Information About Ian - Highgate teacher -

(2 reviews)

Personal Description:

I am a highly experienced and passionate piano teacher, with over 15 years' experience of working with students of a wide range of ages and abilties. I've taught students across the whole spectrum, from complete beginners to students working at Grade 8 level and beyond. Teaching is my vocation - not just a means to make money: my central aim is to help students discover their potential as musicians, and to develop skills that enable them to express themselves through music. I am (despite my slightly surly photo!) approachable, relaxed and sensitive to students' various styles of learning and communicating.

Starting to play over 30 years ago, I studied with Adrian Connell until aged 18. I was playing Grade 8 level pieces by my early teens, and a few years later, having achieved Distinction at ABRSM Grade 8, was rehearsing and conducting bands of musicians as Musical Director for productions with Norfolk Youth Music Theatre. During my training, I also played with and rehearsed ensembles, as well as accompanying singers and instrumentalists. I still practise and play for my own pleasure, so can empathise with the challenges my students face! My aim is to guide you, whatever level you're at, in bringing music to life - and above all, to help you have fun!

Tutoring Experience:

I have over 15 years' experience as a piano teacher. Some of my students have been adult beginners or intermedia**Contact Detail Removed**vel players, some have been children / teenagers just starting or working towards piano grade exams, GCSEs or A Levels. Others have been students of various ages just developing their skills for pleasure. I am equally happy teaching complete beginners, intermedia**Contact Detail Removed**vel musicians or Grade 8+ pianists. I am a registered ABRSM Syllabus teacher and hold a DBS Enhanced Certificate.

Different students have different ambitions, and I have experience in helping a wide variety of students realise theirs. This might be, initially, just learning enough to play a favourite song; it might be working towards piano exams with one of the music boards; or it might simply be developing skills that enable you to enjoy playing a wide variety of rewarding pieces.

​Alternatively, you might not yet have any clear goals, but are just curious about starting or about improving existing skills. This is also fine. I'm keen to help students to discover where their interests lie and which directions to take. ​

Regarding styles of music, I have worked with students on a diverse range: classical, jazz, contemporary and song-based pieces.

I have also rehearsed and trained groups of singers and musicians; this has been invaluable in giving me experience of motivating, organising and communicating with musicians.

Tutoring Approach:

My approach is collaborative. I hope to achieve a balance between offering clear practical guidance and feedback, and encouraging students to find their own way of expressing themselves through music. Because I believe we learn most effictively by doing, lessons are rooted in students playing. Through this, students receive guidance on piano technique, effective practice methods, analysis / interpretation of written music, and help with expressing the mood and character of various pieces.

If students come to me as complete beginners, I teach them the basics of playing in the first few lessons, combining practical skills with the rudiments of reading music.

I still practise and play for my own pleasure, so can empathise with the challenges my students face! My aim is to guide you, whatever level you're at, in bringing music to life - and above all, to help you have fun!