Information About Clarence - Waltham Forest teacher

Personal Description:

I am a British-born Chinese pianist, accompanist and piano teacher based in North London (Haringey, Walthamstow, Leyton). I graduated from the Royal Northern College of Music with a BMus (Hons) where I studied piano under Dr. Stephen Savage. I work as a peripatetic piano teacher at Redbridge Music Service and teach at schools such as Woodford County High School, Trinity Catholic High School, Woodbridge High School, Valentines High, Christchurch Primary and Redbridge Music School which I have done for several years now.

I am very happy to teach piano to a wide variety of pupils from complete beginners to advanced pianists from age 6 upwards. I can help you to take ABRSM graded exams or explore classical piano repertoire and various other genres (pop, rock, jazz) to enable you to be a well-rounded pianist. I can also teach music theory up to ABRSM grade 5 as well as advanced keyboard harmony which is important in understanding, learning and memorising pieces.

I currently teach in-person at my studio in N15. I can also do in-person visits in E17 - Walthamstow and E10 – Leyton. My availability is normally weekday evenings and Saturdays.

I also have an Enhanced DBS certificate that I can show on request.

Please note that I charge slightly different rates for different lengths:
30 minutes = £22
45 minutes = £31.50
60 minutes = £40
Travelling is £5 extra which is variable depending on distance

Tutoring Experience:

My teaching experience consists of teaching primary, secondary school children and adults. I have taught a wide range of pupils from complete beginners to Grade 8 and beyond. I have helped pupils to achieve good results in graded exams and music GCSE. I have also helped prepare pupils for concerts such as RNCM Piano Day and Piano Showcase Concerts at Redbridge Music Service.

Tutoring Approach:

I believe that piano tuition should be fun and enjoyable but also structured to ensure that pupils have a solid foundation which they can build on to become more independent musicians. Once lessons formally begin, we will discuss goals and I will make up a curriculum and targets to help achieve these.

I like to be flexible so that I can accommodate my pupils' needs as everyone is unique. I aim to support the pupil in their journey and help them achieve what they want out of playing the piano and music. I see empathy and being non-judgemental as one of my strong points which I use to understand where a pupil is coming from and to foster an open relationship so that I can help them to achieve their potential.

I like to also develop the musicianship of the pupil and their music theory. I use games or other creative methods to explain concepts to further reinforce what I have been teaching. I particularly enjoy helping a pupil gain confidence and watching them grow as a musician and pianist.

Piano technique is also important as we do need our body to play the piano. Improving technique helps the pupil play better but also interacts with their musicality and will therefore lift their piano playing to higher levels. This will also be important to play more advanced pieces which require greater agility and dexterity.

As a musician we will have to perform at some point whether that be on stage or in an exam. I like to equip my pupils with performance skills so that they feel ready to perform and can manage performance anxiety. I also have a BSc in psychology (first class) from Birkbeck University.

Overall, I strive to create a balance between musicality and piano technique and help the pupil become proficient in various musical styles.

If you want to find out if lessons would be suitable then please contact me. Looking forward to hearing from you.