Information About Jonathan - Brentford teacher -

(11 reviews)

Personal Description:

Hi, I'm Jonathan. I studied BA Music at University of Southampton, where I was trained by pianist, Helen Cawthorne.
I am now a piano and keyboard teacher, composer, pianist and singer, and in 2015 was awarded MA Music from City University, London.

I have been playing the piano for eighteen years, achieving Grade 8 in 2009.
Since graduating with first class marks in performance I have applied my knowledge in teaching, as well as performing at weddings and functions.
I am passionate about helping others gain confidence through music education and performance.

Although classically trained, I have performance experience in a wide variety of styles - so whether you are looking to work towards classical grades, find out the chords to your favourite pop or jazz piece, or even learn how to improvise, it would be my pleasure to assist you in your journey.

Tutoring Experience:

I have been teaching the piano for ten years now, helping students with grades, aural skills and theory. As well as teaching the piano to children, I also teach adults, which sometimes calls for a more casual approach to teaching, depending on the individual.

I have experience in working with children in schools, both whole classes and 1:1. Between 2014-2016 I worked at a leading West London primary school, teaching children between the ages of 7 and 11 many different elements of musicianship and performance. I also volunteered in a number of primary schools across Southern England, engaging young ears in the fundamentals of music and encouraging the children to sing a simple tune to a piano accompaniment or clap their hands to a rhythm.

I have also spent time in secondary schools, providing support for individuals in the classroom and encouraging enthusiasm for the subject and its potential for creativity. I taught the children keyboard skills 1:1, and helping them complete classroom tasks, which required help with understanding basic theory.

Currently I am a freelance musician, teaching piano, theory and composition all around London.

Where it is right for the individual, I use ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music) for exams.

Every student I have entered has passed, some with merits and distinctions.

Tutoring Approach:

I adapt to individuals with ease, teaching in a relaxed, supportive and friendly way. I'm a dedicated and passionate teacher with a thorough approach, always getting the best out of the individual. I strive for accuracy and detail where necessary, but without it becoming repetitive - for me, the most important objective of a lesson is that they are fun, engaging, and rewarding.
I always work efficiently, and try to make the most of the time available.

In my experience, one-to-one tutoring is effective in the sense that a topic or playing technique can be explained fully without classroom distractions. Although I enjoy inspiring a learner with a particularly stimulating aspect of a topic, I also like them to discover the mysteries of it themselves, which reinforces their own understanding of what they are playing.

Above all, I like to challenge my pupils, especially if they show me they are working hard. If I think a child is capable of something, I will encourage them to try it, even if it seems a little daunting to them. Because more often than not, the quality of the result exceeds their own personal expectation, which motivates them and fuels success.

If booking ten or more lessons at once, for example a term's worth, the hourly rate reduces to £37.50.

A half-hour lesson costs £30.

I don't charge for travel expenses.

Please get in touch for more information or to arrange a trial lesson. I'd be delighted to hear from you!

Thanks!