Information About Albert - Dursley teacher -

(10 reviews)

Personal Description:

Hi. My name is David (I know it says Albert at the top - that's my first name but I prefer to use my second name David!) and I teach the piano and electronic keyboard privately. I am willing to teach anyone from about 6 years old and up (so if you are an adult or a senior citizen you are welcome too!). I like to keep my lessons friendly and relaxed (though obviously we work) because I feel if you are happy and enjoy the experience, you learn better. I pride myself on my patience so don't worry about a thing, I'll work with you at your speed - promise! I like parents to stay to lessons if I am working with your children (there is a nice soft sofa waiting for you - I think some of my parents are glad of a sit down during the rush of the day!).

Tutoring Experience:

I have been teaching privately since November 1988 so have been doing this work for about 36 years (as of 2024), and have enjoyed it very much. I first started teaching as a pocket money job whilst I was in the sixth form at school. I continued when I left, and slowly built up my practice as time went on. A few years later I was asked by the then Head of Music (at my old school Rednock, Dursley) to go in and do some Peripatetic work there (teaching piano / keyboard on a one to one basis) which I did for just over 4 years. I have an ER200 form from that time called "The Protection Of Children And Young Persons" dated 1992 (which was needed as I was working in the school environment) and I assume is still valid as the expiry date is blank, hence I have not done an up to date CRB check.

Tutoring Approach:

My main work is to teach those who would like to learn the piano / keyboard for pleasure (ie no examinations). However if you do want to study for piano grades I will happily take you through these up to grade 5 or 6 and advise you along the way. I am happy to tutor for grade 7 piano as well. Grade 5 theory is needed to qualify for grades 6 and 7, I have a local collegue who will cover this area for you if this is required (I prefer to work on the practical). As of now (October 2020), I offer tuition via videoconference (zoom) as an option. So this may allow me to tutor you if you are further away, or just prefer to have some tuition this way. Prices, terms and conditions apply the same for zoom lessons as standard lessons (details covered in your free introductory lesson and issued / posted in writing about this time too). As of October 2024, I am happy to do correspondence tuition (where I will set work, and then you can prepare this and send me either video or audio files of your work which I can then check and offer comments back). Initially this will need a bit of in person or video conference if you are a beginner though. This can be either zoom or Whatsapp. Prices and terms apply the same as standard tuition. Happy to discuss further as required.

Of course I will take you from scratch learning to read music if you need this. Or if you have played in the past we can do a refresher. I do teach scales and sight reading as part of lessons (if you are doing exams or not) as this is very important if you wish to progress. It is natural to be a bit nervous when you start so I offer a free introductory half hour (without obligation) so you can meet me. I can then get you started and we can chat about what you want to achieve and how I run lessons before you make any sort of commitment. Learning the piano can seem a bit daunting and a long job, that's true - but it's an ongoing journey for all of us who play - and that's part of the attraction.

I always love meeting new people and count it a privilege to help them learn or improve on the piano / keyboard. I hope I can do the same for you.