Melanie Smith-Langridge BA
Piano/Keyboard Lessons
for learners of all ages
YEAR 2013 PROSPECTUS
My philosophy is that playing the piano or keyboard should be fun, but that the playing of music requires a sound theoretical underpinning. Pupils must want to learn, not feel forced to. Weekly attendance is expected outside holiday periods. I normally set aside some time each lesson to go through some music theory unless the necessary theoretical knowledge is already in place.
These are my aims for piano/keyboard lessons:
I teach piano or keyboard at my house in Romiley (near Stockport, Greater Manchester). See below for addresses and contact numbers.
Weekly attendance is normally expected at a mutually agreed time and lessons do not usually continue through school holiday periods. Adequate advance notice (24 hours+) should be given of the cancellation of any lesson. Absence of notice without a valid reason (e.g. illness) will result in fees being charged for the cancelled lesson (half lesson fee if 24+ hours notice given, otherwise full fee payable). Family holidays during school term-time are not a valid reason. Due to the extent of my teaching commitments, it is unlikely that a missed lesson could be rescheduled within the same week, but I try to accommodate changes where I can.
The dreaded P word! I believe in little but often practice and try not to nag pupils. Hopefully they practice because they want to, not because they should, as what they get out of lessons depends on what they put into the practice. Pupils should have regular access to a piano or keyboard, preferably one with full-size keys.
This is an outline of the materials I use to teach pupils:
I do enter some pupils for Associated Board piano or theory examinations, but only if they wish to take them and not until I consider them ready. These exams can be quite daunting to some pupils, but they can provide a goal at which to aim and a great deal of satisfaction at success, not to mention a nice certificate to keep in perpetuity. The pass rate of my pupils is over 90%. Sitting theory exams intermittently is particularly important for those pupils with ambitions towards and beyond AB Grade 6 Practical exam, as this can be attempted only after passing Grade 5 Theory. Be aware that exams do cost money to take. For example the entry fee for Associated Board Grade 1 Practical Exam in 2013 is £35.00 and Grade 1 Theory is £23.00. Pupils taking piano exams should ideally have a piano or a keyboard with full-size, touch sensitive keys.
Fees are normally collected weekly @ £12 per half-hour lesson. Alternatively, fees may be paid in advance for blocks of lessons.
I am an experienced musician and teacher. As a musician I have performed in many different musical ensembles, including a symphony orchestra, windband, chamber orchestra, string quintet and theatre orchestra. I have also represented Stockport in concerts in Germany, France and Belgium. I have played the piano for over 35 years and hold a University of Leeds degree in Music and English.
As a music teacher I have 30 years’ experience, specialising in piano, theory and keyboard. I have taught children and adults, including individuals with learning difficulties. I’ve worked with groups of children as part of my previous voluntary youth work and presented educational sessions in my previous employment at Stockport Museum and the Air Raid Shelters.
If you want to contact me, you may do so at the following addresses/numbers:
Where I live/teach: 22 Sunfield, Romiley, Stockport (not sure where that is? look at the map HERE - opens new window)
Telephone (0161) 494 5044
Mobile 07952038428
Email pianolessons@tiscali.co.uk
Need an idea for a special birthday or Christmas present that could last a lifetime? I can offer a gift voucher for an introductory course of four piano or keyboard lessons for a special price of £45.
in development
(c) Melanie Smith-Langridge 2013 www.pianokeyboard.talktalk.net
Philosophy