Music Tuition

A Little Personal History

Growing up in the UK, I was surrounded by music - almost all of my relatives played an instrument, and I developed a passion for piano at age 3 (induced by "Sparky's Magic Piano" ). I commenced lessons at age 6 and continued upward to LTCL. In those formative years I also studied violin and viola, trombone, and organ. 1978 saw me heading off to University, and I embarked on a long and arduous career in science, later gaining my doctorate. However, music never lost its thrill for me. The joy of being able to relax by sitting down at my keyboard made me grateful to my early mentors, and I knew that one day I'd be back teaching and performing as a full-time vocation.

Influences - Past and Present

My earliest musical influences came via radio - usually Big Band (Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Count Basie, Duke Ellington) and vocalists (Rosemary Clooney, Ella Fitzgerald, Dean Martin).
My entry into piano studies took me into the world of classical music for many years, but in my early teens I once again discovered Jazz - listening avidly to Dave Brubeck, Thelonious Monk and many others. Later I transitioned to the more 'pop' influenced music of Elton John, Rick Wakeman, ELP, and Steely Dan, and presently am listening to David Benoit, Brad Mehldau, Dave Grusin, and Keith Jarrett.
Taking up saxophone several years ago also took me back into the Big Band Era - making music with a group of other musicians is one of the most fun things anyone can do - and I do this at every opportunity.

Teaching Methods

As you read earlier, my formative years were "classical" - I had a wonderful tutor, but, my learning was quite strictly regimented - no improvisation, no 'playing-by-ear' or from memory. These are requisite skills, which are much harder to learn as an adult. Therefore, I developed a unique teaching system which endeavors to lay a solid foundation in the ABRSM program, and then encourages the student to diversify and expand upon these principles into whatever genre they desire - be that jazz, rock, blues etc.
I don't use 'method' teaching, nor do I use 'positional training'. There are no short cuts to learning how to play an instrument or read music. 'Play Piano In A Day'.....hardly realistic!
It's imperative to stimulate the imagination and creativity of students - so much that they practice eagerly and effectively - instilling in them a lifelong passion for music of all genres.