18/05/2017

Piano lessons

Matthew Watts – Diploma level (DipABRSM / LRSM) Piano Teacher

Diploma level (DipABRSM / LRSM) Piano Teacher

I started playing the piano aged nine, completing grades 1-8 before going on to study classical music at the University of Leeds. These days I split my time between teaching students privately with work in schools as an accompanist and performance work, playing for weddings and corporate functions.


Lessons from home

I teach both from home and online. Students can decide each lesson whether they would prefer lessons in person or online. I offer lessons using Zoom or Whatsapp. Homework is written on Whatsapp or email during the lesson.

Learn to play the piano in a fun, flexible way that suits you…

I have:

  • 17 years experience teaching all ages and abilities from complete beginner all the way up to Diploma level students
  • A full DBS certificate
  • I teach all styles of music from Classical to jazz, pop and rock
  • I teach classical styles and reading music as well as how to play by ear, teaching music you enjoy in a way that suits you

17 years teaching experience – learn music the way you want 

I love my career, no day is the same as everyone learns differently. I’ve been teaching for 17 years and enjoy tailoring lessons to students of all ages and interests. As I learnt to play without music I understand what it is like to play by ear, therefore alongside traditional teaching  through sight reading I also teach students to play without reading, developing skills such as improvisation and composition.

I offer:

  • Classical piano tuition
  • ABRSM and Trinity exam tuition
  • Lessons for wider enjoyment, learning the music of your choice
  • Playing by ear, as well as reading music.
  • Music composition
  • Formal lessons for exams or informal, student-led learning
  • Catch up and extra tutoring for GCSE, A level and Music theory
  • An annual concert at the Square Chapel in Halifax

Lessons at times to fit around your busy schedule

  • Lessons from the comfort of your own home on the platform of your choice
  • Pick between daytime, evenings and Saturdays
  • Flexibility of a regular lesson time or casual arrangement
  • 30 minute slots or 1 hour lessons
  • Weekly or fortnightly lessons (or as and when works best for you)

What lessons are like

  • Every lesson is to tailored to the students’ learning style and interests
  • Detailed verbal and written feedback is given throughout the lesson with points to practice for next time
  • I provide students with video recordings of pieces and techniques to help them practice between lessons (using their smart phones)
  • I play interactive memory games to help students learn notes and recommend music apps to help them pick up reading music even quicker
  • If studying for an exam, we regularly have practice exams and pieces are marked with feedback so they have a clear understanding of how to progress and successfully prepare. We also cover scales and arpeggios, notation and theory and sight-reading practice.
  • Students learn music of their choosing alongside grade music if taking exams
  • Goals are given for the next lesson with a suggested practice schedule

Learn Jazz, Blues, Rock, Pop, Improvisation and Composition

Learning to play the piano doesn’t just mean learning classical music. I enjoy nearly all music, everything from Chopin and Bach, to Radiohead and the Beetles and adapt music from all genres for solo piano. This means as a beginner you can immediately start learning the music you want, making practice much more enjoyable. I’ll adapt music to your level of experience, meaning you have something to get your teeth stuck into early on.  You can check out a few of my favourite songs on my youtube channel. I currently work with a dj in Huddersfield composing dance music and in doing this have developed new ways of making different styles of music sound good on the piano.

Taking exams (or choosing to progress without)

If you’re the type of person who likes to work towards specific goals, and to receive official recognition of your ability to play at a certain level, then going through graded music exams might be something you would enjoy. Equally, I teach other students who would rather learn the piano without taking this step, preferring to learn the music of their choosing and develop playing by ear alongside reading music. Either way is fine by me.

Learn in a dedicated teaching space

I possess a full DBS certificate and teach from home where I have a purpose made music room. Friends and family can sit on the lesson and there is also a dedicated waiting area. My piano is a 1960s Knight made in Britain, I also use a Roland 30xp electric piano for those who wish to play keyboard.

Piano teaching room in Luddenfoot, Halifax.

Piano teaching room near Luddenfoot, Halifax.

I teach piano lessons from home – Luddenden, Sowerby Bridge, Mythomroyd, Hebden Bridge, Brighouse and Elland, Halifax and further afield in Bradford & Huddersfield.

Home is a place called Jowler, located between Wainstalls, Mount Tabor and Luddendenfoot. I live with my fiancé and baby, teaching from home most evenings. We are approximately 10 minutes from Halifax, Mythomroyd, Sowerby Bridge and Hebden Bridge. Brighouse, Elland, Ripponden, Haworth, Todmorden and Bradford are not far away.

Annual piano concert

Each year all students have the opportunity to perform in a piano recital at the Square Chapel in Halifax on a Steinway D Grand piano. This is ideal preparation for piano exams or any other type of public performance. The concert is not a competition, it offers a friendly environment in which people have the chance to show friends and family (and 100 or so other spectators) what they’ve been learning in their lessons. Students love it and find it really helps motivate them.