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

Richard Blom-Smith BMus, MMus, PhD



My teaching practice is confined to my own village of Histon/Impington, where I teach in my pupils’ homes. For the past 21 years I have maintained a very full and successful practice of approximately 30-35 weekly pupils, both children and adults; teaching the piano has been my sole profession. I have taught children as young as five through to eighteen, and have guided many to much exam success. I teach absolute beginners to Grade 8+. Every year I organise a ‘Summer Celebration of Piano Music’, which gives my pupils an opportunity to perform before an audience. Besides the obvious benefits to both musical and personal maturity which the accomplishment of playing in public offers, it is good for younger pupils to hear my older pupils perform and to see what they may achieve; and it is equally good for my older pupils to see how far they have come. These summer concerts are always heart-warming occasions, much enjoyed by parents and pupils alike (not least for the tea and cakes afterwards!)

Musical Education:
After gaining Grade 8 Distinction I studied piano, flute, and composition for two years at the Royal Academy of Music. After a further year devoted to the piano, I studied music at the University of Sheffield. Winner of the Julian Payne First Year Prize, I graduated in 1986, winning both the Mrs Stewart Blake Dissertation Prize and the Mrs Stewart Blake BMus Prize. My subsequent musical education was at King’s College London: MMus (1987) and PhD (1994).

Teaching Philosophy:
I teach as I have been taught, and aim to give all my pupils a sure and sound classical technique. But with regard to repertoire I am always very sensitive to my pupils’ tastes, and this often involves jazz and pop. It is hardly ever necessary, even for exams, to ask pupils to learn what they regard as an unappealing repertoire; the time and effort devoted to practise should always be directed to a musically satisfying end; thus, if a pupil’s own taste dominates the choice of repertoire, the music itself is the most compelling (and the longest lasting) motivation and inspiration. I am equally happy to teach those who want to learn solely for the pleasure and fun of music as those who also want to take exams. Whilst I am always aware of what high standards music making can reach, I never regard the aim of teaching to be the attainment of any particular standards, for above all the aim is the attainment of potential, be this ever so humble or high-flying. If I can be said to have a teaching philosophy it may be summed up as “teaching music, teaching the piano, but teaching an individual”. By this I mean that I think of myself as teaching music first – teaching what magic it is that we can unlock with our own two hands - and teaching the piano second – the particular techniques of the instrument. Nonetheless I also recognise that all my pupils are individuals, and I try to understand as best I can how music fits into their sometimes complex and busy lives. Lastly, I believe my teaching has benefitted greatly by my experience of being a very active parent.

Exam Statistics for Children (to March, 2010):
I have always enjoyed teaching the ABRSM exams, and during the time I have been teaching in Cambridge I have made 118 exam entries covering the full spectrum of Grades 1-8. Of these 97% of pupils have passed (31% pass, 42% Merit, 24% Distinction). And of the children I have prepared for Grade 5 Theory all have passed and the average mark has been a Merit of 86/100.

Practical Matters:
My teaching hours are approximately 4-8 pm on weekdays and 9am – 1pm on Saturday mornings. I teach at the rate of £17/half-hour and with concessionary rates. With regard to references I’d be pleased to supply the contact details of numerous families in the village. I am always pleased to advise about buying a piano.