Piano and Singing Tuition

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Reviews

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  F Beraytch

  I can't recommend Mike enough! His friendly and professional demeanour puts me instantly at ease. Some of the things I value most about Mike are: 1) That he takes time out of the lesson to prepare for lessons and consider pieces that might help develop a specific skill to share with me, 2) his vast knowledge, whatever I bring to look at he knows so much about the background/history of the piece and can share useful insights to help me contextualise and better interpret the music, and 3) his attention to detail with recognising what I'm doing and what to focus on. I studied music at university and Mike's knowledge and way of communicating all that he knows is extremely high quality. The teaching studio is comfortable, tidy and cosy. Fantastic value for money to receive an hour of such high-quality tuition, I leave each lesson feeling motivated and energised with a concrete idea of what to work on for the following fortnight to best improve my playing. Thanks Mike!

  28-02-2023
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  Rob Wilkinson

  Grace began lessons with Mike at the age of 7. From the off, Mike always knew how to get the best out of Grace and his tutoring was second to none. He guided her through every aspect of piano and music theory, with absolute attention to detail and delivered such outstanding knowledge in a kind, approachable manner. Fast forward 11 years. Grace is now 18 years old. She has completed 7 practical piano exams and 5 theory exams, achieving merit or distinction in every exam She has successfully completed 3 A levels (2 of which where music and music technology) and has secured a place at Huddersfield University to do a music degree. Without Mike, none of this would have been possible. and even during a global pandemic where tuition was almost impossible, he adapted and found a knew way to tutor Grace via on line lessons. We will always be grateful to Mike and thank him for the best tuition possible.

  29-09-2022
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  R Evans

  I have been having piano lessons with Mike for some time now and am delighted, week on week, to be getting better at playing and more confident. Befote starting lessons with Mike, I had been thinking for a while about taking up piano again, having played to about Grade 5 standard as a child. I thoroughly enjoy coming along to piano lessons and only wish I had taken it back up sooner! Mike is patient, jolly and encouraging. He is very knowledgeable and this helps me to understand a piece of music in more detail and become a better all-round musician. Mike poses the right level of challenge in each lesson, giving me plenty to get stuck into, while also understanding that sometimes work and life can be busy. Mike is an excellent teacher and a kind, supportive person. If you are considering learning piano, whether as a beginner or as a returner, I can highly recommend Mike.

  29-05-2022
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  South Yorkshire Dan

  Many years after making a decision as a child to discontinue my keyboard lessons, I decided to take upon a meaningful challenge in my life again. This time, pursuing until the end. I have always displayed a passion for music, so learning to play the piano is the perfect instrument. The piano produces such beautiful sounds and it is a skill envied by many. I was looking for a music teacher whom would display a great passion for the instrument with a high level of expertise and Mike fits the bill perfectly. From all the lessons I have had, I have acquired a greater knowledge and comprehension toward theory, composition and practical. Mike comes highly recommended. Consistently polite, friendly and honest. Mike explains clearly the improvements to the smallest of details in a supportive manner. I am truly excited for each lesson and look forward to see what the future brings Jessica

  29-05-2020
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  Ben Home

  Michael is a great listener and quickly understood what direction to take me in after hearing me play. More than other teachers I've worked with, I now feel that I'm on the best path for my piano goals. I'm growing all-round as a musician and my future with the piano is exciting. I feel a spark and enthusiasm for playing between lessons. As with any instrument, progress is largely down to how much effort you put into practicing productively. Talent is not essential. However it's crucial to have a great teacher to show you the best path for you. I can't recommend Michael highly enough. His passion for music is infectious.

  29-05-2019
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  Rachel Dawson

  Every lesson, Mike has guided my voice through each piece of music introducing breathing and tuning techniques. I am often corrected on my Yorkshire pronunciation when singing but as Mike gently reminds me, a universal language for vowel work in singing must be adhered to! I feel very held and supported in Mike’s lessons with his expert suggestions and ideas to improve my tone and clarity of voice. We often trial out different musical methods to find the simplest and most effective way of producing music. I can’t quite believe it is my voice I am hearing! From these lessons, and I am singing for joy and only joy, I have learnt to use my voice and my brain in a totally different mode. This is what music does for you. It releases stress, guides you through emotion and rewires your little grey cells. I’d recommend Mike’s lessons to anyone. The magic of Music is just beyond his door. Rachel Dawson (Dramatherapist and Drama Teacher)

  29-05-2019
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  Chris Hall

  Hi, my name is Chris, I'm 34 years old and I've been having piano lessons with Mike for just over 2 months. Although I have always been interested in music I was never interested in playing an instrument until I left School in 2001. Since then I have tried several instruments including keyboard, piano, drums and guitar. Until taking lessons with Mike I have always tried to teach myself by watching videos online on websites such as YouTube, this has worked to a certain extent but what I have found is that I can play a few songs but not very well. I recently decided I wanted more structure to my learning and to become proficient at one instrument rather than knowing how to play lots of instruments to an 'ok' standard. I searched for 'piano lessons' on Google and found several tutors within my local area, the thing that attracted me to Mike's lessons was the number of genuine reviews and recommendations that he has on his website from a varied demographic. My progress so far... Despite having some basic knowledge both myself and Mike decided together that we would start from the very start and work through both the theory and practical as if I'd never played before. This was fine for me as I knew I need iron out a few 'self taught' bad habits. Three Months have passed since my first lesson, due to my own time constraints I chose to take a lesson once every two weeks and the lessons themselves are one hour long usually split 50/50 between theory and practical. After six lessons and just a few hours in my spare time at home I am now in a position where I am ready to sit my grade one theory exam, I am consistently achieving above 95% on practice papers, this is an amazing achievement as I had no prior knowledge on the theory side of things. It's worth noting that the exams are totally optional and Mike doesn't put any pressure on the student to take them as he appreciates that exams aren't for everyone. Mike has adapted part of his home into a fully sound proof studio where you can play as loudly or badly as you want without the fear of anyone outside listening in, this is great if you are just starting out or lacking in confidence. Mike made me feel comfortable from the start and the pace of the lessons is perfect, with the theory we don't move on until it is clear I have fully understood the topic we are covering and with the practical we don’t move on until Mike is happy with my performance. If anyone is reading this and wonders whether or not to give Mike's tuition a go then just try an introductory lesson. If you decided it's not for you then there is no obligation to carry on but I'm sure you will! Chris Hall (Engineer)

  29-05-2019
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  rebecca fitzpatrick

  Since being a child I’ve always had a passion for singing and knew I wanted to make a career of it. I’ve fortunately been able to do that and have now taught music theatre for over 10 years. I came to Mike wanting to expand my vocal knowledge within classical singing. I wanted something “just for me” that I would enjoy and look forward to every week. I one hundred per cent chose the right tutor. Mike has exceptional knowledge of singing and in such a short space of time I’ve learned so much and seen a massive improvement within my own voice. I cannot recommend him enough.

  29-05-2019
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  Helen Wright

  I started piano lessons with Mike around 18 months ago , as an adult returning to piano playing (as a youngster I had achieved grade 5). I have just passed my grade 8, so I am thrilled with the progress I am making. The fact I have passed the scales and aural elements of the exam are a testament to Mike's teaching approach. I was nervous returning to piano lessons as my previous experiences had been mixed, and I felt I should have been a lot better than I was! However I am so pleased I have retaken it up, it has been extremely rewarding. I highly recommend Mike if you are thinking about piano lessons, he is very patient, yet has been able to help me reach a higher playing standard in a short time. Thanks!!

  29-05-2018
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  Suzanne Pickles

  I started taking piano and music theory lessons with Mike as a nervous adult beginner and I am so glad that I finally decided to do so. Mike put me at ease and is always patient and understanding. The lessons are interesting and well-taught, with expert subject knowledge. Mike's teaching is flexible and responsive; he tries different approaches if I am not able to grasp something, and sets the right amount of homework or practice. Earlier this year, I achieved 92 percent on the Trinity Grade 8 Theory of Music examination. The careful way in which Mike prepared me for this played a large part in my success. I am now concentrating on piano study where, again, I am making progress thanks to Mike's excellent tuition. I fully recommend Mike. I'm certainly delighted that I decided to pursue something which I had wanted to do for a long time.

  29-05-2018