Music Lessons
Susan Leigh MA LRSM LLCM FISM
I have been a music teacher for 25+ years. As well as running a successful private music teaching practice in the East Midlands, UK, I am an author of several books and games for teachers and students around the world (as @learnatune).
“Thank you for teaching me the piano. I love every minute of it. You opened a door for me four years ago, and inside was joy”. Adult piano student
About the Teacher
My background
I have worked in the field of music education for over 25 years, teaching all ages and levels, and loving every minute of it! Whether you wish to play for pleasure or take exams, I am flexible with my approach and like to tailor lessons to the individual.
As well as running a successful private music teaching studio, I have also worked in various schools in the East Midlands area of the UK in both the state and private sector.
I am a composer and author of many published music books including popular detective mysteries like ‘Who Stole My Pizza?’, selling to music students and teachers worldwide. I have a particular passion for making music theory fun and accessible to younger students and as well as creating my own games, I spent time working for a popular educational games company, creating music theory content.
What ages do I teach?
I love teaching students of all ages, ranging from year one at school to retired adults (my oldest student was 93!) and enjoy adapting my approach to the age of the student. As well as students of school age, I teach a lot of adults who have taken up an instrument for the first time, returned to lessons after learning as a child, or have been learning for a while.
Whatever the age, and whether students decide they would like to work for exams or purely for pleasure, the enjoyment of learning music is an important part of my teaching.
What levels do I teach?
I have diploma level qualifications in all the instruments I teach and have experience with all levels. This includes beginners and those important first steps of learning, all the way through to mentoring students through their teaching or performance diplomas.
Exams are an entirely optional part of my teaching and am equally happy to help you learn for pleasure and develop a love and joy for learning your instrument.
My qualifications
I have professional qualifications in both teaching and performance, and I have teaching diplomas in all of the instruments that I teach. As well as an enhanced DBS check, I have a certificate in Child Protection in Education (Music) Level 2. I am also a full member of the Independent Society of Musicians; a professional association promoting the art of music and the interests of the music profession.
MA – Master of Arts
BA(Hons) – Bachelor of Arts
LRSM– Licentiate of the Royal Schools of Music Teaching Diploma
LLCM – Licentiate of the London College of Music Performance Diploma
ALCM(TD) – Associate of the London College of Music Teaching Diploma
DipABRSM – Diploma of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (Piano Teaching)
DipABRSM – Diploma of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (Saxophone Teaching)
DipABRSM – Diploma of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (Clarinet Teaching)
FISM – I am also a Fellow of the Independent Society of Musicians
What do you include in music lessons?
Every student has a different reason for learning a musical instrument and as such, my music lessons are tailored according to the specific needs of the individual. Whether students wish to take exams or learn purely for pleasure, enjoyment of music is emphasised at all times.
I am happy to both explore repertoire centred around your own musical tastes, or introduce you to a wider variety of music (including baroque, classical, romantic, modern, jazz and more popular styles).
As I am a pianist my woodwind students have the opportunity to develop ensemble skills with regular practice playing with live accompaniment.
Do you include music theory in lessons?
Yes. Music theory is such an important part of learning an instrument so it is usually incorporated into all music lessons in some form. I also offer preparation for the grade 5 ABRSM theory exams should students wish to progress beyond grade 5 level practical in their instrument.
As you may see from this website, music theory is somewhat of a passion of mine – particularly making it interesting and fun!
Where are you located?
I teach from a well equipped home-based music room, which includes an upright Zimmermann piano, a digital Kawai piano, shelves/cupboards bursting with sheet music, music games and interactive learning on the computer, all of which are made use of during lessons. I am located in the East Midlands area.
How much do you charge?
Please enquire for details of fees for the current year. I have a three tier pricing structure. Regular weekly lessons are substantially discounted and roughly follow local school terms. I also offer block bookings and more occasional ‘as and when’ lessons.
How can I get in touch?
Please contact me via my contact form. This form is often the best way to contact me about tuition as I prefer not to disturb student lessons by answering the telephone. All enquiries about my @learnatune books and games can be made by clicking here.