Information About Peter - West Molesey teacher -

(1 review)

Personal Description:

I am Dr Peter , and I want to help you live a more musical life! Fun and inspirational piano, composition, theory, performance, and music technology lessons for all ages and abilities. Classical, pop, rock, jazz, blues, metal, electronic, ambient… whatever floats your boat, my goal is to help you express yourself through music in a way that makes sense to you!

I studied piano under Dame Fanny Waterman, and have played piano, keys, sax, drums, bass and vocals in various covers and originals bands over the last 25 years. My songs and compositions have been featured in films, festivals and concerts around the world, with several published in the US and Europe.

Lessons are currently available on Wednesdays and Saturdays, with more days coming soon.

I have a PhD in Music Composition from the University of Southampton, and have had pieces performed at several international festivals and by various acclaimed soloists and ensembles. I have spoken at various international conferences and regularly give seminars at universities around the UK.

Tutoring Experience:

I have been teaching professionally for nearly 20 years - primarily piano (classical, pop, jazz, blues), vocals (pop/rock), songwriting, and music production. I also coach people in performance and interpretation - I've had violinists, trumpeters and death metal screamers coming to me for advice on how to get the most out of a piece, and how best to get your message across.

I am DBS checked and have experience teaching people of ages 5 to 75, beginners to professionals, casual learners, university classes, occasional lessons for specific goals…

Tutoring Approach:

My primary aim is that people enjoy creating music and expressing themselves through sounds. Sometimes that might manifest itself through learning a Mozart sonata; sometimes through picking a pop song up by ear; sometimes through recording random noises on a tape recorder. Everybody is different.

"Good" piano technique is not one thing - I encourage good posture and rounded fingers (for the most part) because it helps with dexterity, but it is not the only way to make music. Being able to read the dots is a good thing, as it aids in communicating with other musicians, but it is not the only way to make music. My priority is creativity, self expression, and making sounds that make the player - and hopefully their audience - feel good about themselves and about life.

Lessons aren't just messing around, however! We learn every week - we make connections between things both within and without the musical world. We learn how to solve problems, how to overcome difficulties, and how to work towards bigger goals by taking small steps.

I do not put my students in for graded exams myself, but if you or your child are already on that route (eg. if it is necessary for a college entry) then I have experience with the Associated Board and Rockschool syllabuses and would be happy to help.