Learning music should feel like an encouraging and achievable experience.
I tailor my lessons to suit each individual’s needs. I offer piano and flute tuition for children and adults, whether you are a beginner or you want to continue your prior learning.
I am an experienced piano and flute teacher, having taught classical and popular music for over 20 years. Some pupils just want to enjoy learning how to read music and to be able to play tunes they like, some would like general support with aspects of their musical development such as theory or composition or some want to progress through the practical ABRSM exams and gain recognised qualifications. (Of the 32 pupils I have entered for these exams, all have passed; many achieving distinction).
My lessons are professional and structured, focusing on good technique and musicianship. But at the same time, I aim to build confidence and harbour a genuine enjoyment of music through a relaxed, two way pupil - teacher relationship.
I have a clear, supportive approach, which works at each pupil’s personal pace; whether they have no musical knowledge, are a more confident player or anything in between.
If you are looking for a piano or flute tutor and have been searching for piano lessons near me, why not take a free 15 minute consultation/lesson so you can see if it’s the right fit with no pressure before you commit to regular lessons.
Free First Lesson
Your first piano or flute lesson is completely free and lasts 15 minutes, giving you or your child the chance to get comfortable with the instrument and my teaching style. This introductory session is ideal if you are new to piano lessons, flute lessons, or simply want to see whether you feel it’s right for you. There’s no pressure to continue - it’s just a friendly, relaxed introduction to learning music and meeting your teacher. (I am happy for you to bring along a family member or friend to keep you company).
Pay-As-You-Go Music Lessons
All piano and flute lessons are offered on a pay-as-you-go basis, priced at £17 per 30 minutes, with the option of 30-minute or one-hour weekly lessons. There are no long term contracts, but once your weekly time slot is booked, it is expected you will be committed to attend those sessions for as long as you wish to continue lessons. If you can’t make the lesson for any reason one week, as long as you give me notice so that we can reschedule, you won’t have to pay for a missed lesson. You can pay by cash or bank transfer, either weekly as you have the lessons or in blocks of lessons in advance, whichever suits you best.
Please see the FAQ section for queries about sessions or payments.
Get in Touch to Book Your Free First Lesson
If you’d like to book a free 15-minute piano or flute lesson, or have any questions about lesson availability, levels or suitability for children or adults, please use this form. Whether you’re looking for local piano lessons flute tuition, or music theory lessons, I’ll be happy to help and get back to you as soon as possible.
Please complete the form and I’ll get back to you.
Or message me on 07850 232093 or
lblackwivmusic@gmail.com
Frequently Asked Questions
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I don’t have any restrictions. I teach children and adults. However, I do ask that young children are at least beginning to read before they start piano lessons. This is because I have found that if they can decode letters and sounds, they are usually ready to learn how to read music. They also need to have the behaviour and concentration levels appropriate for sitting at a piano for a session. This is usually at about the age of 6. I always adapt my teaching to be age appropriate and have taught many 5-6 years old successfully.
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For flute, you will need to bring your own instrument from the start of booked lessons, but not for the free short lesson. For piano, once you have started lessons, you will need to have access to an instrument at home, but it’s not essential for the first free lesson. I can advise on pianos or keyboards that are suitable for practice. There are advantages to owning a piano at home rather than a keyboard, but if you don’t have the space or money a keyboard is a good alternative.
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Lessons are available in 30-minute or one-hour weekly sessions. Once your slot has been booked for you, that becomes a weekly slot reserved for you. Most children benefit from a half hour lesson a week, but teenagers or adults can choose whether they want a half hour or an hour, depending on how much time they would like to commit to learning. I have also had students who had a half hour of one type of tuition and then a half of another for eg a piano lesson, followed by a flute or theory lesson.
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Yes - I offer structured tuition for graded ABRSM exams. These lessons include instruction in the scales, aural and sight reading elements of the exams as well as the 3 set pieces to be learnt and all the musicality and knowledge needed to achieve the required standards. I will also do the admin. necessary for exam entries.
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I prefer to teach flute to children from the age of about 10/11 to any age above. This is because the blowing and breath control it requires, puts a bit of pressure on the ear drum and the flute is quite a long instrument for little arms. However, you can get a mouthpiece extension which curves around to make the reach shorter if you want to start your child earlier with another teacher.
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I charge £34 an hour, so a half hour lesson will be £17 etc.
You can pay by cash or bank transfer. You can pay at the end of each lesson, or as a lump sum in advance but I ask that you do not pay in arrears.
Because your session slot is reserved for you, if you have to cancel a lesson in advance, you must either pay for the missed lesson or rebook it for a different day/time that week if there are times available. If I cannot rebook you, or if you give me less than 24 hours notice, you will be charged for the missed lesson.
I don’t ask for the same commitment in school holiday time, so if you give me notice, you will be free to give me advanced notice of holidays and not be asked to pay for missed lessons.
If I have to cancel a lesson, you will not be charged for it.
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Lessons are held in my dedicated music room in my own home. As it is my home, I expect children and adults to respect my space. No other part of my house is open to my pupils, including the garden. I do have seating in my music room, so I am happy for a family member to sit and watch the lesson and if siblings would like to have a lesson each, I am happy for one to wait whilst the other has their lesson. Sorry - I do not allow dogs.