Alison Bates-Hawkesworth - Teacher Profile

About Me

Hello,

I have been teaching for over ten years with pupils from six years up to adults including beginners and those returning to the piano. All the aspects of musicianship are covered: technique, aural, sightreading, pulse, rhythm and composition as well as providing historical context. I prepare pupils for ABRSM and MTB exams but only in agreement with students as not everyone wants to play towards examinations.

Every lesson is tailored to the individual which is very important as every student learns at their own pace and has their own learning style.

Qualifications

Grade 8 ABRSM (1993)

ALCM Performance Diploma (Associate of the London College of Music, 1995)

Becoming a Better Music Teacher course run by ABRSM (June 2019)

Understanding Autism course run by the University of Kent on Futurelearn (July 2019)

Autism in Women and Girls run by the National Autistic Society (March 2019)

Teaching Assistant Level 3 QCF course from De Montfort University (December 2015)

Networking with other piano teachers through online forums and sharing best practice.

Current DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) Certificate

Over ten years teaching including pupils with hearing difficulties, dyslexia, working memory, executive functioning, autism and sensory processing disorder.

Member of the ISM (Incorporated Society of Musicians)

Contact Alison

Contact Details

READING, Berkshire

Mobile: 07840 539329

E-mail: Contact

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.