I am a qualified, DBS-checked teacher of piano, theory and aural with substantial experience of working one-to-one with pupils of all ages and abilities in independent and maintained schools and privately. I have experience of teaching online over a variety of platforms in addition to in-person teaching. I have a proven track record in preparation of pupils for ABRSM practical and theory examinations, IB and GCSE performance and concert performance.
I was born and brought up in London and educated at North London Collegiate School, King’s College, London and the Royal College of Music, where I studied piano with John Barstow and singing with Hervey Alan. My experience includes piano performance and accompaniment; singing, both choral and solo; and class music teaching at KS3, GCSE and post-16. I am currently based in Essex, teaching piano at Felsted School, Hockerill Anglo-European College and privately.
My book, ‘Sammy Semibreve’s First Piano Book’ (Melrose Books, ISBN13 978-1906050856), is a colourful, fun introduction to the piano for four to six year olds. It reveals the exciting world of music through pictures, characters, rhymes, clapping songs, simple text and varied activities. Helped by Sammy Semibreve, Doggie D and friends, children immediately focus on developing their musical skills, rather than struggling with staff notation and note names. Using the whole keyboard, they learn to make different sorts of sound, to control the sounds they make and to listen to make sure they heard what they expected. They talk about what they can see and hear and become keen to discover more! It has been a great success with my little pupils and their parents.
I believe that learning a musical instrument at any age can enrich your life in many ways - intellectually, socially, physically and emotionally. I aim to equip my pupils with the musical, theoretical and technical skills that will enable them to play convincingly, learn independently, evaluate their performance and practise effectively. My pupils range from age four to adult, beginners upwards. Some learn just for fun; others take it far more seriously. Whatever their motive, ability and learning style, I believe in treating each pupil as an individual so that they can enjoy learning and achieve their potential.
You can also find me on:
SammySemibreve.com Linked In MusicTeachers.co.uk
