NEW! I am now teaching in Edinburgh on Mondays and Tuesdays, and Perthshire the rest of the week. Get in touch for details on pricing and multi-lesson discounts, and to arrange a consultation lesson - info@andrewjohnstonpianist.com
 

Looking for quality piano lessons in LondonEdinburgh or Perth and surrounding areas from an experienced and friendly performer and teacher? Whether your interests lie in classical music or jazz/blues/mainstream styles, I always tailor my teaching to suit the needs of each individual student.

I have enjoyed teaching piano, theory/harmony, keyboard skills, aural and chamber ensembles for the past 22 years, both to private clients and as part of the staff at the University of Edinburgh, George Watson's College, Stewart's Melville College, the Mary Erskine School and most recently Fettes College. I am now living in beautiful Perthshire after a few years in London, and have spaces for new students in both Perthshire and Edinburgh.

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"I highly recommend Andrew as a fantastic teacher who makes every lesson a very enjoyable experience. He has been my teacher from when I started to play piano at the age of 7, till now (at the age of 17). During this time, Andrew has inspired me to play; he has always been very encouraging and supportive. He has also introduced me to a wide repertoire of music. Two years ago, I achieved a Distinction for my Grade 8 and I have also managed to win several competitions under his guidance" - Lauren, student (age 17)

I enjoy working with the full range of students from absolute beginners through enthusiastic adult amateurs (one of whom has recently completed his lifetime goal of learning the Bach 48 Preludes and Fugues!), advanced teenagers and University students.Many of my students have gone on to study at Music College or University, including the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Trinity College, and Cambridge/Edinburgh Universities.

My younger students often (though not always) participate in ABRSM exams, and many have gone on to acheive Grade 8 Distinction. My students have also been successful in Piano Competitions, ranging from Progress Prize awards and overall Piano Competition winners at school through multiple class and overall wins in regional music competition festivals. Of course many also play for the sheer fun of it too, as worthy a cause as any!

I use a variety of methods in teaching, preferring to be flexible in my approach in a manner that suits the student in question rather than subscribing exclusively to one school of teaching. Whilst my primary focus is Classical Piano repertoire, I also work with students on Jazz improvisation and popular/mainstream music styles, often helping students with composition portfolios for A-level and other exams. I often arrange small concerts to help students get used to performing, as well as giving parents a chance to enjoy the fruits of their children's labours. 

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"Andrew looks at music from every conceivable angle: technique of course, the student's wishes and requirements, but above all musically...In practical terms he seems to have an endless supply of techniques for solving problems.Very often I come away from a lesson with some door unlocked, and the renewed confidence and pleasure that brings. He is an extremely pleasant person. In summary, I can recommend Andrew wholeheartedly, with no reservations" - Douglas, adult amateur student (occupation University Professor of Astrophysics)

It is most important to me that my students enjoy their 'work' - it should be as straightforward and fun as it can be for beginners especially! My own performing experience is of great benefit when working with older and more advanced students, when the intensity of work and some of the pressures of performing increase and need to be handled with care. I have given masterclasses at a course on Piano Pedagogy in Latvia, and have also been a faculty memeber of the Chetham's Piano Summer School, the largest of it's kind in Europe.

I enjoy a varied and wide-ranging career as a performer, from solo recital and concerto work to duo work with Jessica Beeston (Viola) as the Lothians Duo, soprano Colleen Nicoll, and ensembles such as the Edinburgh Quartet. I also regularly accompany in exams, rehearsals, and with groups such as the Calton Consort and the National Youth Choir of Scotland.

Feel free to contact me to arrange a no obligation consultation lesson, and I look forwards to helping you learn the piano! Teacher is fully CRB/DBS checked, and is a full member of EPTA (European Piano Teacher's Association).

Andrew Johnston (MMus, ATCL, AMusTCL)