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 youngest students 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 prefer 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 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!
