I enjoy creating a fun and lively environment when I teach piano. Since I have been through the process of grades, I know how it can feel to be repeating the basics of piano technique over and over! So I hope to try and keep students interested and laughing with different exercises. I use the 'John Thompson Piano Course' books as a basis for all learning but then might also bring in other material to work from. I try and also put an emphasis on what the student can hear and what 'they' think they are doing well and what needs improvement. It is never too early to encourage self-critiquing and with such an aural skill it massively helps the learning if a pupil and can learn to hear and feel where they are right/wrong, not just be told. I cannot reinforce the importance of practice as a way to supplement what we do in lessons. I encourage a practice of 'little and often' rather than bashing away at the same thing for hours on end. Students will instantly find the work more accessible if they practice what they learn and they will be surprised at how fast we end up working! I advise 30min lessons to beginner students at £25 per 30mins but this is flexible dependent on the age and ability of the pupil. I take this on a case by case basis. My schedule is incredibly flexible and I can work either from, or away from, home.