Piano Lessons Derry

Professional Piano Teacher in Derry

Hi, and welcome! My piano lessons are designed to cater to students of all ages and skill levels, whether you're a beginner just starting out or an advanced player looking to refine your technique. I offer weekly lessons to ensure consistent growth and faster progress in your playing skills. Each lesson is tailored to your individual needs, helping you build confidence and achieve your musical goals.

Personalised Approach

I believe that every student is unique, so my teaching style is flexible and adaptable. Whether you prefer a focus on music theory, developing practical keyboard skills, or simply learning your favourite songs, I create a fun, engaging environment where learning feels natural. By blending structure with creativity, I ensure that every student enjoys the process of learning and playing. Additionally, I draw on my experience working alongside other piano teachers, guitar tutors, and even a violin teacher to enhance the overall quality of my lessons.

More Than Just Piano

Like many other tutors, I integrate other musical elements to enrich your learning experience. If you're interested, we can explore singing, understanding flute melodies, or even discuss how music works on a deeper level. My approach fosters well-rounded musicianship, making lessons not only about mastering the keyboard but also about nurturing a lifelong appreciation for music.

Flexible Lesson Options

I offer in-person sessions here in Derry, Northern Ireland. I also have experience helping students who are used to online lessons. This flexibility allows me to meet the needs of modern students, ensuring that everyone can access high-quality piano instruction in the way that best suits them.

Fun and Quality Learning

Above all, my goal is to make learning the piano a joyful experience. I love teaching because I get to see my students grow, progress, and connect with their own musical journeys. Whether you’re aiming for personal enjoyment, building skills for formal examinations, or branching out into additional areas like music theory or keyboard mastery, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. Fill out a contact form or give me a call—I’d love to help you get started!

Improve Your Music Theory

As a piano teacher, I can’t stress enough how important music theory is when learning to play the piano—or any instrument, for that matter. Music theory is like the foundation of a building; it supports everything else you do. Understanding the basics helps you read sheet music more confidently, recognise patterns in melodies, and play with better expression. Whether you're working with guitar tutors, a violin teacher, or even exploring singing or flute lessons, music theory is a universal language that ties it all together.

Connecting With Other Instruments

Music theory also bridges the gap between learning different instruments. Maybe you’ll want to try the flute, guitar, or even singing alongside your piano practice. Having a solid foundation in theory makes it easier to pick up these other skills because the rules of music stay consistent across instruments. And if you’re working with more teachers or tutors down the line, they’ll be thrilled to see your knowledge extend beyond the piano.

By focusing on music theory, we give ourselves the tools to not just play music, but to understand and feel it on a deeper level. It’s an investment in yourself and your musical future—and it's something I’d love to help you explore!

Learn About the Piano

The Keyboard

The most obvious part of the piano is the keyboard—the keys you press to play notes. It’s where your hands will spend the majority of their time! The keyboard is made up of white and black keys, organised in a repeating pattern. The white keys play the natural notes (C, D, E, etc.), while the black keys play sharps and flats. As tutors often emphasise, learning the keyboard layout is like learning the alphabet of a new language—it’s the foundation for everything else.

The Strings and Hammers Inside

Inside the piano, every key you press causes small felt-covered hammers to strike tightly stretched strings. These strings vibrate to create sound, which is why the piano is technically both a string and percussion instrument. If you’ve ever opened up a piano with your teacher, you’ve probably seen how intricate this mechanism is—it’s what allows the instrument to produce its rich and resonant tone.

The Pedals

Down by your feet, you’ll find the pedals, which are often a point of fascination for beginners. Most pianos have three pedals (though some might have two), each affecting the sound in a different way. The rightmost pedal, the sustain pedal, is the most commonly used—it allows notes to ring out longer even after you release the keys. The other pedals can soften the tone or create other effects. Working with tutors who focus on pedal techniques can unlock a whole new dimension to your playing.