Piano lessons

I have been teaching piano for 30 years, both privately and in schools. I really enjoy watching my students progress and achieving their goals.

My approach

I teach students of all ages and to date have taught pupils from the ages of 5 to 85!
I use a holistic approach, using repertoire that appeals to the taste of each individual - if they don't like it, they won't practice it!
I am experienced in teaching pupils with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia and Irlen syndrome. Due to my own neurodiversity I am conscious of adapting lessons to the needs of all students.
Piano lessons are on my grand piano in my spacious, dedicated music room.
There is no presure to take grade exams but if students are keen to I have a 100% pass rate, with most achieving merit or distiction. I am familiar with ABRSM and Trinity London exam boards.

Students learn pieces by ear/rote as well as learning to read music, to develop aural awareness and be able to play tunes they like from the very first lesson.
The main focus of my teaching is enjoyment. I use games and flashcards as learning aids, especially with younger pupils.
I hold regular pupil concerts to encourage performance confidence.
I am a warm and friendly teacher, but firm when required.
I incorporate regular sight-reading from the early stages to build note-reading confidence.
Music theory is also included in lessons from the early stages to understand the 'nuts and bolts' of music in general.
I place a strong emphasis on building a solid technique.
As a working accompanist and singer I am mindful of performance anxiety and how to manage it.

Abi taught as a peripatetic teacher at my school and also accompanied the choir. She has an excellent rapport with her students. Abi is an accomplished pianist with a kind and friendly approach. I would highly recommend her!

Laura, music teacher

Abi is an amazing piano teacher. She has been teaching our daughter for a number of years and although we know deep down that our daughter will never be a famous pianist (that was never the intention, to be fair) we know that she really enjoys her lessons with Abi every week. Couldn’t recommend Abi enough, so do book yourself a lesson as soon as you can, that is if you’re prepared to wait for a place to become available, that doesn’t happen very often!

Milena

Abi is an excellent piano teacher. My daughter has been having piano lessons from Abi for the last few years, from the absolute basics all the way through to where she is now - practicing for Grade 5. My daughter thoroughly enjoys her lessons, and Abi has instilled a love of piano playing in her. I cannot recommend Abi highly enough.

Rachel

We have always found Abi to be a patient, friendly & very knowledgeable piano teacher for our daughter. She always looks forward to her lessons and comes back more enthused to play afterwards. We’re very happy that we found Abi and would recommend her services to help any other budding musicians.

Gareth

I started piano lessons two years ago as an adult with no experience. Abi was fantastic, she listened to what I wanted to get out of lessons and reassured me that even starting so late in life progress was possible, but at the same time managed my expectations.

I have learned how to read treble and bass clef, I have learned how to move my hands independently and I am starting to be able to bring in the pedal and understand expression. More importantly to me, piano lessons with Abi have become about so much more than learning piano stuff. They have become a sort of escape… For 30 minutes a week, ach week, I forget about everything else, and live in that moment.

Abi has a tremendous ability to recognise what version of me is entering the room that week and teach that person to ensure I get the most out of every lesson. She teaches adults as adults and has an innate ability to connect and empathise. I am just so grateful to have her as my teacher.

Scott

Abi has taught both of our kids for a few years now, they’re both learning quickly and actually love going to Lessons. Can’t ask for more than that!

Gareth & Christina

Abi has been my son's piano teacher since September. He has really enjoyed his lessons and has covered a wide variety of material. Abi has been an encouraging and supportive teacher, and has kept him motivated.

Steve

Abi was an excellent piano teacher to my son, who was in his early teens at the time. She had just the right measure of friendliness and firmness and also engaged him when his interest was waning by introducing him to jazz piano. He spent a happy few years with her and, although now in his mid 20s, he has not lost his love of music. Would definitely recommend Abi for both her teaching and musicality.

Sue

My two sons aged 14 (piano) and 10 (violin) came to Abi slightly bereft after the retirement of a long standing previous teacher. She quickly developed good relationships with both and their passion for their instruments has been solidified since she took over. Her in-depth knowledge and technique of both instruments and teaching styles has ensured that each lesson is tailored to my sons' needs and tastes. She uses a wide range of activities and methods in her lessons to keep them fun and engaging. In addition, she has introduced a wide range of different musical genres to my sons as well as music theory. They continue to thoroughly enjoy their lessons with Abi and have continued to grow and thrive in their musical development.