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Learning
piano with Dan
We
all have music in us
Involving ourselves
in a musical activity can be rewarding mentally, physically,
emotionally, and even spiritually. Music surrounds us in many
forms and is a fundamental part of human experience. I believe everyone
has some
measure of musical ability. It only needs nurturing. Don’t
let
anyone
tell you otherwise! Actually, with the right information,
attitude
and coaching, there are all kinds of skills that we can learn. Talent
is made,
not born. (See
Daniel Coyle's excellent material at The
Talent Code.) If you
open your
mind to possibility, and are prepared to put in the work that is
needed, I guarantee that you can be pleasantly
surprised.
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There are many facets
to music, just
think, for example, how
rhythm applies to our everyday lives: our footsteps, our heartbeat, the
way we speak and the inflexions we use to indicate mood or tone of
speech. In a way, we are already ‘making music' constantly!
Learning
the piano - my
approach
There are three complementary elements to the lessons:
- Enjoyment -
This is most important. Music making and music learning should be
enjoyable and interesting. Lessons should build confidence and
motivation, and help the student learn to express themselves through
the piano. This also means that lessons should be tailored to the needs
and interests of the student, and you are encouraged to question,
express your views, and play a role in setting the agenda for lessons.
I am always very happy to talk about how the lessons are going, and
what you are looking for from them.
- Resources
-
Lessons draw upon my
experience as a pianist,
orchestral and ensemble musician, music
graduate and
composer. As well as working with well established tutor books, lessons
include listening to and watching great pianists from my audio-visual
resources, trying your hand at improvising and composing bits of your
own music, playing duets with me, and even recording you (if you
want!). All of this builds your musicianship as well as skill at the
piano.
- Structure
-
Learning a skill involves mastering a whole range of sub-skills and
acquiring new information. Doing this in an organised way makes it a
lot easier. Our work together is logically sequenced and explained, and
you are always encouraged to ask questions and challenge me on what I
am teaching you - everything should make sense for you. Learning a
skill ultimately depends on your own self-discipline, patience, and
creativity. I help you learn how to teach yourself - that's what
practice really is - so that you can become independent.
The
initial consultation lesson
Whether you are an intermediate or
advanced student, or a complete beginner, we
always begin
with a consultation lesson.
- It’s
important you find the right teacher that you 'click' with. You
can ask questions about how the lessons work, and get a feel for what
it is like learning with me.
- If
you are a
beginner,
we make sure that you have played an actual piece of music by the time
you leave. Yes, you can learn something even in the first lesson! I
also review what musical abilities you have developed so far, and get a
sense of your learning style, so we can build a picture of how to go
forward.
- If
you are a more
experienced pianist,
I assess your current strengths and areas for development - as a
pianist, general musician, and learner. As well as giving feedback
about this, I give you practical suggestions about how to build on the
strengths and address the gaps in your experience.
- By
the end of the
consultation, whatever
your level of experience, you receive clear feedback on what your next
steps could be, including specific exercises that you can get on with
straight away.
The consultation lesson
is an excellent way to help you decide whether you would like to have
piano lessons with me. All consultations last 45 minutes,
however
this can be extended if we both feel it is necessary.
Lesson
rates
The length of lessons
depends on your
developing level of ability and learning style and we can adjust this
as we go.
If you like what you have read here and would like to chat
about
the possibility of having a consultation lesson with me,
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