Piano lessons in Brixton

Qualifications:

Hello, My name is Cristina. I am Portuguese, living in London since 2020, also with other living experiences in London, especially as a Music and Instrument Teacher at the Students. I can teach speaking in English or Portuguese or French. If the Students prefer, I can also rent a Music room for the Lessons, with a Piano. The Students chose the Programs they wish to follow. It can be with preparation for ABRSM or TRINITY Exams, in Instrument and Music Theory, etc. Or a free Program that I will adapt related to each Student. If wished, I also prepare the Students for Concerts for the end of each School Term: Christmas, Easter and end of School Year, for the Students to perform with me for their families and friends. I also teach and support on Composition / Music Theory. If wished, I can also get books or instruments and other Music Material for the Students with my ISM discount, as a member of the Independent Society of Musicians. With public liability Certificate of Insurance. And an updated DBS from April 2026. I will be looking forward to working with you. My best wishes. Cristina Martins.

Over 10 years' experience performing and recording for multiple artists across the Pop and Jazz scenes, including Years & Years, Mark Owen, Amaarae, Jas Kayser and Tom Ford, as well as producing and releasing own music on Brace Yourself Records. Multiple performances in world-renowned venues and festivals such as Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club, London Jazz Festival, KOKO, Pukklepop, Mighty Hoopla, SXSW and many more. As well as my extensive performance experience, as a professional musician I also have the knowledge and experience in the many aspects of running a business including; booking gigs, liaising with venues and festivals, managing social media, promoting events, creating advertisements, studio recording, video editing, photo editing, managing finances and budgets, funding applications, travel arrangements and general networking. I'm a graduate of the Royal Academy of Music Jazz Performance Bachelor's Degree, and a vast amount of my experience centres around improvised music, including Jazz, Afrobeat, Soul, Pop, Rock, RnB and more. Through 1-1 lessons and masterclasses, I’ve catered to students of varying ages and skill levels, both privately and at educational centres such as The World Heart Beat Music Academy. I have demonstrated proficiency in covering a comprehensive range of musicality aspects, ensuring a well-rounded education for my students. I have designed and implemented sessions that encompass various elements of musical training, including aural skills development, sight reading, improvisation, composition, solo performance, and group performance. In 1-1 sessions, I've honed in on refining aural training, instrumental technique and sight reading skills, tailoring exercises to suit individual learning styles. Beyond individual instruction, I've extended my teaching expertise to conducting Masterclasses and group sessions. Notably, I've had the honour of leading Masterclasses for esteemed institutions such as the Royal Academy of Music, RAM Junior Jazz Club, Future Sounds Live, Ronnie Scott's Charitable Foundation and New Generation Jazz. In these sessions, I've witnessed firsthand the benefits of group learning, where students not only gain insights from me but also guide and inspire each other. Group settings provide a unique platform for collaborative learning, fostering a sense of camaraderie and teamwork. Students learn not only to refine their individual skills but also to thrive in a band setting, culminating in collective performances that enhance their stage presence and overall musicality. As well as my experience as a Musician and Music Teacher, I have in-depth experience as a SEN specialised teaching assistant, and music session coordinator, working with primary aged SEN students to create fun and inclusive 1-1 and small group music sessions.

Originally from Toulouse, France, I began my musical journey at a young age studying flute, piano, and singing at the Conservatoire de Toulouse. At 12, I discovered the bassoon and was immediately drawn to its unique and expressive sound, which inspired me to pursue it professionally. I later trained in France before moving to London to complete a Master’s degree in Orchestral Artistry at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, where I am now a Junior Fellow. This combination of teaching and performing training has shaped both my playing and my approach to teaching. Teaching has always been a central part of my musical life. I currently teach at Queen Elizabeth’s School for Boys alongside offering private lessons in bassoon, piano, and music theory. I have several years of experience working with students of all ages and abilities, from complete beginners to advanced players, including those preparing for concerts, exams, and auditions. I aim to create a friendly, supportive, and student-centred learning environment where everyone feels comfortable progressing at their own pace. I tailor each lesson to the individual, whether that means building strong foundations for beginners, supporting steady progress through graded exams, or refining technique and musical expression at a more advanced level. I am also experienced in teaching students with additional learning needs and am committed to creating an inclusive and adaptable learning space. My goal is always to help students build confidence, develop independence, and enjoy making music in a way that feels rewarding and motivating. Alongside one-to-one teaching, I regularly coach chamber music ensembles, helping students develop listening skills, ensemble awareness, and confidence playing with others. I really enjoy this aspect of teaching, as it brings together communication, teamwork, and creativity. As a performer, I have worked with orchestras such as the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Opéra National de Bordeaux, and Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse. This allows me to bring insight into professional playing standards into my teaching, particularly for students considering music at a higher level. I am also a founding member of the CATIL Quintet and co-founder of the Reed’iculous Two duo, and I regularly take part in performances and educational workshops. These experiences continue to inspire my teaching and help me keep lessons engaging and varied. Whether you're picking up an instrument for the first time, working through ABRSM grades, or looking to take your playing further, I offer structured, engaging lessons tailored to your goals, from beginner to advanced level.

Piano, Saxophone, Clarinet, and Flute lessons tailored to you. I believe the responsibility for progress and motivation lies on my shoulders—your only job is to show up. What to expect from our lessons In my studio, the traditional pressure of "learning an instrument" is flipped. I don't use one-size-fits-all books because difference is the norm. Whether you are a busy professional or a young beginner, I adapt my entire methodology to how you authentically exist right now. I identify your natural neurological motivators so that the drive to play wells up from the inside, rather than relying on forced willpower. Your first lesson We don't wait months to "sound good." In our first 30-minute session, we will bypass dry theory and get you playing a song you actually enjoy. My goal is to create an environment of total safety and alignment where we can find your "flow" immediately. We will discuss your musical tastes, how you process information, and set a roadmap that makes "impossible" hurdles feel like tangible wins. My approach for different stages Children: We focus on the Joy of Discovery using visual imagery to ensure music provides an intrinsic sense of joy. Teens: I act as a mentor, using music as a tool for self-expression and building a strong sense of identity and mastery. Adults: We focus on behavioral relevance—connecting your instrument to the music you actually listen to—providing a sophisticated creative outlet to counterbalance daily stress. Experience and Background I am an established professional musician and educator with a focus on high-level performance and student-centered results. My own performance career includes prestigious sets for the Lord Mayor of London and the Movember Campaign Launch. This professional background allows me to teach not just notes, but the artistry and confidence required to master an instrument. Within six months, my students regularly make leaps in areas they previously thought were closed to them. Ready to begin? You don’t need to be "ready" or have "potential" to start. You don’t even need to worry about the logistics of how you will learn—that is what I am here for. Send me a message today, and let’s find the song you’ll be playing in your first 30 minutes!

Whatever your aspirations at the piano, I can show you how to reach them! I specialise in accompanying classical singers and recently graduated from the National Opera Studio in London. As a freelance accompanist I work with organistations such as Opera North and The Slaithwaite Philharmonic Orchestra. I started learning the piano aged 7 after being inspired by the 'magic box' in the corner that my mum played. I went on to study at Oxford and Yale universities and the Royal Northern College of Music and have performed in many exciting venues across the UK including the Brighton Dome, Wigmore Hall, Bridgewater Hall Manchester, Cadogan Hall, Wales Millennium Centre and Symphony Hall Birmingham. I hold associate and licentiate diplomas in piano performance and have taught privately for 14 years as well as in Schools across South London. Although I take a strictly optional approach to exams, I have knowledge of the ABRSM syllabus and my students have received merit and distinction awards in ABRSM exams. I teach my students to understand three key areas of great piano playing: technique, understanding the score and expression. Technically I will introduce you to a Russian tradition of piano playing to develop strong fingertips supported by the wrist and arm for fluency and beauty. From beginner to advanced levels I will teach you how to understand how the 'recipe' in music is put together to you can feel confident that you understand deeply what to play. Throughout everything I will focus on expression, the stories and emotions in the music that make it so thrilling. In a typical lesson you can expect to look at some physical 'workouts' to develop your technique before working on your favourite pieces of music to understand how its put together and how to find expression. My philosophy is to use the lesson to teach how to practice on your own during the week so you can really own what you're doing. I believe in being kind, patient and supportive, giving you the keys to unlock your own musicality. Whatever your age and ability, please feel free to get in touch if you want to take your technique, score reading and expression to a higher level!

Hello my name is Franck Alba. I am a multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter music teacher and producer. Born in France but a resident of South London since the 1990’s, I have etched out a formidable portfolio, which includes recording with the seminal DJ/producer Andrew Weatherall and with my own groups, Low Road and Fireflies (the latter’s music was recently featured in the popular BBC One tv series, ‘Killing Eve‘). As a member of the Anglo-French ghostrock group, Piano Magic, from 2002 to 2016, I toured numerous times across the Continent and played as far and wide as Moscow and Istanbul. I am also featured on six of the band’s studio albums and a whole plethora of associated recordings, collaborating with the likes of Dead Can Dance, Low, John Grant and Vashti Bunyan. Though I began studying violin at the age of six, I fell headfirst in love with guitars in my early teens. At 16, heavily influenced by artists such as The Cure, Siouxsie & The Banshees, Cocteau Twins, Depeche Mode, Nick Drake, The Durutti Column and many more, I formed my first bands, ‘Siamese Angels’ and ‘Something Else’ . Before long, whilst studying at the jazz music school IMFP in Salon de Provence, I began playing professional concerts around his native south of France. On moving to London in the late 90’s, I joined various short-lived bands and cut my teeth playing extensively on the city’s buzzing live circuit. My most recent work includes writing and recording for Theory of ghosts EP 1 & 2 (2019-2020) and a full Album coming out January 2026, recording sessions for Andrew Weatherall’s 2014-2019, acclaimed solo album ‘Convenanza’ ,various remixes and live performances with the Woodleigh Research Facility (WRF). I am currently collaborating with innumerable artists, singer-songwriters, film makers alongside working on my solo albums. I have been teaching guitar, bass, drums, singing, music theory and improvisation for more than 20 years beside my own music career.