Piano Teaching

'Dave's piano lessons are always enjoyable and well worth my two hours travelling.  I think what impresses me most, apart from his patience, gentle insistence on high standards and technical know-how is the musicianship he  brings to every piece of music learnt.  He  point out all sorts of nuances of interpretation, enhancing greatly my musical awareness.' Catherine Jones

'I've been having piano lessons with Dave for nearly 2 years now and play pieces I never thought I'd be able to play, even in my wildest dreams. Dave is very patient and encouraging.' Dory Glynn

General Information
David Nelson has been teaching piano for over 25 years, and has taught hundreds of students/pianists both in London and in West Yorkshire. A sizeable number of these have gone on to become professional performers and teachers or influential in jazz and popular music. Many others have continued to play long after their lessons had ceased and value the life-enhancing qualities of such activity. (Email David Nelson or call 01422 843315.)

David is based in Hebden Bridge and currently teaches pupils from across Calderdale and from Leeds, Bradford, Halifax, Manchester, Rochdale and Burnley.

'I have been having lessons with Dave for a long time. As far as I'm concerned, he is the best piano teacher in the world.  Every week he puts his full attention on showing you the best way to play, and has a myriad of techniques at his finger tips. You will not get a better piano teacher anywhere.' Stevie Hanson

Fees are £36.00 per hour and pro rata.

'As an 'adult returner' I found piano lessons with Dave really engaging.  It was much more than just about learning or improving on an instrument, which was in itself rewarding - but also enhancing my knowledge and appreciation of music, and really getting to the core of what composers were trying to do in quite simple pieces.  I find that I listen to music with a greater intensity and fulfilment' Tessa Gordziejko

Content
David teaches all styles of piano playing, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, modern, jazz, blues, boogie-woogie, pop, music for film or theatre, and more. Many students elect to study more than one style; for example learning to play classical music in order to become more familiar with music notation and interpretation, and jazz to develop ear-playing and improvisation.

His teaching also encompasses theory, composition, song-writing, ear training and improvisation. Any of these can be taught as separate courses but mostly they are found as strands or influential factors within practical piano lessons.

When teaching non-classical piano, David will always encourage students to suggest the pieces/styles of music they would like to play. From such ideas other pieces may be suggested to increase and enhance repertoire. To learn non-notated styles of piano such as jazz or blues, students are encouraged to listen to recordings of great performers (and not only pianists) to allow such music to percolate through to their own playing.

'I look forward to my lessons [...] every week and the time just seems to fly by!!'  Stephen Gott

Exams
Although happy to take students through piano and theory exams to grade 8 and beyond (with a 99% pass rate since 1980), David is very keen that these are not seen as the only target. The delight in exploration and discovery, the physical pleasure of playing, the success of performing at whatever level; to him these things are at least as important as any formal qualifications.

For students also studying music at school or college David endeavours to work in a way that will complement a given syllabus, for example in the preparation of set recital pieces, in augmenting their theory or music history work or in delivering music software tuition that will help them realise their compositions.

Special Lessons
For pianists who live further away or who may thrive on longer lessons, David offers:

The Day-Trip: a one to one lesson starting mid-morning with coffee, working until lunchtime (a simple and light but delightful lunch is provided) and then continuing until mid afternoon. Inclusive price £120.

The Weekend Break: a weekend which combines intense teaching sessions with a relaxing enjoyable stay in the wonderful old town of Hebden Bridge and the superb Pennine countryside which surrounds it. Day one starts at lunchtime and teaching continues throughout the afternoon. Students stay overnight at one of the many fantastic hotels or B&Bs in the town centre. On the Sunday teaching starts early and finishes with lunch (as above). Price £200 plus accommodation.

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Teaching ethos
David has a set of values and beliefs which influence the way lessons are taught. He strongly believes for example that everyone is capable of playing a musical instrument and that everyone has musical potential. Also that it is important to encourage and develop a wide range of musical skills (such as sight reading, ear playing, rhythm sense, improvisation, harmony and singing) because these skills are essential in piano playing and in being a musician.

He also believes that lessons should be fun!

As a teacher, David feels that it is important for him to also be working in music as performer, composer, workshop leader etc. These other aspects of his multifaceted profession bring to his teaching a very different and interesting quality which is appreciated and understood by students. Whilst it is true that most performing musicians want/need to also take on educational work, it is sad that so many instrumental teachers no longer wish to perform or create music. David intends to save that kind of inertia until in his eighties!

Email David Nelson or call 01422 843315.