ABOUT
Hello and thanks for visiting my piano tuition website.
I’ve been teaching high quality and affordable piano lessons to pupils of all ages and abilities for many years. From their first lesson, my pupils learn techniques to help boost their skills, and their enjoyment of playing is at the core of my tuition.
Information about the services I offer can be found below, but please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.
Anthony Esland MA (Cantab.), MA, PGCE, PG Dip., ARCO
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do you have any teaching qualifications/experience?
I have a PGCE from Cambridge University, and I've worked in schools as a music teacher and privately as a piano and music theory tutor for over 20 years.
Where do lessons take place?
Lessons take place at pupils' homes; I'm prepared to travel within a five-mile radius of Tunbridge Wells, including Tonbridge and local villages.
How much do you charge?
My fees are £20 for a half hour lesson/£40 for an hour. After a trial lesson, I ask pupils (or their parent/guardian) to commit to half-term blocks of lessons going forward, paying in advance by bank transfer.
What's your cancellation policy?
If you cancel a lesson with less than 24 hours' notice, the lesson fee is forfeited. If you cancel a lesson with more than 24 hours' notice, the lesson will be rescheduled or refunded. If I need to cancel a lesson, I'll give as much notice as possible and provide a refund if it can't be rescheduled.
It isn't possible to stop lessons during a half-term and receive a refund for the remaining lessons; if lessons are stopped during a half-term, the remainder of the fees are forfeited. If you want to discontinue lessons, I'd appreciate a month's notice so I can organise a replacement pupil.
Do you teach trial/taster lessons?
I'm very happy to teach a trial/taster lesson before you commit to a half-term of lessons; I charge for these at my usual rate of £20 per half hour/£40 per hour.
What styles of music do you teach?
I teach a variety of piano music styles, including classical, jazz, musicals, rock and pop. For young starter pupils, I usually teach the Me and My Piano syllabus, before moving on to ABRSM grades; I also teach the Rockschool Piano and Keys syllabus. For adult pupils, I use a variety of resources depending on the styles of music they'd like to learn, covering classical and jazz repertoire, rock and pop songs, songs from musicals, and pieces by modern composers.
Do you teach music theory?
Yes, I teach the ABRSM Music Theory syllabus grades 1 - 8 and can coach you for their exams, or just help you develop your theory knowledge.
Do I have to take exams or can I learn just for fun?
You don't have to take exams and you can learn just for fun! I've taught all kinds of styles of piano music in the past and I'm very happy to teach the pieces or songs you'd like to learn. If you want to take exams, I teach the ABRSM syllabus for Classical Piano initial grade - diploma, Jazz Piano grades 1 - 5, and Music Theory grades 1 - 8; I also teach the Rockschool Piano and Keys syllabus from debut to grade 8.
Do you have a clean up-to-date DBS certificate?
Yes, I have a clean up-to-date enhanced DBS certificate, which parents are welcome to consult.
TESTIMONIALS
“I really look forward to my lessons with Anthony. He comes up with interesting practice pieces and is very patient in the lessons. He gives me good feedback and has really helped me improve my sight-reading and my musical expression.”
Alex (pupil)
“My three boys 14yrs, 12yrs and 8yrs have been under Anthony's tuition for 3 years now and his ability, advice, guidance and patience is reflected in their success each year when they take their piano grade exams and achieve Merits and Distinctions. I would have no hesitation in recommending Anthony to anyone who asks.”
Kwan (parent)
“Mr. Esland is a fantastic teacher for anyone seeking enjoyment of music and greater achievement in piano. My daughter has been learning piano with Mr. Esland since she was 6 years old. She always enjoys and concentrates in the lessons because of his outstanding teaching ability. Not only does he enlighten her with the beauty of music, but also helps her to achieve distinction in ABRSM piano exams. As a reflection of my personal interaction with Mr. Esland, he is a calm and patient gentleman. I would have no hesitation to recommend him if anyone is looking for a professional and enjoyable piano and music education.”
Dan (parent)
“Anthony is a knowledgeable and professional teacher. He encourages his students to gain a deeper understanding of music and playing techniques whilst keeping piano playing fun. Being an adult learner, I was bit apprehensive when I first started. However, with Anthony's support and encouragement piano playing has become a passion rather than a chore.”
James (adult student)
“Anthony is a very natural teacher, I have only had two lessons so far but feel I have learnt and progressed more in 2 with Anthony than I did over 20 with my last teacher! So it goes to show the importance of getting the right teacher! His gentle and patient demeanour is very conducive to calm and relaxed learning and I find motivates me to practise more too. I’m really glad I called Anthony rather than give up! And thank you for helping me to fall in love with piano again Anthony!”
