Jonathan

I have been a professional piano teacher, performer and accompanist since 2012, based in the Croydon area. I hold a BA (Hons) degree in music from Cambridge University, where I specialised in piano performance. I also hold a DipABRSM Performance Diploma on the trombone (originally my principal instrument).

I am a relaxed and fun-loving musician, but always dedicated to the highest standards. I take genuine pleasure in helping others to develop and fulfil their potential.

I also sing, and was awarded a Choral Scholarship with the internationally recognised Choir of Clare College, Cambridge. With the choir I was part of numerous recordings and world-wide tours led by internationally renowned directors and soloists.

I also teach music theory up to ABRSM Grade 5, and I am a composer.

Music is a personal and collaborative pleasure, and I keep this ethos uppermost in my mind when I teach. My role as a teacher is to nurture the aspirations, ideas and natural tendencies of the student, and never to push too hard or impose a prefabricated regimen. Where enthusiasm or discipline to practise may be lacking, I respond with genuine enthusiasm for the music and the instrument, a sense of fun, and by presenting a mindset and approach towards practice in which it is not a long and pointless slog but rather a rewarding and efficient process. On the other hand, if a more casual path is preferred, in which fast progress is not prioritised, I am perfectly happy to support students in that approach.

My principal goal is to lead students to be in control of their own learning and to encourage them to feel they are at the helm of an exciting and potentially lifelong journey in music. The most useful thing I can teach is how to practise. I teach by inviting experimentation and asking questions at every stage – from putting together the notes to developing the music and finally honing a reliable and secure performance.

I prioritise note-reading (rather than playing by ear or memory alone) and a true understanding of all elements of the music, because the ability to encounter and play new music enables students to learn quickly and gives them technical and musical freedom. Duets are fun, and improve sight-reading and ensemble playing.

Exams make good targets and are helpful opportunities to practise performance. I would encourage students to work towards them but not insist that they do so.

Availability: All afternoons/evenings except Wednesday. Saturday mornings.

Willing to travel: 8 miles

Experience: I have taught piano both privately and in schools for 3 years, across a range of standards and many ages. My pupils have always achieved a pass or higher in exam results.

In addition, I work widely as an accompanist for instrumental and vocal exams, which is in some ways another form of teaching. During the final run-up to exams, as an accompanist I can help to pinpoint areas in need of improvement, work with students on their ensemble playing, and settle nerves.

I taught English on my gap year in India, to large classes of variously aged children, and had the time of my life.