Dr Robert Ratcliffe

Robert is a Doctor of music and an internationally recognised composer, musician and writer. After completing his PhD in music he established a successful private teaching practice in Stockport and South Manchester. His students and clients range from beginners (children and adults) right through to experienced professionals and teachers.

Robert has been teaching for over 20 years, both privately and as a University Lecturer. He has experience of preparing students for performances and auditions (for example, Chetham’s, Leeds Conservatoire, RNCM), and exams up to diploma level, with a 100% ABRSM examination pass rate (usually with distinction). Recent success stories include students who achieved 99 (out of 100) for ABRSM Grade 5 Theory and 146 (out of 150) for Piano Practical.

One of his students’ was invited to take part in a special concert organised by the ABRSM after they achieved one of the highest marks during the Spring period. Robert’s students have been successful prize winners in various music competitions and have attained excellent results during school and college examinations – for example, many have achieved A* in their GCSE music exams.

Lessons can be configured to support and complement work undertaken for GCSE and AS/A level music examinations etc. They can also be designed to improve general musicianship, including sight reading, aural skills, improvisation, and aspects of composition. Robert has had success with students of all ages and abilities, from 3 to 75.

Teaching methods are adapted to suit the student, involving an analysis of both the way a student learns music and the way that they perform. Strategies can then be developed to overcome specific musical and technical difficulties or to find a suitable approach to the music in question. In relation to this, Robert has an awareness of various relaxation techniques that can be used to enhance general pianistic technique. He is also able to help with issues of performance anxiety, and can suggest various strategies and techniques to reduce or minimise its effects. Aspects of sound production and quality of tone are also covered during lessons (Robert has a particular affinity with the Romantic and Impressionistic repertoire, especially the works of Chopin, Debussy and Scriabin).

As a composer, Robert is often very interested in the way that a specific piece of music has been constructed, providing a piece-by-piece analytical commentary for students, including background information on the composer and the context of the works composition. This helps to create an informed interpretation, including an understanding of both the architecture of a piece and the musical ideas contained within it, leading to a more effective communication of the music.

In addition to piano lessons, Robert offers tuition in composition, electronic music, music production, music history and music theory. He can work with any of the major communication platforms including FaceTime, Skype, Teams, WhatsApp, and Zoom. Lessons can also be conducted over the phone – Robert recently helped a student to achieve a distinction for ABRSM Grade 7 performance through regular phone lessons (without video). Full DBS certificate available upon request.

Professional Experience (selected):

• Performances and broadcasts in approximately 30 countries worldwide, including presentations at major international events such as ACMC, ICMC, L’espace du Son, NIME, and Sonorities.
• Collaborated with some of the leading performers in the fields of contemporary and experimental music.
• Recordings available through CMMAS, Further Noise, Sonus, and Vox Novus.
• Music purchased by the library of the Royal Northern College of Music
• Writing published in various academic journals and proceedings: Dancecult, eContact!, eOREMA, the proceedings of the International Computer Music Conference (ICMC), and Sonic Ideas.
• Served as an adjudicator and reviewer at International level (ICMC and 60×60)

Music Qualifications & Achievements:

• BA Hons (1st Class) – specialising in solo piano performance and composition
• M.Res composition (distinction) – received national AHRC award
• PhD composition/musicology – received national AHRC award

Specialised piano training and experience (postgraduate level):

• Studied privately at postgraduate level with Professor David Fanning (University of Manchester). David Fanning was taught by Sulamita Aronovsky, who studied with the renowned Russian pianist and teacher Alexander Goldenweiser.
• Masterclass and private study with Roy Howat (Keyboard Research Fellow at the Royal Academy of Music), whose teachers include the celebrated Chopin interpreter and Ravel specialist Vlado Perlemuter.
• Studied and consulted with Michael Bell (Director of Performance at Keele University), who was taught by Derryck Wyndham and Sulamita Aronovsky.
• Winner of the Keele Concerto audition 2004.
• Recorded performances and original music broadcast on BBC radio and internationally.
• Experience of performing as a soloist, accompanist, and ensemble member in a diverse range of styles, including, for example, jazz/funk support for Jools Holland.
• Member of the European Piano Teachers Association, Musicians Union, and Society of Authors.

© Robert Ratcliffe 2023