Information About Karl - Aldershot teacher -
(27 reviews)

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This is how 4 referees rated Karl:

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Instruments Taught

Karl offers a discount of 50% on their first / introductory lesson!

Piano	Hourly Fee	Online Lessons Hourly Fee
Beginner	£38.00	£34.20
Intermediate	£42.00	£37.80
Advanced	£45.00	£40.50
Expert	£50.00	£45.00
Music Theory	Hourly Fee	Online Lessons Hourly Fee
Beginner	£38.00	£34.20
Intermediate	£42.00	£37.80
Advanced	£45.00	£40.50
Casual	£40.00	£36.00

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Personal Description:

I always had this connection with Music that allowed me to fully express myself in ways that other outlets didn't.

From a very young age, I largely self-taught myself many things at the Piano (before we had YouTube and even Wifi I might add), relying on my ear to guide me.

With the eventual guidance of a teacher, my skills built and I took the Piano more seriously and passionately.

Now a graduate of Trinity College of Music in London as of 2013, my former professors including Douglas Finch, Yonti Soloman, Penelope Roskell, Margaret Bolt and Judith Morgan.

In addition to teaching I have worked extensively alongside singers, choirs, and other instrumentalists, accompanying for exams and arranging scores.

I was the principal pianist for Phoenix Choir alongside director, David Ricketts, to which I arranged many of the scores. David now directs and runs the popular 'Shuffle Tunes' choir.

I regularly enjoy taking part in music festivals and competitions. Previous engagements include winner of the Challenge Cup in the 2017 Godalming Music Festival, the 2015 Farnham Piano Competition (receiving the Peckham memorial award and cash prize) and winner of the Aldershot and Farnborough Piano Festival 2008.

Tutoring Experience:

Having been teaching for over 15 years now, I have gained much experience in providing tuition to a range of age groups. During that time, I have grown even more dedicated in helping others learn. For me, passing on my skills and knowledge is one of the most rewarding aspects of teaching.

Several of my student highlights include one being awarded the most promising junior award 2nd year in a row from ABRSM adjudicator and pianist, Anthony Williams in the Aldershot and Farnborough Music Festival.

I also have 100% pass rate on all ABRSM and Trinity graded examinations.

Tutoring Approach:

I adopt a very welcoming and friendly approach in my lessons, tailoring each to the needs of every individual I teach. My main aim is to direct lessons in a fun yet engaging style, with the hope that all my pupils come away with the feeling of satisfaction and achievement that makes them look forward to the next lesson.

I fully support all my pupils and encourage them to have a personal input into every lesson. So if there is something you don't agree or feel comfortable with, please don't hold back!

To provide my students with a firm backbone of good musical training, I always set out to ensure that the basic skills are in place first and that the theory and aural side is touched upon and put into practise, making sure no bad habits work their way in to help create an all rounded musician who can come away relying on their own skills!

I Also have a private Facebook group called, **Removed By Admin**to aid in bringing all my students together in a warm and non judgemental atmosphere.

My hope was to encourage and disperse ideas and confidence amongst everyone along with help and advice from various teaching sources.

I also regularly create and update my own Spotify playlists that all my student's can access.

Tutor Resources: (free to download)

Please login or register to download tutor resources.

Native Language: English (British)
Availability: Weekends / Weekdays (all times)
References Available: Yes (✔ On File)

Qualifications:

Trinity College of Music (2011) - CHE (Bachelors) (✔ On File)
ABRSM (2006) - Grade 8 piano (Professional) (✔ On File)
Farnborough 6th form (2005) - A level music (College) (✔ On File)
ABRSM (2001) - Grade 5 Theory (Professional) (✔ On File)

Karl's Feedback

Total Amount Of Feedback:	27
Total Positive Feedback:	26 Av. 4.67/5.00
Total Other Feedback: (not shown)	1

From Anthony (5/5): Excellent piano teacher. Karl delivers his tuition to expectations

From Ann (5/5): Excellent tutor. Patient and very clear. I have learnt so much from him and become more confident in just my first two weeks with Karl.

From Jo (5/5): I started having lessons with Karl a couple of months ago. Having played to above grade 8 level as a teenager, I’d had a gap of over 20 years without playing followed by a year of lessons as an adult before stopping playing again during the pandemic. I started lessons with Karl knowing that there was a lot of scope for improvement in my playing and technique but with very little idea of how to tackle it.

Despite this Karl very quickly figured out what level my playing was at and where the main issues were, striking a good balance of plenty to work on but without this being overwhelming. Even in a short space of time I can hear concrete improvements in my playing. The fact that he is very focussed on detail and has been able to help me try different technical approaches to passages of music and suggest different ways of practicing has been just what I needed. I was initially pretty nervous returning to lessons again after the time out, but Karl is very patient and approachable and that’s really helped me to get the most from my lessons and start to get back some lost confidence and enjoy playing again.

From Cherrie (5/5): I have been learning piano from Karl for over a year now and I have to say that he’s the best teacher I have had in all the years I have been learning piano (I started as a child and had a very long period of break). Starting with what seemed to be quite a tough goal of getting my Grade 5 ABRSM, he was able to help me, step by step, to tackle bad habits I have accumulated through the years. He helped me develop a number of strategies to get through very challenging parts of my pieces. He’s also made me appreciate scales and arpeggios which I really disliked in the past (I thought they were tedious and boring). Karl keeps me motivated by ensuring that I playing things that I enjoy which are not exam materials. I hope to be working with him in the years to come!

From Joanna (5/5): Karl has been an excellent and inspirational teacher to my son William.I would thoroughly recommend him as a piano teacher.He is kind,full of passion for the piano and a committed and organised teacher.

From Peggy (4/5): My son is enjoying his lessons with Karl who is a very approachable and efficient teacher.

From Zina (5/5): It's an absolute joy to be taught piano by Karl. I've only had 4 lessons and it feels like a lot more as I've learnt so much. Lessons are very productive and fun and Karl's teaching approach suits me well. Each lesson is slightly more challenging than the last but I feel like I'm progressing well. I enjoy practising in between lessons as the material we use is easy to follow. I hope to continue to progress to an advanced level and would 100% recommend him.

Reply from: Karl: Thanks for the kind feedback, Zina. It's very rewarding to see you progress and develop each lesson.

From Mark (5/5): Karl is an excellent piano teacher I could not ask for a better person to teach my son . I'm really glad I found them on this site

Reply from: Karl: Thankyou, Mark!

From Bob (5/5): I have really enjoyed my first few lessons with Karl. I am an (oldie) absolute beginner, and he has provided just the start I was looking for; mixing the practical with enough theory for me to understand the progress I am making. I would thoroughly recommend him for his enthusiasm, patience and thoughtful approach

Reply from: Karl: Many thanks for the kind feedback Bob! Bob is a very passionate and enthusiastic learner who has really got stuck in to his practise and as a result is making some steady progress. I look forward to continue working with him and developing his skills.

From Julie (5/5): I was self-teaching before starting lessons with Karl, over a year ago. Since having lessons, my playing and understanding of music have improved massively. Lessons are fun and very productive.
Karl is kind, friendly and a great teacher. Would definitely recommend.

From Karen (5/5): Karl has been teaching both my daughters (currently aged 13 and 15) piano for a couple of years now and is fabulous. He's friendly, engaging, a brilliant pianist and they relate really well to him - they are still enjoying their lessons and still passing their grades, so yes, I would thoroughly recommend him.

Reply from: Karl: Thanks for the kind feedback Karan. Really appreciate it.

From Glenn (5/5): A great teacher who has helped me develop a lot through both helping me to sightread and by giving me different exercises to strengthen the fingers and improve co-ordination.

Definitely recommended for anyone at all levels, I am only a beginner but will hopefully use him as I progress to higher levels.

From Helen (5/5): Karl is an excellent teacher; friendly, encouraging, engaging and thorough.I am really enjoying my lessons and am looking forward to continuing on.

From Jonathan (5/5): I had been considering learning to play the piano for some time and finally decided I could dedicate the time I knew would be needed. Karl was quick to reassure me that it was never to late to learn, despite me having no prior experience playing an instrument or reading music. During my first lesson we discussed the type of music I was interested in playing. As expected, there was a focus on the essentials, such as scales and sight reading but Karl quickly introduced some challenging pieces which I have enjoyed learning. Karl was happy to advise what to look out for when I was choosing a piano of my own. I have been learning now for about 6 months and my only regret is not having started to learn sooner! I have no hesitation on recommending Karl.

Reply from: Karl: Thanks Jonathan! You've achieved a lot in short space of time. You have shown much enthusiasm with a passion to learn and dedication to practise, qualities which are essential to progress. It's a pleasure teaching you.

From Svenja (2/5): Karl maybe a good tutor, but unfortunately we never got the chance to try him out. We arranged lessons for September before the summer holidays, come September he cancelled on us on the day of the first lesson because he can actually not fit us in anymore!

Reply from: Karl: Unfortunately on this occasion, there was a clash on my timetable which conflicted with another pupil I was already teaching who was undertaking his Grade 5 at the time. I offered an alternative time but this was not suitable for Svenja. As good gesture, I refunded the fee they paid to First Tutors to obtain my contact details.

From Rebecca (5/5): Karl is a fantastic piano teacher and I am very happy I found him on this website. He is patient and pushes you within your capability level so I feel I am learning very quickly. I would highly recommend any age group who wants to learn piano, to try a lesson with him!

From Hollie (5/5): I've had my first lesson today and it was great! Karl is really nice and so lovely! Really easy to get along with and made me feel comfortable. He is really positive and takes things are your own pace and doesn't rush you. Recommend him 100%!

Reply from: Karl: Thanks for the lovely feedback, Hollie. I'm glad you enjoyed the first lesson and look forward to seeing you make progress.

From Graham (5/5): If you're lucky enough to find Karl then make sure you hold onto him!

Great teacher and really nice guy who makes learning fun :).

From James (5/5): Karl is a friendly and passionate piano teacher who is adept at tailoring his tuition to your needs. He is committed and engaging. Book a lesson. You will not be disappointed.

From Daniel (5/5): Since starting lssons with Karl I've gone from randomly pressing keys to being able to play pieces and I'm only 3 weeks in! He is very patient with my learning curve and has useful ways for me to overcome any stumbling blocks I run into. Great style of teaching that encourages you to practise in your own time and enjoy it too, would definitely recommend him to anyone wishing to have lessons at any level. Looking forward to continued learning and developing my playing.

Reply from: Karl: Many thanks for the feedback Daniel. You've progressed very quickly in a short amount of time, which is also a result of your dedicated practise and commitment to each lesson.

From James (5/5): Karl is an excellent tutor in all regards. Patient and kind when needed, yet will push you when he truly believes you can take whatever you're doing further. He is able to meet the needs of different students of different ages, and is able to make you really excel at what you're playing.

Reply from: Karl: Thank you for your kind words. James came to me 3 months ago with a few bad habits such as flat fingers and lazy wrists that were preventing him from moving forward with his playing. In a short space of time we have worked hard to improve his technique and to ground him in the basics. His playing has now benefited vastly and he has gained much confidence when tackling new pieces, pieces which he originally deemed 'unplayable'.

From Nick (5/5): As an adult learner I was worried it was too late to learn an instrument from scratch. Karl, reassured me otherwise and I'm pleased with the progress I'm making under Karl's guidance.

I would highly recommend.

Reply from: Karl: I'm astonished at Nicks progress in the last 3 weeks, he naturally picks things up quickly and adapts them into his playing. By the end of the first lesson we were already sight reading basic notes! He has worked hard and understands that with patience, careful practise is the key to success and making improvements. I look forward to seeing him develop his skills.

From Richard (5/5): He's a good and talented tutor. Very patient and good value for money

Reply from: Karl: Thanks for your kind words, Richard. You're making excellent progress and are a pleasure to teach.

From Sandra (3/5): Good rapport with pupil- encouraging, and patient and understanding. Fun. and supportive. Good with ideas. Encouraging musicality. and bringing child to appropriate level so far.
Happy to have started with Karl, and looking to continue with him for our second child if possible.

Reply from: Karl: Having taught Marcus for over a year now, he has progressed very well. He is now co-ordinating both hands very naturally and is a pleasure to teach. He is very attentive in lessons and has the potential to become a good pianist.

From James (5/5): Karl has been fantastic. I was looking for a teacher who could fulfill all of the requirements that I had with regards to learning the piano, and Karl has tailored all the lessons perfectly. From the very first lesson I knew I had found the right teacher. I was looking for a more casual approach, with no grades and where we could apply what I was learning to modern day piano tunes. In the first lesson he had me playing the chords from "The Scientist" by Coldplay, and we are now working on John Legend and Beach Boy tunes.

I couldn't recommend Karl more highly. He is a very talented teacher with a great personality and very easy to get along with and learn from.

From Laura (5/5): I have been having weekly lessons with Karl for about a month now, and have been getting a lot out of them.

Although I am a complete beginner I feel that I am already getting the hang of things, and also feel I am being taught valuable technique that will make my playing better as I move forward.

The way Karl teaches is great - balancing theory out with practical exercises so it sticks in my head. He also helped me find the right piano to get for myself at home.

Would definitely recommend!

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