Information About Andy - Edinburgh teacher -

(7 reviews)

Personal Description:

*** ACCELERATED PIANO PLAYING WITH ADULTS-ONLY SPECIALIST ***

I specialise in teaching adults to play beautiful piano music in the shortest time possible. Highly experienced (30+ years). Warm approach.

Using a specialised learning approach that has been refined over many years, I will take you step by step on a journey to the heart of what the piano can offer. Beautiful, profound music, that will connect you to your soul, and connect those around you to theirs.

I am a classically trained pianist of over 30 years experience, and I love what I do.

Tutoring Experience:

I was classically trained from a young age, and began performing at local festivals and recitals when I was 9 years old. This continued throughout secondary school where I was awarded a Music Scholarship and performed orchestral performances of my two favourite pieces in the world: Beethoven's 3rd Piano Concerto at St. Martin-in-the-Fields in London, and Rachmaninoff's 2nd Piano Concerto.

In 2005 I gained my Bachelor of Music degree with Honours from the University of Edinburgh, where I was also awarded the Tovey Memorial Prize during my 2nd undergraduate year. It was at University that I also diversified into other genres of music, including film scores and progressive rock. I still consider myself a classical pianist first and foremost, but it never ceases to amaze me the diversity of colours and landscapes that can be created with this most amazing of instruments.

I started teaching piano 15 years ago. Since then students have come to me from all levels of prior experience, from beginners who have never touched a piano before, to those advancing through their Grade 8, Diploma, and beyond.

Not everyone wants to adhere to the structure of ABRSM graded exams, and that is absolutely fine. I have students come for lessons with all manner of goals in mind: some want to learn to write their own songs on the piano; some want to explore and master the intricacies of Chopin; some want to play Hans Zimmer's Gladiator theme; and some simply want to learn a few Christmas jingles to play for their family. We will tailor lessons to your requirements with as much breadth or focus as you feel comfortable with.

If you are not sure what you are looking for, we will start with some basics and have you playing some well known pieces in no time. From there you can decide if moving through the Grades is something you would like to do or not. Many people just want to discover the joy of playing the piano without any particular agenda in mind, and I heartily encourage that.

Tutoring Approach:

Every student is unique and brings their own strengths and weaknesses to the piano. My role is to help you capitalise on your strengths, while we work on your weaknesses until they no longer hinder you.

We will quickly identify the things you struggle with most, and rather than let them slow your progression, we will come up with a few simple exercises tailored to your specific needs which, when practiced between lessons, will systematically plug the gaps in your development as a budding pianist.

I have never encountered anyone who cannot progress at the piano under the right guidance and with a little bit of patience and practice. And for those of you who believe you are past being able to learn new tricks, I can promise you it most certainly is never too late to learn. I have taught students spanning from 5 years of age through to 75 years of age. Indeed, some of my fastest learners have been adults.

I can't promise you won't experience a few bumps along the road. But you will progress and develop as a pianist, you will learn how to create melody and beauty, and how to harness the power of what many call the "King of the instruments". And hopefully, you will have some fun along the way.