Piano/Keyboard Lessons
for
learners of all ages
YEAR
2009/10 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 normally expected,
although pupils may take short breaks, e.g. during school holidays, without
problem. 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
Weekly attendance is normally
expected during school term-time at a mutually agreed time and lessons can
continue through holiday periods by arrangement
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 will 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:
Exams
I do enter some pupils for Associated Board or Trinity piano, keyboard 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. My pupils’ pass rate is over 90%. Sitting theory exams intermittently is particularly important for those pupils with ambitions towards and beyond AB Grad 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 2009 is £29.60 and Grade 1 Theory is £19.40.
Pupils taking piano exams should ideally have a piano rather than a
keyboard.
Fees are normally collected weekly, £10.00 per half-hour lesson from
September 2009.
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
As a music teacher I have 30 years’ experience, specialising in piano, theory and recorder. 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
If you want to contact me, you may do so at the following addresses/numbers:
Where I live/teach:
22 Sunfield, Romiley,
Telephone (0161) 494 5044
Mobile 07952038428
Email me HERE
(I do get email enquiries from far
and wide, including the
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 £35.
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· © Melanie Smith-Langridge 2009