• How young can you start learning the piano?

    This is very much dependent on the child and their ability to focus one to one for a 30 minute lesson. Some children will only manage 15 minutes at first. A Saturday morning lesson for young children is advised, as they’re less tired from a full day of school and therefore able to concentrate for longer.

  • Is it too late to learn?

    Never! My grandmother started learning the Oboe in her 70s and greatly enjoyed the social aspects of playing.

  • Why do piano exams or piano competitions?

    For some students the ABRSM graded system and piano competitions will help drive them forward by marking their progress. It is also worth noting that the ABRSM grade 6-8 exams contribute to university UCAS points. However, I will not let any student sit an exam unless I believe that they are ready to pass and to pass well. Whilst learning to make mistakes is an important life skill, playing the piano, in my opinion, should not be an extra source of anxiety-inducing pressure on top of an already busy national curriculum or work/home life. Taught correctly, it should help reduce stress by providing a creative outlet.

  • How much piano practice is expected?

    Ultimately, the more you put in, the more you will get out. Finding the time or encouraging your child to sit down at the piano on a regular basis can be exhausting, but it is incredibly frustrating for both pupil, parent and teacher to do the same lesson on repeat. Successfully learning the piano should equally not lead to raised voices and tantrums (I am a mum and I do understand!), as this takes the enjoyment out of learning and is the fast route to quitting. I advise pupils to first try and make sitting down at the piano a habit by playing everyday, at a similar time, for 5 minutes…this could be anything from your pieces, scales, finger exercises or even your own composition. It doesn’t matter, so long as it is fun. Once daily piano playing has become established, boredom and a natural curiosity to learn will take over.

  • Do you teach at student’s houses?

    Unfortunately, due to my own childcare commitments and time constraints, I’m only able to offer lessons from my home in Chew Magna, BS40.

  • Do you teach jazz piano?

    I’m a classically trained pianist, but I am able to teach beginner level jazz piano.

  • Do you offer accompaniment?

    Yes, I’m able to offer accompaniment and rates depend on the amount of preparation time required.

  • How often should I tune my piano?

    It’s important to tune your piano every 6-12 months depending on its usage. If you’ve just moved house or moved the position of the piano within your home, then let it settle for 3 months before having it tuned. I can recommend Marcin Brzozka at www.mmbpianos.com.

  • How do I protect my piano from moths?

    Like your favourite cashmere or wool carpet, moths love the felt inside a piano and can cause extensive damage if left unchecked. It’s important to use both moth deterrents and monitors in and around your piano to treat any infestations early.

  • Should I buy an acoustic or digital piano?

    In my opinion, nothing compares to an acoustic piano and a secondhand upright can often be found for very little, but it’s important to factor in transport, service and annual maintenance costs. However many households either don’t have the space or adequate sound insulation. If you don’t want to upset your neighbours, then a weighted key digital piano is a very good alternative and I’m happy to help with recommendations.