Piano4t Teaching practice
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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!

 

 

 

 

 

Teaching practice

I work with students on a number of key areas as well as piano technique:

    practical musicianship

    music theory

    improvisation, harmonisation and composition

    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:

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 V

    Associated Board Practical Musicianship to Grade V

    LCM Practical Grades I to VIII

    Trinity Guildhall Grades I to VIII

Music Theory

    Group lessons or individual

    Age appropriate teaching

    Adapted to requirements of Music GCSE

Mini projects

    concerts

    exploring the history of the piano

    finding out about great composers