Good citizens of Congleton rejoice!
As if it’s not enough that Christmas isn’t just around the corner, you now have the added excitement of a neighbourhood piano teacher offering lessons in their home in Congleton.
What a joy!
Consider the following:
Learn piano on a professional upright piano (Ritmüller P122) - a real treat if your piano is a little older or you need to use a keyboard or a digital piano.
Close to the town centre - I am just off Rood Hill, so whilst there is a free car park just at the end of our street I am a mere short walk to the bus station (approx. 25 minute walk from the train station if you’re quick, so not quite as convenient on that front!)
I am well reviewed! - In fact, here are some that I have pasted directly from the Google! -
A* piano tuition.
Jack is a fabulous piano teacher, an absolute treasure of a tutor who shows genuine interest in and dedication to the progress of his pupils. His lessons are always engaging, instructive and motivational. Each week I learn something new and am thrilled at the progress I have made, all because of Jack's guidance. He is always encouraging and informative, very much responding to the requirements of the tutee. Jack's teaching skills and expertise are impressive and inspirational. I highly recommend Jack and cannot praise him enough.
I always regretted not learning to play the piano as a child, and decided in retirement to finally start. Jack was great from my first enquiry, telling me it was never too late. We agreed goals, and he has been encouraging, patient, and a splendid teacher. He ends every lesson on a high so I leave feeling inspired.
Hurrah for the copy and paste function! And from pupils who I haven’t paid for the big up! In fact - they pay me! So I must be doing something right…right?
So…what on earth are you waiting for?
Taster lessons are just £20 for 30 minutes
AND
If you then book in for a regular slot, that gets deducted from your first payment: first lesson free!
Not to mention you can book your taster lesson online if you’re feeling a little shy (deposit required).
Read more here or e-mail me on jackmitchellsmith@gmail.com and find out more about how I can help you!
Piano Taster Lessons in Congleton
Your taster lesson is really just your first lesson with me. Whilst the name alone implies something of a beginner’s nature, this is still the case for those moving from a different teacher, starting again after many years or picking it up at a much more advanced stage!
In an absolute beginner’s taster lesson we may get your fingers working, explore rhythm a little and even work on the basics of a tune in one hand.
For a more intermediate / advanced taster lesson we may discover where about you are up to in your learning and check that there are no gaps in your knowledge / skill, checking things such as sight reading, keyboard geography, rhythm and more.
The important thing to remember about your taster lesson is that it commits you to precisely…nothing! If you don’t like your lesson (perish the thought) then that’s fine - you have no obligation to come back.
If you do, however, consider that first one a freebie as your first monthly payment will show a deduction of £20!
Debunking the Myths
Here are some things that you are not:
Too old: a worry amongst many people past a certain age, but not a valid one. If you are determined and realistic with your goals then you can do it!
Too young: Same point as above. I am always open to a taster lesson for most anyone and - whilst it’s true that many children just aren’t quite ready yet - it’s fair to say that many are too! So don’t be shy…we can only try (rhyme unintentional).
Too unmusical: If you have no rhythm or no musical ear then that is exactly the sort of thing that we will be developing, of course! Piano lessons cover a grander scope of learning music than just making a physical connection with the keyboard. Everything gets developed, and developing everything else - as we often focus on in lessons - develops piano!
Too stiff / arthritic: This is a common issue but one that piano can be of immense benefit for. It’s important that you recognise your own physical limitations and are realistic, so whilst you may not be destined for ‘Flight of the Bumblebee’, you can’t immediately cut off all the joy it could bring you with pieces such as ‘Gymnopedie’.
Too forgetful: If you want to learn piano, it’s important to enjoy the learning process but also to enjoy the practice process. Because if you enjoy practising, you practise more and if you practise more it helps all that skill and knowledge transfer to the long term memory! Unfortunately there’s no magic trick to a fast-track (much as the ads will try and convince you that there is…for a lot of money!), but if you have the time and the motivation then the rest will follow!
Do I Need a Piano?
Controversial topic, but actually no. Not if you’re a beginner.
However, I will always argue the point that the closer you have to a real piano the better. Ergo, if you have a 5 octave keyboard, it won’t be as good as an 88 key stage piano on a stand, which won’t be as good as a digital upright piano which won’t be as good as a digital grand piano which won’t be as good as an actual upright piano!
But you need to consider two things:
Are you buying for for trying or are you determined now? - If the latter, an investment will serve you better. A piano - or at least a digital piano - will not only save you money in the long run as you improve and improve, but if you’re testing the waters then maybe a 5 octave keyboard will do the trick for now, just as you find your feet.
Do you have the opportunity to play the real thing? - with the best will in the world, a piano can’t fit easily - visually or audibly - into a small apartment, for example. So if you find yourself in need of purchasing a small keyboard then it’s worth having a backup plan as to somewhere you can go to practise piano too! Churches often have them, as do schools the piano lessons are for your child. Having this will be a massive bonus for you if you can’t have your own piano and - even if you do - it’s always an idea to keep your options open and try different ones every now and then!
Jack Mitchell Smith is a piano teacher based in Macclesfield, Cheshire. Click here to find out more.
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