Piano Teachers Giving Piano Lessons in England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales

Steve Hawker Grade 8 distinction (piano, harpsichord), B.A. Hons (Cantab)



With a wealth of experience performing and composing for over 25 years, I teach a variety of different piano and keyboard styles: from classical piano to jazz, from playing keyboards in bands to electronic music. I also teach theory, composition, and early keyboard music such as harpsichord. I've taught music at Warwickshire College, and at Hereward College in Coventry for students with mental and physical disabilities who, with the right tools and teaching approach, find they can explore their passion for music as much as anyone. With an enthusiatic and informal approach to teaching, I encourage students of all ages to explore different kinds of music, and develop their talents and abilities so they too can enjoy that lifelong love of music.

Classical piano experience includes appearing on the BBC Young Musician of the Year, reaching the semi-finals and being asked back the next year for the televised masterclass. I have grade 8 piano (at age 13) and grade 8 harpsichord (both distinctions). I studied at Wells Cathedral School (one of the UK's four specialist music schools) followed by a year at the Guildhall School of Music in London, and went on to study music at Cambridge University. I have performed in many places around England, with solo recitals, chamber music, and piano concertos. I've also performed in early music concerts, playing harpsichord and original keyboard instruments from the 17th century on. All this experience means I bring a broad range of repertoire and playing styles to my teaching.

I've played keyboards in several bands, gigging in the Birmingham and Warwickshire areas, performing a variety of styles including rock, ska, punk, and electronica. Improvisation is another specialty, teaching how to play in a variety of styles individually and in groups. I've taught classes at Warwickshire College in improvisation and keyboard skills as well as in theory. I've also played jazz piano for several years in hotels, restaurants and bars.

As a composer of electronic music I apply the skills of keyboard playing to creating music in a whole range of different styles such as soundtracks, dance music, electronica, ambient and more experimental music. For many young people this is a great way to develop a love of music: its a relatively quick process to create music of a high quality. This encourages students to develop keyboard skills and learn about composition, and to create music that their friends think is cool! I've also taught electronic music at Hereward College which includes learning about recording, production and studio skills. I'm familiar with a wide range of music software including Cubase, Reason, Sonar, Garage Band, and much more. If you want to hear some examples of my electronic music you can visit my website at:

http://www.sequenz.co.uk/audio.html

I have a recent CRB check which you are welcome to see.