Pippa - Central Cheltenham - Music

Methodology

I invite students of all ages and abilities to learn the piano at my music studio in Cheltenham. I am a highly experienced piano teacher with a great passion and drive for helping students achieve to the best of their abilities.

- Which subject(s) do you teach?

I teach the piano, coach chamber groups and teach graded ABRSM theory exams.

- Tell me about your qualifications.

From 1994-2004 I attended Chetham's School of Music ((concealed information) a specialist music school in Manchester, studying with Norma Fisher and Murray McLachlan. In 2004 I continued my studies at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama ((concealed information) with Joan Havill. I achieved a BMus (Hons) and a Masters degree with Distinction in 2010.

- How much do you charge?

My fee is £40 per hour. £30 for 40 minutes, and £25 for 30 minutes.

- Where do you teach?

I teach at home in my music studio, which has a C3 Yamaha grand piano, and invite students from Cheltenham, Gloucestershire and the surrounding areas including the Cotswolds, Oxfordshire, Worcestershire and Warwickshire.

- When are you available?

I am available to teach most days and can be flexible when arranging lessons. Please ask for more details.

- Which ages and levels do you teach?

I teach all ages and abilities, from beginners to post Diploma standard. I can help with preparation for GCSE, IB, A Level, ABRSM, festivals, competitions and Trinity/Guildhall performances and examinations. I regularly teach ABRSM graded theory exams and have much experience coaching chamber ensembles.

- Do you have a personal message for students?

From an early age I was encouraged to study music, and my love of the piano developed through learning with inspirational and dedicated teachers who were enthusiastic about my potential. This enabled me to further my training and I now lead a busy and successful performing and teaching career. Being immersed in music and guided so diligently throughout my studies was a wonderful experience and one that I seek to replicate in my teaching.

I started teaching regularly in 2009, specialising in piano, accompaniment, music theory and aural, and I have taught a wide range of ages and abilities, from young beginners up to Diploma standard. Teaching such a variety of musicians is an exciting challenge that requires a different approach with every student. I have high expectations, consequently planning lessons and setting short and long term goals to suit each individual. I feel a strong sense of duty towards my pupils, and recognise that I am in a position to shape their musical development.

I believe that it is so important to endorse good piano habits from a young age. My main focus within lessons is to teach a good awareness of posture combined with a supple hand and firm fingers alongside excellent listening and appraising skills. Teaching requires imaginative and diverse techniques, and this is a challenge that I relish. I regularly include piano duet sessions in my lessons to help ensemble and sight-reading (a neglected but highly important skill for any young musician), utilise the ABRSM Wessa App available on iPad, and incorporate singing, interactive theory and rhythm games loosely based on the Kodaly method. I choose a variety of repertoire for my students to include some pieces that are well within their capabilities and other works that are more challenging. A good at home work schedule is imperative as so much of the students' time and progress can be wasted with bad practice. I am diligent at setting out clear instructions, goals and techniques to help structure private practice. Whilst, as a performer, practice is a significant part of my week, I also take professional development as a teacher very seriously. I am a member of the European Piano Teaching Association and the Incorporated Society of Musicians, who provide updates on teaching methods and research as well as seminars and lectures, and I have found these helpful at furthering my teaching skills.

I would be delighted to be given the opportunity to teach enthusiastic students, and feel that my background and skills would enable me to do so successfully. I so enjoy getting to know my students and watching their playing and musicianship develop as they mature and become confident pianists.