Information About Sharon - Walton-on-Thames teacher -

(6 reviews)

Personal Description:

Based in Weybridge, Surrey, I welcome dedicated students of all ages and abilities, from beginners to advanced pianists. While I enjoy working with advanced students, I am always excited to nurture talented and serious learners at any level, including adults.

Since coming to London in 1999, I have had the privilege to work extensively with Andrew Ball, Irina Zaritskaya and Yonty Solomon, himself a pupil of Dame Myra Hess. I have also received many prestigious masterclasses and lessons in Belgium, England, Germany, Spain, in the U.S.A. and Israel, playing for eminent artists such as Galina Egyazarova, John O`Connor, Pavel Gililov, Bernard Roberts, Joseph Banowetz, Oxana Yablonskaja, Emanuel Ax, Paul Badura-Skoda, and Murray Perahia.

I have earned the Masters of Music in Advanced Performance at the Royal College of Music, London, and have since pursued my career as an active concert pianist, performing all around the world as part of the Amadeus Piano Duo. In addition to my concert career, I have taken care of my pupils for more than 24 years already, teaching them at distinguished public schools in London and in Hampshire, and also privately. They have all successfully performed at ABRSM exams, concerts, scholarships and auditions. Piano lessons can also be given in French.

For more information about my background and career as a concert pianist, please visit my website:
**Web Address Removed**

Tutoring Experience:

In addition to my personal career as concert pianist and chamber musician, I have taught more than a hundred pupils (from beginners to professionals, including piano teachers) for more than 24 years, teaching them at distinguished public schools in London and in Hampshire, and also privately. They have all successfully performed at ABRSM exams, concerts, scholarships and auditions. Being an active performer as well as a teacher allows me to demonstrate accurately on the piano and inspire my pupils to a high level of piano playing.

Testimonials

"I owe a lot to Sharon for the way my playing has improved over the past year. He is patient and kind and adapts to the needs of the student. He has a great sense of humour and is never discouraging. His love and passion for music are truly inspiring and evident through his playing and knowledge of the subject. He provides great advice on how to practice and his explanations of how the music can be played makes the seemingly impossible possible. It has been a privilege to work with him, I could not have asked for a better teacher. I highly recommend him to anyone." - Maki (September 2018)

"Sharon is very friendly and knowledgeable and his studio is very professional. After my first session I was confident that I would be able to focus on music and exercises most relevant to my current level after returning to the piano after a significant break." - Emily (January 2018)

"Mr is very passionate and a professional soloist, chamber musician and international concert pianist and has helped my two sons achieve outstanding results in the last 4 years. My 10 years old has completed grade 8 with a very high distinction, and my younger son has completed his grade 5 with distinction at the age of 7 only. Sharon has made the learning very enjoyable and interesting. The boys look forward to the lessons every week. Sharon goes beyond the normal teaching responsibilities by taking personal interest and preparing a well-thought plan for each repertoire. His recommendations to regular practice are the most important advice to listen to! Sharon prepared my sons for a number of competitions, performances and festivals with winning results always. I have travelled more than 30 miles every week to Mr as you rarely find the quality and wavelength that helps to shape young kids’ musical journey. Thank you Sharon!" - Sanjeev (April 2018)

My son has been learning piano with Sharon for almost two years now (starting as a complete beginner, aged 10) and has enjoyed his lessons immensely, making remarkable progress in this relatively short time. Sharon is a kind and patient teacher who has made learning really enjoyable for my son, whilst paying great attention to detail and technique which stood him in good stead for very successful exam and scholarship performances. I would wholeheartedly recommend him as a piano teacher, as would my son. - Clare

Sharon has helped me to receive a Distinction in my Grade 2 music exam through his patience when teaching and his keen attention to detail. His passion for music has fuelled my own and motivated me to practice more. Without this perfect combination of patience, passion and his own professional understanding of music I would not be the enthusiastic pianist I am today. - Nicola

Mr is one of the most thoughtful and interesting musicians of his generation. He has a deep understanding and love for the classical repertoire and is a charismatic communicator. All these qualities make of him a truly fascinating and effective teacher. - Marco

Sharon has been the piano teacher for my son and daughter for the past four years and I am extremely happy with their progress. Not only have they confidently moved on up through the grades, but, more importantly, they have developed a real love of the instrument. Sharon is patient, punctual and communicates a real love of music whilst still installing the discipline and habits required for a high-level performance. - Nathalie

For the last year and a half, Sharon has introduced our son (now almost seven years old) to the piano, and all of us (our son included) have greatly enjoyed the process. The results have been impressive, and our son received extremely encouraging feedback after his prep test. Sharon combines high standards and a methodical and structured approach as a teacher with considerable patience and a good sense of humour __ which make him very adept at dealing with young children. - Frank

I started playing from age 10 completed all the grades by age 18. With a 15 year break from lessons I realised I needed some tuition again from a new teacher as I wasn`t progressing. Sharon has taken me back to first principles, carefully analysing everything about my playing, recommending and teaching various exercises and pieces to improve my technique. It has transformed my playing - within a few months of lessons I am now playing Chopin Etudes which I never thought would be possible! I highly recommend Sharon. - Nick

I started learning the piano with Mr in year 2 and gained a distinction in grade 5 last year when I was in year 6. His teaching is demanding but very effective. He does not let me move on without perfecting the pieces I am on, but he is always encouraging and emphasises musicality rather than just getting the notes right. I really enjoy our lessons. I have been to hear him in concert several times and very much admire his piano playing. I feel lucky to have such a good musician as my teacher. - Arthur

"Mr is very passionate and a professional soloist, chamber musician and international concert pianist and has helped my two sons achieve outstanding results in the last 4 years. My 10 years old has completed grade 8 with a very high distinction, and my younger son has completed his grade 5 with distinction at the age of 7 only. Sharon has made the learning very enjoyable and interesting. The boys look forward to the lessons every week. Sharon goes beyond the normal teaching responsibilities by taking personal interest and preparing a well thought plan for each repertoire. His recommendations to regular practice is the most important advice to listen to! Sharon prepared my sons for a number of competitions, performances and festivals with winning results always. I have travelled more than 30 miles every week to Mr as you rarely find the quality and wavelength that helps shaping young kids’ musical journey. Thank you Sharon!" - Sanjeev (April 2018)

"My son has been learning piano with Sharon for almost two years now (starting as a complete beginner, aged 10) and has enjoyed his lessons immensely, making remarkable progress in this relatively short time. Sharon is a kind and patient teacher who has made learning really enjoyable for my son, whilst paying great attention to detail and technique which stood him in good stead for very successful exam and scholarship performances. I would wholeheartedly recommend him as a piano teacher, as would my son." - Clare

"Sharon has helped me to receive a Distinction in my Grade 2 music exam through his patience when teaching and his keen attention to detail. His passion for music has fuelled my own and motivated me to practice more. Without this perfect combination of patience, passion and his own professional understanding of music; I would not be the enthusiastic pianist I am today." - Nicola

"Sharon has been the piano teacher for my son and daughter for the past four years and I am extremely happy with their progress. Not only have they confidently moved on up through the grades, but, more importantly, they have developed a real love of the instrument. Sharon is patient, punctual and communicates a real love of music whilst still installing the discipline and habits required for a high-level performance." - Nathalie

"For the last year and a half, Sharon has introduced our son (now almost seven years old) to the piano, and all of us (our son included) have greatly enjoyed the process. The results have been impressive, and our son received extremely encouraging feedback after his prep test. Sharon combines high standards and a methodical and structured approach as a teacher with considerable patience and a good sense of humour -- which make him very adept at dealing with young children." - Frank

"I started playing from age 10 completed all the grades by age 18. With a 15 year break from lessons I realised I needed some tuition again from a new teacher as I wasn't progressing. Sharon has taken me back to first principles, carefully analysing everything about my playing, recommending and teaching various exercises and pieces to improve my technique. It has transformed my playing - within a few months of lessons I am now playing Chopin Etudes which I never thought would be possible! I highly recommend Sharon." - Nick

Tutoring Approach:

Comprehensive Piano Tuition: I specialise in classical piano instruction, incorporating musicianship, aural training, and music theory as integral parts of the learning process, especially for exam preparation.

Personalised Approach: I tailor lessons to each student`s individual needs and goals, fostering independent learning and a deep understanding of music.

Expert Guidance: As a performing musician, I can provide live demonstrations and inspire you to achieve your highest potential.

Focus on Effective Practice: I emphasise the crucial skill of effective practice, often overlooked by other teachers, which is essential for consistent progress and motivation.

Preparation for Success: I prepare students for concerts, competitions, auditions, music scholarships, specialist music schools, and ABRSM exams.