Cj

CJ is an experienced, passionate, and committed piano teacher, who has developed a total fascination for and devotion to the piano over many years of study.

He was self-taught at first for a few years, though later recognised the need to be guided under a tutor, and so went to study under a local teacher. In the space of under three years, he passed grade 5-8 examinations with Distinction, as well as a Diploma in Piano Performance from the London College of Music (Dip.LCM), which attained a 95% result. His alma mater include the prestigious junior department of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama (piano, composition) and the University of Manchester (MusB Hons Music, First Class Honours; MusM Musicology, Distinction). His teachers include eminent British concert pianists Stephen Coombs and Andrew Wilde.

His bachelor degree studies were consistently characterised by the very high standard of his performances, his participation in masterclasses, and success in competition environments. He has performed some of the most challenging repertoire in the piano literature, including concertos, and has experience performing at the harpsichord both in solo and orchestral contexts.

He has remained committed to teaching since he started in 2016, when he was still studying for his first degree. His approach is tailored to each individual student, their own musical interests, and their needs, which means that no two approaches are the same. He places importance on calm and focus, but also on fun and enjoyment, since an appropriate balance of these qualities is most important for the greatest long-term success for the piano. It is incredibly important for us to develop your `musical` ear alongside the manual dexterity of the fingers, and to encourage your musical curiosities through the music we learn and study. These were the key components to my own rapid development and success at the piano, and with enough discipline and determination from the student, there is no reason why they cannot achieve similar results. While I am a classically-trained pianist, I am very happy to teach other styles, including jazz and popular song, of which I also have much experience.

Availability: Tue - 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Wed - 6:15 p.m. - 8:15 p.m.
Fri: 9 a.m - 8 p.m.
Weekends - no availability

Please note that I am currently only available to teach at your home (we would need access to a suitable, functioning instrument, such as a piano or keyboard).

Travel
I am able to travel from the London Victoria and Mitcham areas. Please enquire if you are approx. 5-7 mile radius from these areas.
NB: travel fees may apply in addition to the fees outlined on my profile for future lessons (first consultation is free).

Willing to travel: 8 miles

Experience: My teaching experience ranges over approximately 10 years, and includes absolute beginners right the way up to advanced students studying at degree level.

I am comfortable teaching young children in a 1-2-1 context and in small classes, including those with neurodivergence (e.g., autism, ADHD, dyslexia). I have also had the privilege of being able to assist students studying on GCSE and A Level Music courses on the following areas: performance exams, aural tests, appraisal, theory, music history, music analysis, sight reading. Likewise, I am happy to guide students through the graded music system, and am comfortable teaching aligned to all exam boards (ABRSM, Trinity, LCM, etc.).

At the same time, it continues to be a great joy and privilege to support adult learners who decide to take up the piano at a later stage in their lives. I am happy to cater to each individual`s particular musical interests, repertory, and if desired, the graded exam system, too (this routinely includes very high distinction results). Those preparing for or thinking about studying at conservatoire/university level are very much welcome to contact me for advice or lessons. Students of mine have gone on to take up places to study Music at University.

DBS Check: Yes