Martin Offord Piano/Keyboard Tuition

I live in Middleham, North Yorkshire and I am a visiting teacher of classical piano and keyboard over a wide area. I have 30 years experience of that. I am also a piano recitalist and I have played internationally.

I accept anyone 7 or over, and at any stage of advancement.
My main aim with beginners is to teach them to read music so that they become self-reliant in that. If they do that alright they can probably reach Grade 1 standard in about a year. If they learn to do it as children, they will probably never forget it, and they have that skill for life. While it is essential that pupils are enjoying their lessons and what they are doing, it is also important that they play their own part in the process by practising in between lessons. Learning to read music is a mental discipline like learning a language. There are no short cuts! In the learning of a piece, it's good if the pupil understands the background to it, for example, who composed the piece and what sort of piece is it? I also advise keeping a music theory handbook, preferably one that goes through the Grades. If pupils want to take Grade exams, it's a good idea as it gives them a definite aim and can be quite fun to do.
With more advanced pupils, if I find that their knowledge of music and of the piano repertoire is limited, then I aim to make them as aware as possible of the wonderful wealth of music of all periods that they can play.

I charge £15 for a 30-minute lesson, £30 for an hour's lesson. I may also make a small charge for visiting. If you are interested in having lessons, please give me a ring, or send an SMS or e-mail.