Piano Lessons

Derek has over 20 years experience teaching piano and a love of music which he is enthusiastic about passing on to students. Derek gives regular performances and enjoys writing music. His compositions include music for piano and brass instruments. Lesson sheets are provided free of charge to all beginner piano students.

All styles - classical, jazz, ragtime, blues, rock and pop!

Piano lessons should be fun!

Derek believes enjoyment is critical for learning and continuously explores new ways to make learning fun. To help younger students learn and gain maximum enjoyment from lessons, lessons are broken up into smaller chunks with time at the piano mixed with musical games designed to consolidate the skills they are learning, and fun duets with the teacher. Derek likes to utilise technology during lessons and has written music computer games that students can play at home online to reinforce skills learnt during lessons.

For older students, Derek feels it is important to understand why the student wishes to learn piano. Some students are ambitious, wanting to concentrate on their technique and work towards exams and competitions. Other students prefer a more relaxed approach and would like to gain pleasure from learning some of their favourite pieces for their own enjoyment. In both cases the student is developing skills towards an interest that has the potential to give them a lifetime of enjoyment.