Peter

I am a musician, composer and sound artist, offering lessons in piano, composition, music theory, music technology, and music performance. I have a PhD in Music Composition from the University of Southampton, and am an associate lecturer at Goldsmiths College, University of London.

I started playing piano at the age of 4, achieving my ABRSM grade 8 at the age of 13, and since then have filled my life with performing and writing all kinds of music. I studied piano under Dame Fanny Waterman, and have played piano, keys, sax, drums, bass and vocals in various covers and originals bands over the last 25 years. I also play the Northumbrian Smallpipes, much to the delight of my cat. My songs and compositions have been featured in films, festivals and concerts around the world, with several published in the US and Europe.

Tutoring Experience

I have been teaching professionally for nearly 20 years - primarily piano (classical, pop, jazz, blues), vocals (pop/rock), songwriting, music theory, music history, music technology, and music production, and am an associate lecturer at Goldsmiths College, University of London.

I also coach people in performance and interpretation - I've had violinists, trumpeters and death metal screamers coming to me for advice on how to get the most out of a piece, and how best to get your message across.

I am DBS checked and have experience teaching people of ages 5 to 75, beginners to professionals, casual learners, university classes, occasional lessons for specific goals...

Tutoring Approach

My primary aim is that people enjoy creating music and expressing themselves through sounds. Sometimes that might manifest itself through learning a Mozart sonata; sometimes through picking a pop song up by ear; sometimes through recording random noises on a tape recorder. Everybody is different.

My priority is creativity, self expression, and making sounds that make the player - and hopefully their audience - feel good about themselves and about life. "Good" piano technique is not one thing - I encourage good posture and rounded fingers (for the most part) because it helps with dexterity, but it is not the only way to make music. Being able to read the dots is a good thing, as it aids in communicating with other musicians, but it is not the only way to make music.

Lessons aren't just messing around, however! We learn every week - we make connections between things both within and without the musical world. We learn how to solve problems, how to overcome difficulties, and how to work towards bigger goals by taking small steps.

I do not put my students in for graded exams myself, but if you or your child are already on that route (eg. if it is necessary for a college entry) then I have experience with the Associated Board and Rockschool syllabuses and would be happy to help. While I do teach at different levels of experience and ability, I do not currently teach specifically to GCSE and A-Level syllabuses.