Dedicated learners
Adults, teenagers, and motivated younger students who want structured, regular tuition and are willing to practise between lessons.
Piano Lessons in Cheltenham
Thoughtful, structured piano tuition for committed learners
I offer regular piano lessons in Cheltenham for adults, teenagers, and motivated younger students who want to make steady, long-term progress.
Lessons are shaped around the individual student: their musical interests, their level, their goals, and the kind of player they want to become. For some students, that means classical repertoire and exam preparation. For others, it means learning favourite pieces, developing confidence at the piano, exploring composition, or deepening their understanding of music.
My aim is to help students become more thoughtful, capable, and independent musicians — not simply to get through pieces, but to understand how music works and how to practise well between lessons.
Lessons are best suited to students who are willing to practise regularly and build music into their weekly routine, whether they are working towards exams, learning for enjoyment, or developing as more advanced musicians.
A composer-pianist approach to teaching
I teach as both a pianist and a composer. Alongside more than 15 years of teaching experience, my work as a musician has included releases on Sony Music, music broadcast on BBC One, Sky, and Channel 4, and performances at venues including Highgrove.
I was awarded Fourth Prize in the Oticons International Film Composer Competition, judged by Oscar-winning composers including Rachel Portman, Atticus Ross, and Stephen Warbeck. I hold a BA in Music from the University of Bristol, where I majored in piano performance.
This background allows me to support students not only with piano technique and repertoire, but also with musical interpretation, listening, theory, composition, and performance confidence.
Who I teach
Exam candidates
Students preparing for ABRSM or Trinity exams, from early grades through to advanced levels and diplomas.
Enthusiasts
Students who want to enjoy playing at home, learn music they care about, and develop a deeper relationship with the piano.
Creative and advanced musicians
Pianists, teachers, composers, or returning players who want help with technique, interpretation, harmony, composition, or more challenging repertoire.
Student success stories
One student went from beginner to Grade 8 in under three years.
Another student’s debut composition, developed in lessons with me, was performed on BBC Radio 3 Unwind.
How lessons work
Lessons are offered as a regular weekly one-hour place in my teaching schedule.
The teaching year consists of 40 lesson weeks, with lesson dates published in advance, running from September to August. Each student has a fixed weekly time, reserved specifically for them.
This structure allows lessons to be consistent, calm, and properly planned. It also helps students build the regular rhythm that is usually needed for real progress.
When students are away, the reserved lesson time can still be used. We can arrange a call to work on music theory, composition, practice planning, or interpretation; alternatively, students can send recordings in advance, and I can use the allocated lesson time to provide feedback, practice points, and suggestions.
Fees
The regular fee is £200 per month.
This reserves a fixed weekly one-hour lesson slot across the teaching year of 40 lesson weeks. Once lessons are continuing regularly, the cost is spread evenly across twelve monthly payments. Payment is made by standing order on the 1st of each month, in advance, and the regular monthly payment remains the same each month. The monthly payment remains the same during teaching breaks because the annual cost is spread evenly across the year.
The first lesson is £60, payable in advance to confirm the booking, with no commitment beyond that first lesson. If you then decide to continue, I will confirm the regular weekly slot, the remaining lesson dates in the current teaching year, and the payment schedule. There is no separate joining fee. If you start part-way through the September–August teaching year, there may be a one-off initial payment before the regular £200/month standing order begins. This is simply to bring the payments into line with the remaining lesson dates for that teaching year, with the £60 first lesson payment credited towards the total. Once the regular monthly arrangement begins, the fee is £200 per month by standing order.
Because your weekly time is reserved for you, missed lessons are not refunded, rearranged, or carried over. If I need to cancel a lesson, that lesson will be refunded.
Where lessons take place
Lessons can take place either at your home in Cheltenham or, where suitable, at my own teaching space. We can agree the most suitable arrangement when you get in touch.
Availability
I usually have a small number of suitable spaces available, although evening and weekend places are the most requested, so when enquiring, please include any daytime options as well, if these are possible.
When enquiring, please let me know:
- the student’s age and current level;
- whether lessons are for enjoyment, exams, composition, or general musical development;
- whether you would prefer lessons at your home or at my teaching space; if at your home, roughly where in Cheltenham you are based;
- the days and times that could realistically work for a regular weekly lesson.
I will then let you know whether I currently have a suitable space, or whether it would be best to join the waiting list.
Frequently asked questions
How many lessons are there each year?
The teaching year consists of 40 lesson weeks. Dates are published in advance so that students and families can plan around them.
How does the monthly payment work?
The regular fee is £200 per month, paid by standing order on the 1st of each month, in advance. This reserves your fixed weekly one-hour lesson time in my schedule. If you join part-way through the teaching year, there may be a one-off initial payment before the regular monthly standing order begins. This is calculated from the lesson dates remaining in the current teaching year, with any first lesson payment credited towards the total.
What happens when I first start?
The first lesson is £60, payable in advance, with no commitment beyond that first lesson. If you decide to continue, I will confirm the regular weekly slot, the remaining lesson dates in the current teaching year, and the payment schedule before the regular £200/month standing order begins. There is no separate joining fee. If a one-off initial payment is needed, it is simply to align the payments with the remaining lesson dates in the current teaching year, with the £60 first lesson payment credited towards the total.
What happens if I miss a lesson?
Because your weekly time is reserved for you, missed lessons are not refunded, rearranged, or carried over.
Can I still use the time if I am away?
Yes. If you are away, we can often use the time in another useful way. For example, we can arrange a call to work on theory, composition, interpretation, or practice planning; or you can send recordings in advance, and I can use the allocated time to provide feedback and suggestions.
What happens if you cancel a lesson?
If I need to cancel a lesson, that lesson will be refunded.
Can I change my regular time?
If your regular time becomes unsuitable, please let me know the specific days and times that would work better on a regular basis. I will keep this on file and let you know if a suitable space becomes available.
Do you offer fortnightly or occasional lessons?
My main teaching schedule is built around regular weekly lessons, as this gives students the best chance of consistent progress. One-off or occasional sessions may sometimes be possible, but these are not offered at the standard monthly rate.
How much notice is required to stop lessons?
One full calendar month’s notice is required. Notice runs to the end of the following calendar month.
Get in touch
To enquire about lessons, please send a message with the student’s age, approximate level, musical goals, whether you would prefer lessons at your home or at my teaching space, and the days and times that could realistically work for a regular weekly lesson. If you would prefer lessons at your home, please also include roughly where you are based.
You can contact me by WhatsApp, phone, or email.