Christopher Neill

Christopher is an award-winning jazz pianist with twenty years of experience. Having also been trained classically, his style is a blend of the two disciplines, lending him a sought-after uniqueness and creativity.

Having led a variety of ensembles, either under his own name or on behalf of others (e.g. conducting big bands run by others), Christopher is accustomed to managing the various needs of the ensemble whilst also ensuring that the minutiae of the performance are being attended to, teaching members of said ensembles jazz standards, tempos and general playing philosophies.

What’s more, having been the resident pianist and leader of a weekly jazz jam for many years, Christopher would work alongside a variety of musicians, some of whom had never performed onstage at all before that night. Therefore, he became acclimatised to finding a pattern of speaking that was soothing to said musicians, whilst also learning a pragmatic approach to providing emotional support that was intrinsically bolstering to amateur musicians. Furthermore, as a leader, he was often looked to for advice that was both technical and philosophical in nature, making Christopher well-versed in helping amateur musicians eruditely, efficiently, and effectively.

As a tutor, Christopher has experience hosting, and teaching, a variety of students face-to-face at his own home, teaching both classical and jazz, and has a familiarity with the standards and practices that ensure the hosted student feels comfortable, safe and secure. He also has a familiarity with teaching students at their homes, having taught students of a wide range of ages and abilities in this way. What’s more, the COVID crisis necessitated that he also acquired an awareness of methodologies that work online with respect to teaching.

As a professional, gigging musician, Christopher has witnessed first-hand the extent to which music is a source of joy – therefore, Christopher’s philosophy is one of nurturance and patience as, if the willingness to learn is coming from a joyful and exuberant place, one should not feel punished for, for example, not having found time to have practised that week. Christopher will work at your pace, ensuring you feel comfortable and secure at every step of the process.