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Since October 2024
Instructor since October 2024
Music Tuition available in Piano, Theory, Composition and Orchestration
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From 54.64 € /h
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I specialise in advanced Classical and Jazz Piano, Composition and Arranging, as well as fundamentals of Theory of Music for students from ABRSM Grade 5 to Diploma level. I offer substantial discounts for families and for bundles of 5 or 10 lessons.

I have a well-equipped studio with a new grand piano as well as other keyboards and music tech gear, and teach both in-person for students living in Edinburgh, and online internationally. As many of my students are from Edinburgh university, where I also teach Orchestration and Screen Composition, daytime lessons can be flexible from week to week.

My classes are helpful to students seeking to pass the higher performance and theory grade examinations, as well as to university undergraduates seeking to fill knowledge gaps and to explore composition and orchestration in greater depth. Students I have taught invariably achieve excellent results, as high as 144/150 in recent ABRSM practical piano examinations, and as high as 100% in Theory of Music.

I also teach Music Technology, specialising in Cubase DAW as well as Sibelius and Dorico scorewriter applications.
Extra information
Parents are welcome to attend all lessons for school-age students.
Location
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At teacher's location :
  • Guthrie Street, Edinburgh, UK
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Online from United Kingdom
About Me
Since 2007 I have taught Composition and Orchestration at the University of Edinburgh. Alongside my career as an educator. I have been self-employed variously as composer, conductor, musical director and record producer for a range of international clients including Caroline O'Connor and Sir Robert Helpmann. My commissions have been performed at the Royal Albert Hall and Garrick Theatre (London), Sydney Opera House and Melbourne Hamer Hall (Australia), the Australian Embassy (New York), Sala Accademica di Santa Cecilia (Rome) and Edinburgh University.

I have been a film orchestrator, composer, and musician and possess 28 IMDb credits for feature films, television documentaries, mini-series, as well as 33 Discogs album recording credits and I have been a frequent conductor of studio orchestras such as Victorian Philharmonic Orchestra (Melbourne Symphony Orchestra). Many of the media on which I am credited have gone on to achieve critical and popular acclaim, including Los Angeles Film Festival, Indiefilms, BAFTA, Best Film Score (NZ), an Oscar, Platinum record sales and an Australian Aria Award nomination.

Stars in films I have scored include Russell Crowe, Hugo Weaving, Phil Collins, Josephine Byrnes, Lee Majors, Guy Pearce and Terence Stamp. I have worked with Torvill & Dean as arranger and pianist; I was keyboardist for over 400 performances of Andrew Lloyd Webber's show Cats (Really Useful Theatre Company) as well for Phantom of the Opera (Cameron Mackintosh Limited), and as musical director for independent productions.

Some more recent commissions have been to arrange, conduct, mix and master the vocal and orchestral music for the Glenfiddich 21yo Whisky ad campaign, which reached 1.7 million YouTube hits, and to score the music for Ruaridh M Turner's multi award winning short thriller, The Beast in the Storm. Other commissions have been to compose a new 4 movement symphony for The Orchestra of the Canongait, and a new trio for the Hindemith Trio in Parma, Italy.
Education
PhD (Music Composition) The University of Edinburgh (2012)

BMus (Bachelor of Music) The University of Auckland, New Zealand (1975)
* First. All music subject passes with Distinction (A) or High Distinction (A+)
* Winner Hollinrake Memorial Prize and Senior Scholarship for best graduate student

DipEd (3 Diplomas in Education):
* Auckland Secondary Teachers College Diploma
* DipTchg - New Zealand Department of Education
* DpTeach - New South Wales Department of Education & Training, Australia

FTCL (Composition & Performance) Fellow of Trinity College of Music, London (1977)

LMusTCL (Composition) Licentiate of Trinity College of Music London (1976)
Experience / Qualifications
Qualifications:
* PhD, BMus, DipEd, FTCL, LMusTCL

Experience:
2007- present: The University of Edinburgh:
* Teaching postgraduate Orchestration and Composition

1986-2006: NSW Department Of Education & Training:
* Teacher of Music, Software Design & Development, Information Processes & Technology

1989-2006: NSW Board Of Studies:
* Higher School Certificate (HSC) Music Examiner & Computing Studies Advisor

1995-2006: Sydney Community College:
* Lecturer – Steinberg Training Centre: Authorised Trainer in Music Technology

1984: Progeni Systems Ltd/Polycorp secondment, New Zealand:
* Computer Programmer of educational software for New Zealand schools

1979-1985: New Zealand Ministry Of Education:
* Teacher of Music, English and Computer Awareness

1979: Waiariki Technical Institute:
* Lecturer – Theory of Music (part time)

1974-1978: New Zealand School Of Music Ltd:
* Founder / Director / Teacher

1973-1974: Auckland University Conservatorium of Music:
* Lecturer, Tutor & Examiner (part time) – Harmony & Aural Training
Age
Teenagers (13-17 years old)
Adults (18-64 years old)
Seniors (65+ years old)
Student level
Intermediate
Advanced
Duration
60 minutes
90 minutes
120 minutes
The class is taught in
English
French
German
Availability of a typical week
(GMT -05:00)
New York
at teacher icon
At teacher's location and via webcam
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
00-04
04-08
08-12
12-16
16-20
20-24
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Happy students = happy me.

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About Me
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My lessons are designed to be engaging, interactive, and, most importantly, fun! I cover a range of topics, including technique, theory, performance, and improvisation, ensuring that you develop a well-rounded skill set. I also emphasize the importance of building confidence and fostering creativity, helping you not only to play but to express yourself through music.

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Your first lesson with me is all about getting to know you and your goals. We’ll discuss what you want to achieve and how we can work together to get there. I’ll assess your current level and create a personalized lesson plan tailored just for you. This session is also a great opportunity for you to ask any questions and get a feel for my teaching style.

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I offer lessons both in-person and online, providing flexibility to fit your schedule. Whether you prefer the comfort of learning from home or the experience of in-studio sessions, I’ve got you covered.

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Ready to embark on your musical journey? I’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re ready to book your first lesson or simply want to learn more, feel free to reach out. Let’s make music together!
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Beginners to advanced welcome.

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verified badge
The purpose of this course is to help students develop their musical sensibility as (classical) pianists. Whether it be online or in person-- though in person is preferred, as it makes teaching more engaging--, classes will consist of a play-through of a specific repertoire followed by advice on technique, interpretation and practice methods. The students can bring their own pieces to play or I can provide some myself, and the goal will be to ensure that this is played faithfully with respect to the score, but most importantly, musically, and in this way to rapidly but securely build repertoire.
verified badge
My piano lessons are welcoming, supportive, and designed to make learning fun. I teach both children and adults, from complete beginners up to ABRSM Grade 3, focusing on building confidence, technique, and music reading (sight reading & music theory) skills.

Mistakes are always welcome in my lessons because they are part of learning. I encourage students to explore, experiment, and enjoy the process of making music without fear of getting things wrong. Lessons include a mix of practical playing, simple music theory, scales, and fun pieces tailored to each student’s pace and interests.

Whether you’re learning for exams or for personal enjoyment, my goal is to help you grow in skill, understanding, and confidence while discovering the joy of music 🎵
Good-fit Instructor Guarantee
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Contact Derek