I prefer the Trinity syllabus as the music is usually more varied and allows a greater choice depending on individual students. I do also teach the Associated Board of the Royal School of Music (ABRSM) but most students are on Trinity. There is also the option to follow the Jazz Piano syllabus if a student particularly enjoys Jazz and again this goes from Grade 1 upwards. You can also choose to take exams in piano accompaniment from Grade 5.