Jacob Swindells

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!