Piano Lessons
Expert, Qualified Music Tuition by William Binden
Piano Lessons with William
The Teacher
William Binden has been playing the piano for 36 years and has 19 years’ experience of teaching piano lessons full time. He graduated from the University of Liverpool
with a 2:1 BA (Hons) Music degree and he also holds a diploma, DipABRSM in piano teaching, awarded by the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM). William is an Associate of the Royal Schools of Music having completed the ARSM and DipABRSM diplomas in piano performance
and also an Associate of Trinity College London having successfully taken the diploma in Music Theory. William offers piano lessons for beginners and for experienced players and currently tutors approximately 40 students, with an equal split between children / teenagers and adults. Lesson times can be flexible to fit around work and family commitments. All piano lessons are one-to-one and students are given a clear structured approach that is tailored to their needs. Lessons take place in a dedicated music studio located in Oxton, Wirral. The music studio is easily accessible by public transport and there is free parking available.
The Piano Lessons
Emphasis is placed on enjoyment and building confidence in your piano playing. This is done by focusing on reading ability, listening skills and finger technique; music theory is taught in conjunction with this. Students are encouraged to study a wide ranging repertoire encompassing the many different traditions of piano performance from Classical, Jazz and Popular music. Students can focus on just one or two areas if they prefer.
Adult Students
Every adult’s reasons for wanting to learn the piano are unique; that’s why William designs a learning plan that is individual to each student, fitting in around your musical aspirations, ability and experience. For adults who have not had piano lessons previously William will work with you through a preparatory course, teaching you all the basics of how to play the piano. After the first lesson you will leave being able to read and perform a couple of simple pieces. If you have had piano lessons previously we will work towards whatever your goal is.
Professional Development
Many of William’s students study or work in jobs where knowledge of how to play the piano, reading music and listening skills are beneficial. People who have benefited from piano lessons with William include piano tutors, music undergraduates, actors, singing teachers, music producers, musical directors, school teachers and DJs.
Child & Teenage Students
Parents are encouraged to sit in on piano lessons and there is a comfortable seating area from which to observe the lessons. William has passed the NSPCC course ‘Child Protection Awareness in Music’ and is DBS checked (formerly CRB). Support is also offered to students wanting extra tuition who are studying towards their GCSE and A-level music exams.
Music Exams
For those students who feel they would benefit from taking formal music exams, William has an excellent track record. Music exams are not everyone’s goal and for students who want to learn how to play the piano for recreation there is no pressure to take this more formal route. Students who have taken music exams have a 100% pass record with 48% of students passing with distinction (against a national average of 17%). All practical and theory exams are taken with the ABRSM, Trinity College London
and London College of Music. Music exam results can count towards UCAS points requirements when applying to study at University. Previous students of William’s have gone on to study music at The Royal Academy of Music, The Royal Northern College of Music
and The Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts (LIPA).
FAQs
“How old do I have to be?”
William accepts students from the age of 8. There is no upper limit and the oldest current student is 84.
“Can anyone take piano lessons?”
Yes. There are no special requirements to learning piano. William also has experience in teaching students who have specific educational needs.
“How often do I need to attend my piano lessons?”
William offers both weekly and fortnightly lessons to fit in around your schedule.
“When are piano lessons available?”
William is available for piano lessons Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm.
“Do I need to practise between lessons?”
Yes. William suggests a minimum of four 20-minute practice sessions between lessons, though if you can manage more than this you will gain more from each lesson.
“How long are lessons?”
This depends on the age and ability of the student. I would recommend 30 minute piano lessons for children under 12, 45 minute lessons for teenagers and adult beginners and 60 minutes lessons for intermediate and advanced students.
“Do I have to learn to read music?”
Yes. Being able to read music allows a musician to participate in a far wider range of styles and experiences. Students will also be encouraged to learn to play by ear and improvise.
“How do I pay for lessons?”
Payment by bank transfer (BACS) is preferred.
“Where do I buy the music that I’ll need in my piano lessons?”
All the music needed can be purchased from William. If you would prefer to purchase it yourself William can provide you with a reading list.
“How much are lessons?”
30 minute lessons: £24.00
45 minute lessons: £33.00
60 minute lessons: £42.00
If you have any other questions please do not hesitate to get in touch.
William accepts students from the age of 8. There is no upper limit and the oldest current student is 84.
“Can anyone take piano lessons?”
Yes. There are no special requirements to learning piano. William also has experience in teaching students who have specific educational needs.
“How often do I need to attend my piano lessons?”
William offers both weekly and fortnightly lessons to fit in around your schedule.
“When are piano lessons available?”
William is available for piano lessons Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm.
“Do I need to practise between lessons?”
Yes. William suggests a minimum of four 20-minute practice sessions between lessons, though if you can manage more than this you will gain more from each lesson.
“How long are lessons?”
This depends on the age and ability of the student. I would recommend 30 minute piano lessons for children under 12, 45 minute lessons for teenagers and adult beginners and 60 minutes lessons for intermediate and advanced students.
“Do I have to learn to read music?”
Yes. Being able to read music allows a musician to participate in a far wider range of styles and experiences. Students will also be encouraged to learn to play by ear and improvise.
“How do I pay for lessons?”
Payment by bank transfer (BACS) is preferred.
“Where do I buy the music that I’ll need in my piano lessons?”
All the music needed can be purchased from William. If you would prefer to purchase it yourself William can provide you with a reading list.
“How much are lessons?”
30 minute lessons: £24.00
45 minute lessons: £33.00
60 minute lessons: £42.00
If you have any other questions please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Testimonials
"I have been taking lessons from Will since 2011. I am heading for my Grade 8 exam. Lessons are fun, interesting and one of the highlights of my week. My interest has been developed and I have got into the virtuous circle of practising and reaping the benefits of playing much better. Will has a deep knowledge of music, is a very talented musician and is a natural teacher."
Maggi G.Piano Student
“Will has been my piano teacher for almost 5 years now. I can't believe how lucky I am to start my music tuition with him. Knowledgable, social, funny, passionate and super friendly. Very skilful musically, and equally as good at teaching too. Even after I left Merseyside, I did not want to change tutors and convinced him to continue our lessons via Skype. So, Managed to get a distinction in Grade 5 ABRSM Theory and another one in Grade 7 ABRSM Piano, and we're on our way to grade 8, all the way from Kuwait!"
Ahmad A.Piano Student
“William is a fantastic teacher. I have been taking lessons with him for 10 years and having myself moved away from the area I now travel over an hour for my piano and saxophone tuition with him.”
Paul B.Jazz Piano & Saxophone Student
Contact
Gallery
William is an experienced musician and has performed at hundreds of events over the years. William has written music for and performed with groups as diverse as Indie band Letters in Red and contemporary classical ensemble Strange Brood. William has also worked as a sessions musician and performed many solo gigs on the piano at corporate events and weddings.
