Piano lessons in North London from an RAM qualified teacher
Royal Academy of Music, MMus, LRAM
Teacher at King's College London
Can prepare you for ABRSM exams
I teach piano at King's College London to undergraduate students and am a member of the European Piano Teachers Association (EPTA). I hold a Master of Music in Piano Performance and an LRAM teaching qualification from the Royal Academy of Music. I bring both a strong foundation and specialised training to my work as an instructor.
Over the years, I have taught privately and worked with students at the MuseCool (formerly Lycaeum) and Pelican music hubs. My students range from beginners to advanced players, each bringing unique interests and talents. Drawing from this wide experience, I aim to foster not only technical growth but also a deeper connection to music that students can carry forward into their lives.
As a dedicated in-person piano instructor in the classical tradition, I offer beginner, intermediate, and advanced lessons tailored to each student's needs. My teaching focuses on building a strong foundation in pianistic technique and note-reading skills while exploring a diverse repertoire spanning over 300 years — from timeless classics to contemporary compositions.
Students come to me for a variety of reasons, including ABRSM exam preparation, support with technical challenges, overcoming performance anxiety, or simply seeking a fresh perspective to move past a plateau in their musical journey. Whether you're a child discovering the piano for the first time or an adult rekindling your passion for music, I design tailored lessons for adults or children to ensure an inspiring and personalised learning experience.
Playing a musical instrument is not just an art form; it is also a highly effective workout for the brain. Neuroscientific research demonstrates that engaging in music activates nearly every area of the brain simultaneously, improving cognitive functions, memory, and emotional intelligence. The process of playing requires the integration of visual, auditory, and motor skills in a coordinated sequence, fostering stronger neural connections and enhancing brain plasticity. As a result, musicians often exhibit advanced problem-solving abilities, heightened creativity, and improved executive functions such as planning and strategising. One particularly fascinating benefit of music practice is its influence on the corpus callosum, the structure that connects the two hemispheres of the brain. Regular practice strengthens this neural bridge, enabling faster and more diverse communication between hemispheres, which supports academic, social, and emotional problem-solving skills. Music also has a unique ability to enhance memory by associating it with emotional, conceptual, and contextual elements. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced musician, learning to play an instrument can be a transformative experience, promoting mental well-being and cognitive growth.
Last year, I sat down with Graham Fitch for an in-depth interview to discuss my journey as a pianist and educator. During our conversation, I shared my teaching philosophy, which focuses on fostering independence and foundational skills in students at all levels. I aim to encourage critical thinking about musical phrasing and storytelling, helping students make music an interactive and personal journey. I also discussed my aspirations to organise concerts and orchestral collaborations, reflecting my commitment to advancing classical music through meaningful projects. I also reflected on my journey as a pianist,. Graham’s mentorship played a pivotal role in my development. Our conversation included my exploration of Bach’s Goldberg Variations, a work that has challenged me to refine my technique and finesse my musical interpretation. I highlighted the value of understanding the harmonic foundations of a piece and taking an iterative approach to learning that respects both authenticity and individual perspective.
My studio is conveniently located on Tufnell Park Road, just off Holloway Road. Students have the opportunity to play on a high-quality acoustic grand piano, with parents or guardians welcome to sit comfortably and observe during the lessons.
Highbury & Islington,
Finsbury Park
Tufnell Park
Holloway Road
Upper Holloway
29, 91, 4, 17, 253, 259, 393, 254
I understand that not everyone can attend lessons in person, so I offer online lessons at no extra cost. Sessions take place on Zoom or Skype at a time that suits you. After the first session, I will work with you to create a progress plan tailored to your goals.
To ensure the best possible experience, I use high-quality audio equipment for clear sound and detailed instruction. Each lesson is highly personalised, balancing structured learning with enjoyment to keep lessons both effective and engaging.
Why is attending weekly recommended?
Regularity is important for productive musical and pianistic work. The standard format of weekly sessions helps you make gradual and steady progress in learning the instrument.
How will I know I'm improving?
Learning an instrument is rarely a straightforward or entirely comfortable journey. Experiencing moments of dissatisfaction or frustration during certain lessons, or even over a series of them, is a natural part of the process and does not mean progress is not happening. Growth in music is gradual, often taking a non-linear path that reveals itself over time. While it may take some time to reach your pianistic goals, you’ll likely start noticing subtle shifts early on, signalling that positive change is underway. As you progress, I encourage you to regularly evaluate whether our lessons are meeting your needs on a deeper, more personal level. Please feel free to voice any concerns, ask questions, and share any difficulties or dissatisfactions you may encounter. Open communication allows us to strengthen our musical partnership and ensures that our work together remains enriching and fulfilling.
How many lessons will I need?
The number of lessons you will need depends largely on your goals. For students with specific aims, such as achieving a particular grade or mastering certain pieces, the path is often more direct and may take less time. However, for those who wish to honestly explore music and the art of piano playing, this journey can span years of dedicated study, gradually revealing a sense of true progress and mastery. It is worth remembering that learning the piano is often a lifelong journey, one that evolves continually and offers endless opportunities for growth and self-discovery.
What teaching method do you use?
My teaching method is highly adaptable, tailored to meet the unique needs and goals of each student. For those pursuing graded exams, you can feel confident knowing I’ve been through the process myself and am well-versed in the requirements of all major examination boards, including ABRSM and Trinity. For students with more ambitious musical goals, I offer a customised approach focused on developing a thorough familiarity with the piano keyboard alongside the technical and theoretical foundation necessary to express your own musical intentions with confidence and precision.
How does our work together come to an end?
Our work together typically concludes by mutual agreement, often with one or more final lessons to reflect on and celebrate your progress. This decision usually comes after we have achieved a specific goal we set at the start of our journey, or when the student has grown to a point where they are ready to continue beyond my guidance.
Do I need to be present for my child's lesson?
All students under 16 must be accompanied to lessons by a parent or guardian. Parental involvement plays a crucial role in a young learner’s musical development, fostering a strong sense of accountability and collaboration between teacher, student, and parent.
Are you DBS checked?
I hold an enhanced DBS.
What are your Payment and Cancellation Policies?
Your lesson time is reserved each week just for you. I require a week’s notice for cancellation, otherwise the lesson and fee will be forfeited. I accept cash, cheque or bank transfer payments. I allow new students to work with me on a more informal basis for one school term, after which I apply my full cancellation policy. Both my new- and continuing-student policies can be read below ⇲
Are you insured?
As a member of the European Piano Teachers Association (EPTA), the Independent Society of Musicians (ISM) and the Music Teachers Association (MTA), I am covered by both public and product liability insurance, as well as professional indemnity insurance.