I've now expanded service to offer virtual lessons online, using the platform of your choosing, please get in touch to find out more. I teach practical music and theory for grades 1- 8 and diplomas. Teaching technique, posture, sight reading, scales and Hanon exercises. As well as working towards ABRSM grade 1-8 exams and Diploma level (DipABRSM) I also teach students to read their favourite classical pieces for a lifetime of piano enjoyment.
There is very little written music in this type of learning. The basics involve learning the blues scales and simple chord progressions. After only a handful of lessons students are able to play their own little inventions based on the material I give them. Many students like to play pop / rock songs as well as classical music.
There is very little written music in this type of learning. The basics involve learning the blues scales and simple chord progressions. After only a handful of lessons students are able to play their own little inventions based on the material I give them. Many students like to play pop / rock songs as well as classical music.
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Classical music is the best way to develop good technique. From improving your coordination and sense of rhythm at Grade 1 piano to testing yourself on the double octave leaps and eight note chords of Grade 8 classical piano or diplomas. Composers such as Liszt, Chopin and Beethoven wrote pieces to test their own technique and to show off just how good they were!
Playing the blues is one of the most liberating ways of making music and the piano is the best instrument on which to do it. The essence of the blues lies in improvisation. Within the framework of the blues scale (C Eb F F# G Bb C) you can play pretty much whatever you like. Improvised melodies in the right hand using this scale fit over a simple pattern in the left hand.
Increasingly students wish to play a favourite song or piece of music which isn't available in sheet music. There are music books and you can find sheet music online but often these pieces are either too hard or simplistic. Another problem is that the people who arrange these songs for piano solo try to put all aspects of the song (vocals, keyboards, guitars, bass) into one arrangement which results in a disjointed version.
Piano lessons make great presents. What better gift to give someone who loves music than the opportunity to take up a new instrument or refresh their skills with a few piano lessons? Unlike normal gift cards that are spent in one go, gift vouchers for music lessons offer much longer benefits, encouraging creative growth and a new hobby.
Reviews (8)
Evie Robinson
Jan 05, 2022
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Matthew is an amazing teacher who in just 3 years has helped me to achieve 5 ABRSM grades (grade 2- grade 6) and grade 5 theory.
Now with Matthew's help and advice I have been accepted into Yorkshire Young Musicians based at the Leeds Conservtoire.
I found the lessons enjoyable, and as he also taught songs outside the graded pieces it inspired me to practise more and learn different genres too.
I would highly recommend.
Now with Matthew's help and advice I have been accepted into Yorkshire Young Musicians based at the Leeds Conservtoire.
I found the lessons enjoyable, and as he also taught songs outside the graded pieces it inspired me to practise more and learn different genres too.
I would highly recommend.
Pauline Leach
Jul 31, 2021
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CazzyT
Aug 10, 2020
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Lyn Holmes
Aug 05, 2020
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I’ve been having piano lessons with Matthew for two years having wanted to learn to play for years! Initially, I wanted to learn popular pieces purely for pleasure but Matthew convinced me to try for exams alongside this. I’ve just passed Grade 2 with a distinction! Nobody was more surprised than me!!
He’s a very proficient musician and his encouragement and humour spurred me on, even when I knew I’d played something really badly - he’d always find something positive to say. I would highly recommend Matthew - he’s a great teacher!
He’s a very proficient musician and his encouragement and humour spurred me on, even when I knew I’d played something really badly - he’d always find something positive to say. I would highly recommend Matthew - he’s a great teacher!
Sarah Dixon
Jun 30, 2020
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I have been taking lessons with Matt for the past three years since semi-retiring. I got to grade 4/5 as a child, and have now just passed Grade 7 with merit - pretty amazing and all thanks to Matt. He combines attention to detail with a huge amount of encouragement. I particularly like to tell my friends that he says I play with great emotion but too many wrong notes. He still has work to do to stop me playing the wrong notes, but he is very patient and a great communicator. I just wish I could get to play as well as he does. I strongly recommend him to anyone who wants to enjoy learning to play
Emily Wilson
Jun 21, 2020
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Fi Drayton
Sep 05, 2018
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Matthew has been teaching my daughter since she turned 9. Just 6 months on she has passed her Grade 1 with Merit. Matthew is clear, kind and methodical. I have seen her confidence in her own ability grow enormously and she thoroughly enjoys practicing, and looking for new and interesting pieces to play. A massive departure from the lessons that were provided in school. I have recommended him to others and will continue to do so.
Rob Yorke
May 29, 2017
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Matt’s qualities as a piano teacher are many but for me I can say two things have progressed since having lessons. Firstly he persuaded me to study for my Grade 8 exam and secondly through positive encouragement and great tuition got me through it with a Merit pass. Thanks Matt you’re a first rate piano teacher.
