Piano Lessons London | Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to frequently asked questions and feel free to email suggestions for more answers to be included.

Which levels do you teach?

All levels - beginners, intermediate, advanced students, professional musicians and teachers; I prepare for all grade exams, diplomas as well as auditions for specialist music schools, music colleges and universities.

Which ages?

Children (from 3+), teenagers and adults of all ages.

How long are lessons?

Anything from half an hour to several hours per lesson depending on pupils' preferences and goals.

What is the recommended frequency of lessons?

Ideally, piano lessons take place once or twice a week depending on pupils' age and goals. Fortnightly classes can be organised if weekly lessons are logistically impossible. For children I usually recommend 30/45/60 min twice a week.

Where in London are lessons held?

In Marylebone, Soho and Hither green, central London and across zones 1-2-3. Please check the Location pages for further information.

What is the teaching schedule?

⏳ Tuesday - Friday 7am -10pm
⏳ Saturday 10am - 10pm
⏳ Sunday 8am - 10pm (subject to availability)

Can I have piano lessons at home?

Yes, but this would be subject to availability depending on your location, age and length of tuition slot. Please check to Home Piano Lessons page for further details.

In which languages can piano classes be held?

In fluent English, German or Russian

At which age could a child start piano lessons?

At the age of three at the earliest, in some cases even two and a half. However, starting at this early age does require a few essential skills such as the ability to learn at least the first four numbers and perform the most basic additions / subtractions with them and also to learn the first seven letters of the alphabet. The numbers would be necessary at the very beginning, the letters could be learnt slightly later. The main crucial requirement for very young children is the daily participation of the parents or a guardian as well as their presence in lessons. Please check the Lessons for Children page for further details.

Do you teach adults?

Yes, I teach adults at all levels, please go to the Lessons for Adults section for more information.

What kind of piano would you recommend for home practice?

There can be many different answers to this question depending on your level, goals, budget, space and situation with neighbours. Please ask directly by getting in touch as the answers would have yo be defined individually and would therefore vary from household to household.

Would I be buying sheet music / books / any other kinds of materials?

Yes. Buying new music motivates, it helps to develop a much more serious and respectful attitude to music and certainly contributes to the growth of your personal library. There are of course various kinds of materials and the option to download music for free from IMSLP / Petrucci Music Library, Classon.ru for Russian speakers or any other source always exists simultaneously. For buying sheet music and books on music I usually recommend Foyles, Chimes, Yamaha Music London (they also have an amazing online shop with almost instant deliveries) and, of course, Amazon. If you like browsing through books on music then visits to bookshop such as Foyles (allegedly the biggest bookshop in Europe!), Waterstones Gower Street, Waterstones Piccadilly to name only a few would be indispensable; all three places are also equipped with amazing cafes in which you can delve into your purchases…

Are there generically defined piano courses or programmes? Something like a beginners piano course or an advanced piano course?

No, development plans are formulated on an individual basis depending on a pupil's level, goals, problems etc. Advanced transfer students often require a certain period of adjustment for 'fixing' technical problems. Beginners should keep in mind that learning to play the piano in one term is a rather unrealistic undertaking.

Do you provide, create or advise on performance opportunities?

Yes, internal non-public events called Piano Hours are organised on regular basis and pupils are also prepared for any kinds of external performances such as concerts, festivals, competitions, auditions, exams and private performances. Read the Performance page for further information.

Do you teach during school holidays?

Yes, and I heartily recommend to motivate children to have some lessons during the holidays because this is when they actually have the time to practise.

Do you have experience working with dyslexic pupils?

Yes, dyslexic pupils are welcome.

Do you teach pupils with existing hand/arm/shoulder injuries?

Yes, I have extensive experience resolving existing problems. In most cases the reason and key to the problem is hidden in wrong posture or technical problems and can therefore be rectified by eliminating the reason. In the rare cases when the physical damage is serious or irrevocable a visit to BAPAM would be an advisable starting point.

How much do you charge?

Please get in touch to request a full list of fees. You could also find some information on the Fees Pages.

Do I pay for the first consultation lesson?

Yes

How do I pay?

In advance via bank transfer. Further details depend of whether you have regular or irregular tuition. Please check the Policy page for more information.

Do you offer discounts for university students, siblings etc?

No, but I offer discounts for NHS staff and also for seriously-minded, hard-working pupils. Please see the Fees Pages for more information.

How do I book a consultation lesson?

Get in touch by emailing or calling on 07454766539.

FAQ | Questions & Answers | Piano Lessons London