Learn Piano Today
learnpianotoday.co.uk
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LOUISE JONES BA MA 

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​​I believe that when a child is completely relaxed and commits to learning a piece, with their fingers, their hearts, their minds, that is when the MAGIC happens.  It is that moment, between the silence and the note, when their fingers are poised, when all their focus is on making the best music they can, that is where the MAGIC is brewing. Every child has the potential to experience this MAGIC.  It starts with their very first lesson and continues all the way through to grade 8 and beyond. I feel so privileged to be a part of this MAGICAL process. 

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I have 40 years of experience teaching children of all ages from four years of age right up 18+ and beyond.  For the last 25 years I have taught group piano in the primary and high schools of Ramsbottom and individual pupils at my home in the evenings. I am now focussing all my energies on my individual pupils and with my extra free time I am enjoying researching new materials, products and teaching innovations and creating a few of my own along they way.  

 

My pupils have 100% success in ABRSM piano exams grades 1-8. ABRSM grade 1-5 theory.  LCM keyboard exams grades 1-8

 

I have grade 8 piano and organ.  I am also a Yamaha Triple 5 (Diploma Level) in piano, organ and music fundamentals.  As well teaching in my own Yamaha Music School, I worked as a national recruitment officer and examiner for Yamaha Uk.  One of the highlights of my musical career was winning the National Final of the Yamaha Electone Festival and performing my own composition at the Royal Festival Hall in London.  I then went on to Zurich as a European finalist.  I am a professional member of EPTA.

 

I have a 1st class degree in English and Creative Writing and an MA with Distinction in Creative Writing.  I enjoy using my creative energies to teach and inspire my pupils.   My most recent innovation is the pack of highly successful Anna Piano Cards.  They are being used in schools, nurseries, piano studios and homes throughout England. Please contact me to order a pack. 

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THE PIANO LESSON
My main aim is to develop your child's natural musicality whilst at the same time ensuring that their technique and understanding of music equips them well enough to express this. I like lessons to be structured and fun.  A typical lesson will have many activities: musicianship, tution or exam pieces, technical exercises, sight reading, aural work, piano games, theory and of course 'fun' pieces.  Practice diaries motivate the pupil in between their lesson times and bring fantastic results.  Reward charts also motivate pupils and build their confidence and enthusiasm.   Using the JAMES BASTIEN PIANO COURSE ensures that all bases are covered at all times.  There is a piano tutor, theory, technique and performance book for every step of the way.  This incredible tuition series guides students to a deeper and broader understanding of music and piano playing. It's also great fun.  Just recently I have become a member of the Piano Book Club and Piano Game Club, which allows access to a huge repertoire of music and games, specifically designed to educate and bring joy and enthusiasm to the pupils' lessons. The most recent book that I received was a book of duets, very much in the style of Harry Potter, these went down very well with my 'tweens and teens' and will sound fantastic in our annual concerts.  The most wonderful news of all is that I can share these musical scores FOR FREE with all of my students.  That's very exciting and non-limiting!  

 

ABRSM PIANO EXAMS                        
Although musicality is my main aim, I am a huge fan of exams.  They hone students' practice and performance standard to a higher level and give a great sense of achievement to the pupil.   As a parent, it is both reassuring and rewarding to see your child progressing through the grades.  I use the ABRSM examination syllabus: Grade 1 - 8.

 

NON-EXAM       BRONZE, SILVER AND GOLD AWARDS             

For some students exams are not the way and that is fine with me, as long as they keep playing!  I like to motivate my non exam students towards achieving repertoire based goals. Bronze Award students prepare 10 pieces, for Silver it's 20 pieces and for Gold 30 pieces.  Guided by me and influenced by them, my students build up a repertoire of their own choice. As well as the standard Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Debussy etc...many  have enjoyed studying music by composers such as Philip Glass, Yann Tierson, Ludovico Einaudi and Vladimir Sterzer.  Disney and Pixar music is also very popular along with contemporary singer songwriters.  I have one student who likes to play Japanese Anime Music - now that is a challenge!  Now that we have the repertoire available to us from the Piano Book Club we will be exposed to an even wider choice of music.

 

ADULT PIANO LESSONS

It's never too late to learn.  We've all heard that one before.  But it's true.  Come and see for yourself.  Book a taster lesson and let's see where you want to go with your music.  Classical, easy listening, pop, exams.... you name it, we can do it.  Adults are delighted when they can read music and play two hands together.  It's not a magician's trick.  It's achievable AND enjoyable.  

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ANNUAL CONCERT

Another huge motivator is our annual concert which is held at the Bury Unitarian Church.  They have a beautiful grand piano, the same piano the students take their ABRSM exams on.  Pupils will have the opportunity to perform solos and duets, exam pieces and non exam pieces.  But more importantly, they will be able to share their music with other students and family members. I always enjoy seeing the proud faces of mums, dads and grandparents as they listen to their child performing.  It's a great showcase for all their hard work and a real highlight in our piano school.

 

MOTIVATORS

Just recently our piano school took part in a 100 Days Of Practice Challenge.  It was an amazing success! (See blog for details) We also have piano game challenges, like Snowman Olympics and 'Beat The Teacher' conquests. I find that these mini/maxi motivators really help to spur the pupil's progress and enthusiasm and it gives them a sense of belonging to their piano school.  I'm always on the look out for our next challenge.  

 

KEEPING IN TOUCH

I am in regular contact with all parents and I email piano lesson updates every term.  It is a great way to keep everyone on track and to bring the best out of your child's lessons and practise.  I am also happy to discuss anything in between times.

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