Information About Ian - Alton teacher

Personal Description:

I am a music graduate with over 30 years of experience teaching piano, keyboard and singing. I teach either at my home in my studio in Alton or can travel to students' houses.
I also run a stage school which has taught many hundreds of local children musical theatre skills and out on large scale performances of musicals in the Hampshire and Surrey area.

Tutoring Experience:

I have taught pupils piano and singing to ABRSM grade 8 and above. I also offer theory and aural training to assist with taking ABRSM exams (eg grade 5 theory).
As well as classical training I have taught many pupils in a less formal way developing their keyboard skills to help them play by ear or from chords. This has helped them develop skills at playing blues and jazz piano.
I cater for any age or skill level from the complete beginner to the advanced student.
I believe firmly that each student learns in a different way and has different priorities. I therefore use lots of different methods of teaching and do not always use the same tutor book (and often no tutor book).

Tutoring Approach:

I believe strongly in tailoring each lesson exactly to the student's needs. I do not stick to tutor books and I use different styles of teaching for different students. Some will want to take exams and I have put many hundreds of students through these with extremely good results. However others will want to develop skills to help them improvise and play in many different styles such as blues, jazz or rock. Some will want to both of these things. I therefore make sure that whatever the aim of the student I will help them achieve it. I also believe that students' parents, if they are children, will want regular constructive feedback on their progress and I aim always to provide that. The first lesson is free so you can check out whether you want to continue.