Welcome to
Piano Lessons Camberwell
I'm Louise Macphail, an experienced piano teacher dedicated to sharing my passion for music with students of all ages and skill levels. My approach combines patience, encouragement, and structured guidance to help you build confidence and enjoy the incredible world of piano playing.
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Lessons Tailored To You
I’m a professional musician who specialises in guitar, music theory, singing, piano and songwriting. I play in an alternative / indie rock band but have experience playing both classical and jazz guitar. I am passionate about teaching and I have experience of tutoring people of different ages with varying abilities, both in person and over zoom in preparation for formal music exams and also on a more casual basis. I always ask my pupils to make me a playlist of their favourite songs and then from that I create lesson plans based around their interests in music.
Prices
£30 per 1/2 hour, £50 per hour
Piano Teacher
Louise MacphailLocation
Playfield Cres, London SE22 8QR, UKGet in touch to find out more.
Find out more about my piano lessons, as well as book your first piano lesson.
Supporting Students of All Ages and Levels
As an experienced teacher, I work with students ranging from complete beginners to intermediate and advanced players. I also welcome children from primary schools, teenagers pursuing complex compositions, and adults rediscovering their passion for music. My approach is student-centered, meaning that I adapt lessons to align with your learning style and pace, making sure the process is both enjoyable and rewarding.
For those pursuing formal qualifications, I can guide you through graded exams with some of the best piano tutors’ methods, including preparation for standards set by institutions like the Royal Academy of Music. However, if exams aren’t your focus, we can work toward your personal musical goals—after all, learning to play piano should be as individual as you are.
Prices:
£30 per 1/2 hour
£40 per 3/4 hour
£50 per hour
Lessons are weekly, fortnightly or as suits you.
Advice for New Students
Professional Piano Teacher in Camberwell
Welcome to my piano lessons in Camberwell! Whether you’re a complete beginner just starting your musical journey or an advanced player looking to refine your skills, my lessons are tailored to meet your individual needs. For me, it’s all about creating a fun and engaging environment where students of all ages—children and adults alike—can unlock their musical potential and enjoy playing this wonderful instrument.
What to Expect from Your Lessons
When you join me for piano lessons, our first session will focus on getting to know your unique goals and musical interests. Whether you dream of playing your favourite songs at concerts, mastering classical piano pieces, or simply building a strong foundation in music education, I will craft a learning plan designed just for you.
Each lesson is tailored to help you build critical piano skills while exploring a range of styles—classical, pop, jazz, and beyond. I incorporate music theory into every session, ensuring that you not only learn to play but also understand the structure and artistry behind the music. Students at piano lessons Camberwell can expect to develop a strong foundation in rhythm, technique, and expression, whether attending private lessons or small group lessons.
Why Choose My Piano Lessons
I believe that finding the right piano teacher is essential to fostering a love for music. With years of experience teaching in Camberwell, I’m confident in helping students develop their musical confidence. Whether you are used to in-person or online lessons, I hope to be able to accommodate your learning style.
Music is a lifelong gift, offering many benefits from emotional expression to cognitive development. My lessons at piano lessons Camberwell aim to inspire, challenge, and empower students to grow not just as pianists but as well-rounded musicians. Whether we’re playing classical piano, exploring composition, or even borrowing ideas from other instruments like guitar and violin, we’ll work together to build your skills and make every lesson enjoyable.
No matter your starting point, my lessons in Camberwell provide the perfect opportunity to explore your love for music and discover how rewarding learning a musical instrument can be. I look forward to helping you on your musical journey!
Know Your Way Around the Piano
Understanding the Different Parts of a Piano
When you begin piano lessons in Camberwell or anywhere else, one of the first steps is to familiarise yourself with the piano itself. Whether you're playing an acoustic grand or an upright digital piano, understanding the different parts of the instrument will help you unlock its full musical potential. Here's a breakdown of the key components:
The Keyboard
The keyboard is where your hands will spend most of their time, and it’s the centrepiece of any lesson, whether tailored for beginner or intermediate students. It consists of white and black keys, offering a total of 88 keys on a standard piano. Through my professional piano teaching experience, I guide music students—both children and adults—on how to master keyboard skills step-by-step. For new students, we start with the basics of finger placement and scales during their first lesson, gradually advancing toward more complex pieces and music theory.
The Pedals
Pianos typically have two or three pedals, depending on the model, and they serve distinct purposes. The sustain pedal, for example, allows notes to resonate even after you lift your fingers from the keys, creating a richer sound. Knowing when and how to use pedals is an essential part of learning different styles, whether you’re playing classical, jazz, or pop. During group lessons or one-on-one sessions, I dedicate time to practice techniques for proper pedal use, ensuring you can express yourself authentically through your music.
The Strings and Hammers
Inside an acoustic piano, there’s an intricate mechanism involving strings and hammers. When you press a key, a hammer strikes the corresponding string, producing a sound. If you’re learning on a digital piano, this might be simulated electronically, but the idea remains the same. Understanding this process enhances your appreciation for how sound dynamics work—an insight I love sharing with music students during lessons. Knowing this not only sharpens your skills but also deepens your musical education.
The Music Stand
This might seem minor, but the music stand plays an important role in your practice. Whether you’re reading sheet music for piano or borrowing ideas from guitar, violin, or even flute compositions, having your music at eye level is crucial. I always ensure my students, whether beginners or more advanced, feel comfortable reading and interpreting sheet music during their lessons in Camberwell.
Learning about the parts of a piano is just the beginning of your musical education. From here, we use this foundational knowledge to explore singing, composition, and even elements of other instruments such as saxophone and guitar. My goal as a piano teacher is to tailor every lesson to suit your interests and goals, making sure you grow as a confident musician. Whether it’s in-person at a piano school, lessons online, or one-on-one guidance, my approach helps students of all ages, from children to adults, reach their full potential.
Learn to Apply Music Theory
Learning music theory is an essential part of becoming a well-rounded musician, especially when it comes to playing the piano. As an experienced piano teacher at piano lessons Camberwell, I emphasise how understanding the building blocks of music can transform your piano skills. Whether you're a beginner taking your first lesson or an advanced student refining your technique, music theory gives you the tools to truly connect with the music.
Music Theory Unlocks Creativity
By learning music theory during piano lessons, you’ll discover how to read sheet music, understand key signatures, and recognise chord progressions. This foundational knowledge makes it easier to compose your own music, experiment with singing melodies, or even play by ear. From piano tutors to professional musicians, we all rely on these principles to express ourselves through the keyboard.
Tailored Lessons for Every Student
I believe that piano lessons should be enjoyable and suited to your individual goals. That’s why I offer lessons tailored to your needs—whether you're interested in mastering classical pieces, working towards your grade exams, or even exploring other instruments like the violin, flute, or saxophone.
Music Theory Builds Confidence
When students grasp music theory early on, they gain the confidence to tackle more challenging repertoire. Understanding concepts like scales, rhythm, and dynamics lets you approach each piece with a deeper sense of purpose. Many of my students, from children to adults, have found this knowledge invaluable for activities beyond piano lessons, from school arts programs to performing in concerts.
The Connection Between Theory and Performance
Music theory doesn’t just enhance your technical skills—it adds depth to your performances. When you know why a composer chose certain harmonies or how a melody interacts with its accompaniment, you can express those nuances in your playing. Piano lessons are about more than just hitting the right keys—they’re about telling a story through music.
Whether it’s your first lesson or you’ve been learning for years, I’m here to guide you. With a fun and engaging approach, grounded in years of music teaching experience, I’ll help you master both the practical and theoretical aspects of music. From teaching at piano schools to online lessons, learning piano is a rewarding journey that begins with the right teacher.

Learning piano is a rewarding and enriching experience, and I would love to be part of your musical journey. With lessons designed just for you, we'll work together to develop your skills and unlock your full potential. Whether you're aiming to master your favorite song or gain a deeper understanding of music, I'm here to guide you every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Children can start learning piano as young as 3 to 5 years old, depending on their interest, motor skills, and ability to focus.
Piano lessons typically begin around 6 to 7 years old when children are better able to understand basic music concepts.
Yes, adults can start piano lessons at any age and often progress quickly due to their focus and dedication.
Yes, having a piano or keyboard at home is essential for practising and making consistent progress between lessons. If you're looking to buy your own piano then please do check out PianoLobby Located at Access Storage, 3 Stanton Way, London SE26 5LB.
It takes 6 months to learn the basics of piano, with several years of practice needed to reach proficiency.
Playfield Cres, London SE22 8QR, UK Full teaching address will be provided upon first lesson booking.
Location
Teacher
Louise MacphailFind out more about my piano lessons and how to book your first session.
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