Susan Anderson - Teacher Profile

About Me

I have over 20 years’ experience teaching piano (beginners to grade 8) and theory (up to grade 5). There are 2 pianos in my studio, one of which is a modern Schimmel grand piano which pupils are able to use and the other is a good quality digital piano. Many pupils prepare for and take examinations, but I also encourage them to play a wide range of music and to enter local music festivals. I aim to develop pupils’ confidence and all-round musicality by incorporating aural work, sight-reading and theory regularly in the lessons. I keep up with current ideas about instrumental teaching by attending courses and conferences and I am a member of The Curious Piano Teachers which is an online training and resource group for piano teachers. In addition to preparing pupils for piano exams with ABRSM or Trinity boards, I am able to help with piano performance required for GCSE and A Level music, both solo and ensemble items. Annual concerts and other informal events are organised. Online lessons are available by Skype or Zoom when face to face is not possible. Most lessons are 30 minutes, although 45 minutes is more usual for the higher grades. Please contact me for current information on availability and rates.

Qualifications

BSc (hons) PGCE
LRSM (teaching)

ALCM (perf)

DipABRSM (teaching)

CTABRSM

Contact Susan

Contact Details

Amersham, Buckinghamshire

E-mail: Contact

Looking for a Piano Teacher?

How to identify a good teacher

Good teachers can often be identified at local Music Festivals and other public events, or at pupils' concerts (see the EPTA UK magazine for piano teachers Piano Professional for details).

What to look for:

Qualifications. A recognised diploma (performers' or teachers') or a degree in which piano playing, or piano pedagogy features as a major component.
Experience and professional outlook. There should be evidence of performing as well as teaching experience, and of the teacher wishing to continue his/her own musical education, eg: attending masterclasses and/or courses.
Teachers should be able to convey their enthusiasm for music, impart artistic sensibilities, instill sound technical habits, develop reading and listening skills, develop memory and improvising skills, build up good practice habits, introduce a variety of musical styles, include duet and other ensemble playing, hold concerts periodically for pupils to play in, report regularly to parents on pupils' progress, assist with the preparation of candidates for school and other public examinations, offer advice for pupils wishing to take up a musical career.
They should prepare a written contract specifying the number of lessons per term and their length, fees and how they should be paid, period of notice required for termination of contract, procedure in the event of absence or illness of either party, any special terms and conditions they may wish to apply - eg: special practice requirements, and arrangements for the purchase of music and any other equipment needed.