Wilmslow Piano Academy

Whether you're an absolute beginner who knows nothing about the piano, a budding piano superstar, or somewhere in between, get in touch on 07470864033 to discuss your ambitions. Whatever your needs, a personalised learning plan will be put in place to ensure you reach your goals.

What do I have to learn?

Each pupil has unique musical tastes and ambitions. Some want to work on their favourite pop songs, others are drawn to classical repertoire. Jazz is getting more popular. Some pupils enjoy playing for their own enjoyment and relaxation. Others want to work towards some sort of public recital, perhaps at a school or community concert, or in front of an examiner.

How do you make the learning process an inclusive one?

Every pupil is unique. Share your needs so we can help. The Wilmslow studio is a friendly and welcoming space. The repertoire is varied and can be adjusted to suit personal interests. Graded exams feature more and more pieces by lesser-known composers and musicians from the 'Global South'. The exam formats are more accommodating of pupils with diverse educational needs today.

What other opportunities are there?

In the past, pupils have attended concerts by internationally renowned pianists and orchestras, participated in competitions and festivals, and attended the final of Channel 4's The Piano (look out for us!). For those interested in graded exams, we can organise, and have organised, behind-the-scenes access to the exam room to reduce exam anxiety (for pupils and their parents/carers!) on the day. If you are working towards the Duke of Edinburgh award, don't forget your classes can be recognised formally and graded piano exams can boost university applicants' UCAS point scores.

Where are the lessons?

Either on an acoustic grand piano in Wilmslow or in the comfort of your own home.

What would a typical lesson include?

It depends on the interests of the pupil, but a mini-concert is usually first on the agenda: playing through the piece(s) that have been worked on over the past week. Then we'll open it up for discussion: what do you think has worked well and where the progress has been, what might come next, how we might go about practising a tricky passage, what does that musical direction (eg in Italian, German, French) in the score mean, what character does the piece have. Depending on the age, there might be some activities aligned to the Early Learning Goals/Key Stage 1 for mini-musicians such as eurhythmics and games (to develop fine motor skills, musical vocabulary and number bonds). Older pupils might prefer a discussion about the technicalities of a certain piece, or some historical and musicological background. We can work on your sight reading, so you can learn pieces more quickly (and we have some great resources for this).

Are you DBS checked?

Yes

What qualifications do you have?

I passed my Grade 8 piano with distinction, then went on to complete the ALCM diploma, an MA and PhD. 

Can I produce a digital recording of me playing my pieces?

Yes - you'll receive a digital file for you to share with all your friends and family, and upload to your social media account if you so wish.

Do you offer a free taster lesson?

Yes