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About me
I am a professional Classical Piano tutor and a counsellor. I hold ABRSM QCF Level 4 diploma in Instrumental Teaching ( Northern College of Music, 2010) and am currently studying towards UK Bachelor (Hons) in Music.
I specialise in teaching children from 3 years of age and adult learners of any age and ability. Whether you are a beginner, intermediate or advanced piano learner, I will provide you with the most comprehensive support you need to reach your goals.
From basics such as simply learning to navigate the piano keyboard to complex phrasing and pedalling techniques- I will help you to take your skills to an entirely new level.
My teaching experience
I have 16 years of experience teaching classical piano and working with singers of any ability in-person in the UK and online worldwide.
I have absolute confidence in my ability to help you whatever your targets, from casual learning to school assessments to graded exams and competitions to college-level studies.
My students regularly take graded examinations and compete in international competitions. Just recently, one of my students won 1st place in the Spotlight on Talent piano competition in US 2022. Between 2008 and now, all of my students have passed ABRSM, RCM and Trinity Guildhall graded exams from the first try and with top marks.
I will always put a lot of time and effort into creating and delivering an in-depth learning experience tailored to your or your child's particular needs and targets. Every student depending on age and learning style/abilities perceives the same information differently; therefore, I always find a way to explain the subject so everyone understands it. There will be no guesswork between the lessons. You or your child will always know what and how to practice to guarantee success. I assure you that you will see a significant improvement from the first lesson.
My approach to teaching
Sometimes it looks like classical music, both Classical Piano and Vocal, is an elite activity. Indeed, some people (and even some teachers!) will go to great lengths to impose this destructive way of thinking on others. In reality, however, we were not born with the pre-installed musical "know-how". I remember too well what it was like to be a beginner myself; therefore, I make a deliberate effort to put my students at ease. You can do everything I can, too; the only difference is that I likely had a chance to clock more hours at the piano. I believe that once you sit at the piano, you become a musician in your own right. I will share everything I know with you in a friendly, relaxed and creative style, musician to musician.
The structure of the lessons varies according to your particular needs (whether it is focused work towards serious exams or informal learning "just for fun"). However, I strongly emphasise theory, technique and the music history to ensure that you receive a well-rounded and comprehensive musical education in all areas, not just piano. I teach note reading as part of piano lessons of any length which means that my students can read music and play the instrument.
My area of expertise
Pre-beginner learning (children from 3 y.o. to 5 y.o.)
Music has been an intrinsic part of human life since the beginning of time. It's a universal language that transcends cultures and creates strong bonds between people. Many experts believe studying music early in life is an excellent foundation for a child's mental and social development.
I will introduce your pre-schooler to music through visual, auditory and kinaesthetic learning in a play form. Your child will enjoy a short session full of engaging games and fun music activities, I will work on developing their sense of rhythm, pitch, melody, voice and keyboard orientation. Oodles of fun are guaranteed!
Beginner learning (children from 5 y.o. and adults)
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Accelerated start: confidently play a beginner piano piece with both hands in 4 lessons.
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Essential practising skills explained. Learn how to independently make any piece of music sound flawless in the shortest time (1-4 weeks, based on a minimum of 4 hours of home practise per week ).
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Chord chart reading.
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Learn how to chose right chords for any song.
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Note reading.
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Sight-reading.
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Adoption of the correct posture at the piano.
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Learn essential techniques for professional-sounding tone.
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The basics of music harmony and analysis (optional).
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The History of Music and musical style. Explore co-relation of style in music with art, dance, religion and architecture. Learn about prominent classical, neo-classical and contemporary composers and how the ever-changing world around them found reflection in their famous works. (Optional. However, some elements of music history may still occasionally appear in your lessons.)
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Ear training (optional).
Intermediate learning (children and adults)
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Essential practising skills explained. Learn how to independently make any piece of music sound flawless in the shortest time (1-4 weeks, based on a minimum of 8-10 hours of home practise per week ).
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Understand how to choose efficient fingering to ensure smooth and intuitive performance.
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Expression of the performance. Learn about all variables involved in the emotionally-charged interpretation: craft compelling phrasing using comprehensive techniques and muscle control to manipulate dynamic and speed variations.
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Style of performance. Understand how to intelligently interpret a period piece of music and deliver a performance true to the era and style.
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Pedal control and pedalling techniques.
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Learn the skill of the vocal and dance accompaniment (optional).
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The History of Music and musical style. Explore co-relation of style in music with art, dance, religion and architecture. Learn about prominent classical, neo-classical and contemporary composers and how the ever-changing world around them found reflection in their famous works. (Optional. However, some elements of music history may still occasionally appear in your lessons.)
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Advanced score reading including orchestra scores (optional).
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Learn strategies to alleviate performance anxiety and significantly reduce the chance of errors during the performance. Understand the basic physiological brain processes involved in piano performance and how to harness the power of your brain to achieve your goals (optional).
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Correction of bad posture and hand/palm position (optional).
Advanced learning (child prodigies, youth and adults)
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Everything from the intermediate list plus any bespoke requirements.
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Coaching and participation in the UK and international competitions (optional. Please note that the winning result is not guaranteed).
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Coaching, guidance and practical tuition experience with my own students for adults and teenagers who would like to pursue a career in instrumental teaching. (Optional. Additional fees apply. Please note that I can offer this service due to my extensive tuition experience, which I can share with you. I do not provide certificates or any other forms of accreditations.
My lessons come with the following free perks:
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You will have access to my support between lessons. You can always reach me in between lessons if you have any technical questions.
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I will supply all scores, manuscripts, books and recordings free of charge.
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I will cover the cost of one ABRSM, Trinity Guildhall or RCM exam admission per year (block bookings only).
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I will cover the cost of one international or in-land piano competition admission per year (block bookings only).
Shreyashi Bodaka holding her trophy after winning first place in the Spotlight on Talent music competition in Classical Pianoforte, Florida, USA, 2022
Abi and Beth are posing with their new ABRSM books, excited to start the work for ABRSM Grade 1 and ABRSM Pre-Grade exams!
Will proudly shows his Trinity Guildhall Grade 4 Classical Pianoforte Performance certificate with Merit, 2023
Christabell with her well-deserved ABRSM Grade 2 Classical Pianoforte Performance certificate, 2024
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Ottantotto Piano School is based in the heart of Lytham St. Annes within walking distance from St. Annes-On-Sea train station and bus stop (N11 and 68). Mobile and online tuition is also available!