Information About Dan - Cheltenham teacher

Personal Description:

I teach a range of abilities, from nervous beginners, to those who are preparing for exams, auditions, competitions, GCSE and A level performance and entrance to university or music college. I can also accompany you for your instrumental exam and am available to be booked for performance and rehearsal. Whether your interest in piano is purely for leisure, or you have more professional aspirations, I am happy to hear from you. Visit my website or contact me via email or by phone.

Tutoring Experience:

Music has long played a central role in my life, ever since my first piano lesson at the age of 6. I have studied with master pianists, won music scholarships, medals and awards in competitions, been a multi-instrumentalist and played as a principal bassoonist in orchestras, as a composer had my work performed in public by professional ensembles, developed a wide knowledge of musical repertoire (including a specialism in film music), mastered studio and recording skills, received a music degree from Cardiff University, and performed in some wonderful venues.

Being a teacher is a wonderful opportunity to pass on what I know and love about music and the piano, and help others find and express the music in themselves - so I look forward to you getting in touch!

Tutoring Approach:

There are three complementary elements to the lessons:

Enjoyment - This is most important. Music making and music learning should be enjoyable and interesting. Lessons should build confidence and motivation, and help the student learn to express themselves through the piano. This also means that lessons should be tailored to the needs and interests of the student, and you are encouraged to question, express your views, and play a role in setting the agenda for lessons. I am always very happy to talk about how the lessons are going, and what you are looking for from them.

Resources - Lessons draw upon my experience as a pianist, orchestral and ensemble musician, music graduate and composer. As well as working with well established tutor books, lessons include listening to and watching great pianists from my audio-visual resources, trying your hand at improvising and composing bits of your own music, playing duets with me, and even recording you (if you want!). All of this builds your musicianship as well as skill at the piano.

Structure - Learning a skill involves mastering a whole range of sub-skills and acquiring new information. Doing this in an organised way makes it a lot easier. Our work together is logically sequenced and explained, and you are always encouraged to ask questions and challenge me on what I am teaching you - everything should make sense for you. Learning a skill ultimately depends on your own self-discipline, patience, and creativity. I help you learn how to teach yourself - that's what practice really is - so that you can become independent.