One Christmas, when I was seven years old, my parents bought me a small keyboard. Apparently, I started trying to play TV theme tunes right away and they asked me whether I’d like to try learning the piano for real. By the time I was eight years old, I’d won my first piano competition in a local music festival. It was hard work learning to play – but I loved it!
Even if music isn’t a career choice, everyone can benefit from learning to play an instrument. Some of my students are adults who never had the opportunity to learn at an early age. Others are focussed on passing grades or working towards auditions and concerts. Most of my younger pupils are learning just for fun!
I try to tailor my teaching individually, in terms of learning, development and enjoyment. Music is so personal and even at an early age, students like some musical styles more than others. All my students are encouraged to ‘perform’ new pieces regularly though; whether this is to parents and friends in their living room or in a school assembly or in a concert.
I always have an up-to-date DBS certificate (previously called a CRB check) and usually charge lesson fees on a pay-as-you go basis. Lesson lengths are flexible, depending on the person and I usually suggest that children are old enough to learn if they’re able to sit relatively wriggle-free for 15 minutes or more. I don’t think that you’re ever too old to learn!
Music Exams
I prepare students for exams from prep test / pre-grade 1 level to Grade 8 and beyond (ARSM and dipABRSM diploma level). I can teach from either the ABRSM or Trinity Syllabuses. I’ve entered over 200 students to take piano or organ exams – a high percentage have achieved Distinction or Merit marks.
Piano
Teaching the piano has been part of my life for over 15 years and I have enjoyed studying and performing myself since I was a child. I’ve been privileged to teach children their first piano lessons and take them through to their final lessons before studying music at university. Many more continue to appreciate music and play on wherever they are in the world.
Organ
I teach organ lessons at King’s College Hospital Chapel and at St Giles’ Church, both in Camberwell. I usually suggest that beginners have keyboard skills around Grade 5 level. The organ is a fascinating instrument which can seem a bit intimidating! I give a tour and a demonstration as part of a trial lesson.
Aural Perception
I’m very comfortable with playing and teaching the aural tests for the ABRSM and Trinity exam boards. And as a choir leader, I understand all the ‘pitfalls’ people face when trying to use their voice to show musical understanding. I work with several instrument teachers who ask me to coach their students in aural perception in preparation for grade exams. Additionally, I’m available to help prepare students for school music scholarships auditions.
Music Theory
I teach my students music theory as part of their piano or organ exams gradually. But sometimes, students that play other instruments progress rapidly and music theory gets left behind! Taking the Grade 5 Theory exam (a prerequisite to taking a Grade 6 practical exam) or higher exam can seem very daunting. But I try to make music theory lessons as fun and as interesting as possible and to date, no one has ever failed a theory exam with me!
GCSE / A-Levels
I regularly offer tutoring for Music GCSE and A-level exams, regardless of students’ principal instruments. I can offer advice on performance pieces (for solos or duets / ensembles) as well as accompaniment for exam recordings. I’m often asked for help with the compositional element of the exams and have worked with students preparing for exams with all the major exam boards.
Ashley Valentine 