Mair Atkins - Teacher Profile

About Me

I am a piano teacher based in the Newbury and Thatcham area offering tailored piano tuition to children and adults. Lessons aim to develop all round musicianship skills as well as pianistic skills. Whether you are a child or an adult beginner or returner it is never too late to learn!

My 17 year background in adult education and family learning means that I am used to tailoring learning to individual needs and learning styles and I aim to increase your confidence and sense of achievement.

I am also a member of The Curious Piano Teachers which means that lessons are a little different and full of innovative musical activities. I am constantly learning as a professional and this helps to keep sessions full of new and enjoyable activities.

Qualifications

PGCE (post 16 education)

Advanced Certificate Piano ABRSM

Grade 8 ABRSM

Level 4 Certificate in Teaching Learners with Specific Learning Difficulties (Dyslexia)

Contact Mair

Contact Details

Newbury, Berkshire

Website: www.mairatkinspiano.co.uk

E-mail: Contact

Fees

£16.00 per half hour

£22.50 per 45 min

£30.00 per hour

Teacher Guidelines

Bursaries

If you are looking for a piano teacher you may be interested to know that EPTA UK teacher members have access to the John Bigg Bursary Fund. This provides bursaries for pupils who may be having difficulty paying for their piano lessons.

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 master-classes and/or courses.

Teachers should be able to:

* convey their enthusiasm for music
* impart artistic sensibilities
* instil 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, where appropriate, 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.

NB. It is important to establish that an adequate instrument will be available for practice.

Child Protection

The EPTA UK Management Committee takes child protection issues very seriously and members on the Teachers Register have sent a photocopy of their most recent Enhanced Disclosure certificate (if available) and signed the following declaration:

I declare:
that I have never been convicted of a sexual offence concerning a child or a young person under the age of 18;

EPTA UK Teachers Register

All the members included in the Find a Teacher page are on the EPTA UK Teachers Register.

This is published on the website on the Find a Teacher pages and members of the public can also contact the EPTA UK office to receive a list of teachers in their locality.

All members on the list have formal piano teaching qualifications or a proven track record in the piano teaching profession.