Piano Teaching Practice in South Lakeland

Teaching Experience  

Stephen has had wide and varied teaching experience spanning over the last thirty-five years.  Stephen has a PhD related to music composition, an MA in Composition Studies (Distinction), BA (Hons) Music (First Class) and holds a Licentiate of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama (LGSM - Piano Teachers). 

Although Stephen has always taught privately, he has also worked as a lecturer in Higher and Further Education, where he taught Performance, Composition and Arranging, Theory, and History and Analysis. It is this experience that has helped to forge his unique style of teaching that he adapts to respond effectively to students of all ages and abilities.  

Stephen left Salford University in 2011 to concentrate on the expansion and consolidation of his private teaching practice, and to launch his own record label and publishing business Eklectica Records and Eklectica Publishing. Stephen is a member of  the European Piano Teachers' Association (EPTA).  

Philosophy  

Having a deep knowledge of the piano and its associated repertoire is essential. Nurturing a love of music in all students by encouraging them to listen to a wide variety of music, by both listening to recordings and by going to concerts is also important. Central to developing the all-round musician, students are encouraged to take part in music-making by performing for family and friends (at the pupil’s discretion!), or by joining a group or ensemble.  The most important consideration, however, must be that learning should be fun! 

Tailor-Made Courses  

The advantages of quality private music tuition have long been recognised - the flexibility to develop one’s own curriculum to suit individual needs is invaluable.  In addition to teaching Classical/Jazz Piano and Theory, Stephen also offers tuition in Composition and Arranging, together with GCSE, A Level, and Degree support.  

Who Can Learn  

Anyone can - the only prerequisite being a desire to learn!  

Age Range and Ability  

Stephen welcomes students of all ages and ability, from young children to adults, and from beginners to advanced level including Diploma.  

Exams  

For many people, exams are a great motivating factor - a means where both parents and students can measure the level and speed of progress. In addition to this, great importance is attached to achieving in today's society by passing examinations. Stephen encourages his students to prepare and enter ABRSM exams, in tandem with learning repertoire for pleasure. Students are also entered for ABRSM, Trinity and LCM diploma exams. 

Pleasure  

Learning a musical instrument is extremely rewarding in of itself, Whilst there are no short cuts to becoming a good player, a pathway without the pressure of examinations is sometimes more appropriate for some students, especially some adult learners - who prefer the flexibility of working at their own pace, around their often busy lives.  

Resources  

Stephen has a well-equipped and up-to-date teaching studio - the centre-piece being a new Steinway Model 'B' grand piano. In addition to this, the studio contains excellent digital recording facilities, together with an extensive library of recordings and text books.  

Fees  

Fees are currently £37 per hour pro rata, and are paid a calendar month in advance. Minimum lesson time is half an hour per week. The length and period of lessons are by negotiation and will largely be determined by the personal requirements of each individual student.  

Holidays  

Teaching continues throughout the year, and doesn’t follow any specific academic calendar. This allows for continuous support for students whose exams can be at any time of the year. The practice will close for two weeks in the Summer holidays and at Christmas, together with one week at Easter. The teaching practice is closed during half term (in tandem with South Lakeland's L.E.A.'s calendar.)