Variety
For my piano teaching, I endeavour to create a learning programme of a variety of pieces of differing musical styles. These vary from baroque to be-bop! I use backing tracks and duet parts to enliven solo work and include the latest popular music as well as the more traditional classical repertoire. An all-round musician is familiar with different styles and the techniques associated with them. It is great to have a favourite style which can be the cornerstone of your musical journey, but I will always gently encourage a broad perspective!
ABRSM Grades
With my piano lessons, I take a flexible approach to ABRSM grades, for which I am pleased to report a 100% success rate. I also offer the ABRSM Jazz Grades syllabus and coaching for the Grade 5 Theory exam necessary to access the higher grades. Grades do provide a useful structure for progression which young people may prefer to pursue, especially as the higher grades carry UCAS points.
Discipline
The grades also teach young people the discipline of seeing a task through to its conclusion. They also help by deepening their understanding of time planning, dedication and self organisation. I have noted with great happiness that the students that have taken piano exams from an early age cope admirably with the pressure of school exams at a later age. They already understand the process of study and preparation. However, for many this is not the approach that feels right for them and so I provide a structured but informal progressive programme in my piano teaching which ensures that these students can appraise their progress.