Lessons can take place either at my home studio or in your own home. My home studio is light and airy, with a lovely grand piano and even a couple of synthesisers; I also have the facility to record your playing with professional-grade equipment.
Lessons can be 30 minutes, 45 minutes, or 60 minutes; I recommend longer lessons as they provide ample time to get stuck into a variety of musical activities. It takes time to build musical independence, so I recommend weekly lessons for beginners, though I am sensitive that my students lead busy lives.
Of course, lessons must be supplemented by practice at home. Students are expected to have regular access to a piano or keyboard suitable for their ability; I am happy to advise. I work together with my students to devise an appropriate practice plan for meeting short- and long-term goals. While frequent practice is necessary, the quality and focus of that practice is just as if not more important!
Fees
Your first 30-minute trial lesson is FREE! If you’d like to continue learning with me, I can offer flexible pay-as-you-go lessons or a monthly contract, depending on what’s convenient for you. Mutually agreed extra costs, such as mileage (if I’m driving to your home) and sheet music, will be added to invoices.
Exams
It’s up to you whether you want to take graded exams or not. Exams can be useful as a quasi-objective benchmark for measuring progress, but they are not the be all and end all of learning. I am happy to help students prepare and register for exams (both ABRSM and Trinity) if I feel they’re ready for it and will benefit from the experience. It’s worth noting that Grade 1 requires more preparation than most people expect, and the learning curve varies in steepness between each exam!
Other services
For instrumentalists and singers, I also offer accompaniment for exams, rehearsals, and concerts. I learn material quickly, and I am sensitive and encouraging to my fellow performers.
For those seeking to take music exams beyond grade 5, or simply for anyone who wants to build their knowledge and know-how, I offer music theory lessons for both ABRSM and Trinity syllabuses.
Testimonials
“As someone who’s been playing piano for many years, I’ve never had a more exciting and inspiring teacher. You’ve been opening my eyes to new aspects of music and the piano that I never knew existed, like the intricacies of touch and sound, and sharing your knowledge with me in a way that’s both engaging and easy to understand. I look forward to your lessons every week and I find myself feeling more motivated and inspired than ever before. Your enthusiasm is infectious, and you’ve made playing the piano a true joy for me once again.” — TT
“Since my daughter started taking lessons with you it has been wonderful. You are quick to discern her needs as a student and are great at encouraging her to progress while still maintaining her joy in the piano. You’re happy to help her explore different music styles and genres, and you manage to blend this with music theory. Thank you, Izzy!” — FC
“Izzy is extremely patient and adapts to my personal circumstances and goals as an adult with a busy schedule learning the piano to fulfil my childhood dream. She is a very talented musician, a great communicator and amazing teacher, always willing to try new things to help me grasp the song. I love that we sometimes do an improvisation at the end of the lesson. Learning with Izzy, I not only learn to play songs, but also understand why and how the song was written, and how to express my personal interpretation of the music. I truly enjoy her lessons.” — YH
Izzy Thorn | Piano Lessons in West Berkshire 