Professional and friendly piano lessons on the Wirral. I offer lessons for adults and children alike, all lessons are one-to-one and take place from my home. Parents are encouraged to sit in and observe lessons. My lessons are structured yet tailored to the needs of each student, as every individual's reason and goal for wanting to play the piano is different. Lessons can be weekly or fortnightly to fit in with your schedule. I have experience in teaching students of different ages and abilities and I am DBS checked.
My name is Sarah and I have been playing the piano for 25 years, starting as a child and continuing on into adulthood. The piano has always been a part of my life and I have found playing music to be an enjoyable and enriching experience. It is a real joy to be able to teach others within a career I highly enjoy. I hope to be able to pass on to students my enthusiasm for music and to encourage a joy for learning and playing piano. My aim is to help students become the pianist they aspire to be and ultimately find enjoyment in their playing.
I have successfully taken Grade 8 in Practical Piano and Grade 5 in Music Theory with the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM). I am keen to progress in my own musical development and teaching, therefore I am currently working towards my Diploma in Practical Piano, Diploma in Music Teaching and Grade 6 in Music Theory.
Lessons focus on learning to read music confidently, understanding different rhythms and finger techniques and developing your ability as a pianist. A large emphasis is placed on cultivating enjoyment in your piano playing. Over the course of lessons we can work on your musical repertoire, encouraging you to try out different musical styles to discover what you enjoy and how we can use this to further your progress. Music theory is taught in conjunction with practical learning, as this knowledge broadens a students understanding and is a crucial part of learning piano.
It is a student's choice whether they wish to take music exams or not, they are not compulsory. If a student feels they would like to take formal exams, I can support them in achieving this goal. We can discuss which exam board would suit you personally depending on your preference, musical style and aspirations. Exams can be taken with the Music Teachers' Board (MTB Exams), The Associated Board of The Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) and Trinity College London. Exams can be taken in practical piano and music theory. Exams can add focus and structure to learning and provide a clear goal for a student to work towards.
For students who do not wish to take formal exams there is no pressure to do so! Some students wish to play purely for pleasure or recreation and this approach can also achieve very good results. Lessons can focus on building confidence in playing, mastering techniques and finger skills and working on pieces of music from genres/composers that you particularly favour.
30 minute lesson: £19
45 minute lesson: £25
1 hour lesson: £31
Monthly payment in advance by bank transfer is required.
For younger children I would recommend 30 minute lessons, whereas for teenagers and adults I would suggest 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on level/preference.
How old do I have to be to have lessons?
I accept students from the age of 6. There is no upper age limit to playing piano!
How frequent do my lessons need to be?
I offer both weekly and fortnightly lessons, whatever suits your preference and schedule.
Do I have to learn to read music?
Yes. I believe being able to read music allows a musician to be able to play in a wide range of styles and provides crucial knowledge and understanding to add to their playing ability. Developing the skill of reading music gives a student the freedom to play a variety of music. Playing by memory is also encouraged.
Where do the lessons take place?
All lessons take place from my home, I am based in Wallasey Village, Wirral. There is parking outside.