Piano lessons in Herne Hill

Qualifications:

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.

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!

I have been teaching singing and music for 5 years. I am a professional musician and musical theatre performer and have been performing professionally since the age of 8. I grew up performing in a folk band where we would travel around the UK performing at festivals and clubs. I play over 7 different instruments because of this and when I finished school I was accepted into a drama college where I trained for 3 years in Musical Theatre. I have taught music and singing at drama colleges and youth performing arts schools both 1to1 and in-class settings and have performed in various band both singing and playing instruments such as piano, guitar and bass. Since graduating I have gigged around the country with various bands, performed as a soloist, been Musical Director and am currently performing at the O2 Arena in Mamma Mia! The Party UK. I have a huge passion for music and absolutely love giving people the opportunity through teaching to find that passion for themselves too. I like to make my lessons as fun as possible and will help you work towards your own goals, whether that be taking parts in exams or just playing and singing for the love of it. Music Qualifications & Achievements: Professional Diploma in Musical Theatre at Performance Preparation Academy, currently a musician and performer in Mamma Mia! The Party at London’s O2 Arena Musical director of Vernon God Little at Yvonne Arnauds Mill Theatre 2018 Singer and bassist for Sensation, the music of the Who UK Featured Singer for Hats off to Led Zeppelin UK 2017 Played Ilse in Spring Awakening 2016 Played Mary Flynn in Merrily We Roll Along 2017 Featured artist on Sky Arts Fairport Conventions Cropredy Festival 2010 Played Piano for 20+ years, Flute for 15+, Guitar for 15+, Bass for 10+

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 Cristina. I am Portuguese, living in London since 2020, also with other living experiences in London, especially as and Teacher at the Students. If the Students prefer, I can also rent a Music room for the Lessons, with a Piano. These Lessons would be, for now, only 5,00 more Pounds. The Student choses the Programmes they wish to follow. It can be also with preparation for ABRSM or TRINITY Exams, in Instrument and Music Theory. 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 can also get books or instruments and other Music Marerial with the ISM discount. I am member of Independent Society of Musicians. With public liability Certificate of Insurance And an updated DBS. I will be looking forward to working with you. My best wishes. Cristina Isabel 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.