All Students preparing for Grade exams are recommended to use the Hofnotes on-line training pages to practise for the aural tests. 

At higher grades  you must be able to discuss with the examiner musical features such as texture, form, style, and period of a piece of music.  My own  web pages to help with these parts of the test at Grade 5+ and at GCSE are available here!

I'm looking for a piano teacher - what should I do?

On another page I go into what you may like to discuss at your consultation lesson with a new teacher.

This page suggests some things to look for in the teaching environment or studio.  The essentials are:

• a good, well tuned acoustic piano for students
• an adjustable piano stool, plus a footstool for younger pupils
• comfortable temperature, good ventilation
• good lighting
• well stocked library of teaching materials
• cloakroom
• somewhere for students and parents to wait

It is also desirable for the teaching area to have:

• a second piano or digital keyboard
• a metronome
• a CD/ MP3 player
• recording equipment
• access to a computer or laptop
• an answer phone to ensure lessons are not interrupted by calls

Last updated on: 03/01/2012