Information About Edward - Hampstead teacher

Personal Description:

My name is Edward and I am a North London-based pianist, offering in-person tuition to students of all ages and abilities.

A little about me…
I studied Modern Languages at Balliol College, Oxford, from 2010 to 2014, during which time I also held the post of Organ Scholar, studying under Steven Grahl at New College. As an organist, conductor and singer, I have performed in venues all over the world including Notre Dame in Paris, St Mark’s Basilica in Venice, St Paul’s Cathedral and Southwark Cathedral in London, and St George’s Chapel in Windsor.

Nonetheless, it is the piano which has always been dearest to me. Having started playing when I was 5 years old, I achieved both Grade 8 with distinction and the DipABRSM diploma in Piano Performance while still at school, and I continue to perform regularly in concerts and recitals.

As a teacher, I am patient, encouraging, and enthusiastic whilst also precise when it comes to focusing on technique. Above all, I am passionate about helping students to enjoy learning and playing in the same way that my own teacher did for me when I was learning. I strongly believe that no one should ever be forced into playing, and that personal enjoyment is often the key that unlocks the path to improvement subconsciously.

I currently offer teaching for:

- ABRSM exam preparation (Grades 1-8)
- Concerts
- Personal enjoyment (*)

(*) For instance, if a student has a burning desire to learn a particular piece that they love – be it classical, jazz, pop, a theme from a film score etc. – then I would be delighted to prioritise helping them learn it! (My own love for the piano began when, as a child, I told my teacher I wanted to play the Shire theme from the Lord of the Rings – next thing I knew, we were learning it together, I was loving spending time at the piano, and the rest is history!)

Tutoring Experience:

I have been teaching the piano privately since 2008, with students ranging from complete beginners to retired adults. My experience in teaching covers the full breadth of ABRSM exams (Grades 1-8), concert preparation, as well as work on skills, technique and interpretation.

Tutoring Approach:

I offer a tailored approach to each student, designed not only to help them achieve their full potential but, more importantly, to meet their specific aims, whatever those may be. I am passionate about helping students to enjoy learning and playing the piano, as I believe that it is so often enjoyment that unlocks the path to improvement subconsciously.

While the Grade system can have its merits, I am aware that it is not the only way to learn, and am therefore mindful of this when it comes to teaching students. Taking a more nurturing and encouraging approach, I find that focusing on developing musicianship skills across a broad repertoire without limiting oneself solely to the taking of exams can have a far better outcome in the long term.

I am patient, enthusiastic, and positive in my approach. I believe it is important to tell students when they are doing well (not just when they make a mistake) so that they know to repeat their good work, and feel consistently encouraged as they develop.