Teaching practice

piano4t is based in the South Bucks/ South Herts.  Lessons and workshops take place mainly in my home and local schools but I also travel to private homes in the area by arrangement.  I work with students on a number of key areas as well as piano technique:

•    pre-instrumental learning (Foundation and Early Years music)

•    practical musicianship

•    music theory and literacy

•    improvisation, harmonisation and composition

•    Grade exams for ABRSM and Trinity Guildhall

•    performing

•    projects

Getting organised

Each pupil's Registration sheet contains contact details, medical and emergency information, information on the student's musical tastes and aspirations, other musical experience and so on.  Consent is required for any recording of the pupils' performances (audio or video) and the registration sheet also makes provision for this.  Click here to download a copy for your own use. 

Current Terms and Conditions can be viewed here.  These are based on those established by the ISM (Incorporated Society of Musicians).

I update a Lesson Report as a record of achievements and pointers to practice.  Click here to preview a copy.

I run a Commendation Card for each student to help motivate study.  Click here to download a copy for your own use.

Students like to use a Practice Diary, especially in the run up to important performances in exams or concerts.  Click here for a weekly practice diary.  Click here to download one based on the current Associated Board Prep Test.

Sometimes, it's a good idea to do a 'mock' exam.  Click here to download the form I use.

Twice a year, it's Report time.  Click here to download my version.

Practical musicianship

Most lessons will include:

• rhythm games

• singing and pitch games

• listening to great, illustrative or unusual performances

Improvisation and composition

Everyone can improvise!  Most students enjoy the experiences of

•     performing to backing tracks

•     recording their performances

•     writing down their compositions

•     using Finale Notepad to produce their own professional-looking sheet music

•   

Click here to go to the improvisation page

Grade exams

•    Prep test

•    Associated Board Practical (Performing) Grades I to VIII

•    Associated Board Theory to Grade VI

•    Associated Board Practical Musicianship to Grade V

•    LCM Practical Grades I to VI

•    Trinity Guildhall Grades I to VI

Music Theory

•  Group lessons or individual

•  Age appropriate teaching

•  Adapted to requirements of Music GCSE

Mini projects

Periodically students will complete projects such as:

• performing in concerts and festivals

• exploring the history of the piano

• finding out about great composers