David DEAR

About Me

I am based in South Liverpool and primarily teach piano privately at home, from beginners to Grade 8 and beyond.  I also accompany many people for instrumental and vocal exams and performances, both for ABRSM exams, University performance and any other requests.  My area of expertise is mainly the classical tradition, from early Baroque to 20th Century, but I am happy to turn my hand to popular music and jazz.  I do offer ABRSM Jazz Grades for those with the ability, who are not intimidated by improvisation.  Grade 5 Theory is offered for those wishing to proceed to the higher grades.   I have been teaching piano as my main occupation for about 10 years, previous to that I was a Head of Department in a local secondary school.  I studied at Huddersfield School of Music, the University of Liverpool and the Liverpool Institute of Higher Education, now Hope University.

The tradition that was passed on to me by my teachers, was respect for the composers wishes, as far as we can ascertain.  I encourage the use of Urtext Editions where possible and try to bring an historical perspective to the teaching of different styles.  I try to engender self reliance and a sense of enquiry in my students.