Steve Hoar Piano
FREE 30 MINUTE TASTER LESSON
Discover your talent and develop your skills and understanding of music to really enjoy playing piano
Steve Hoar - Piano, Keyboard and
Music Theory Tuition
I established myself as a full time piano teacher in 2011 pairing a lifetime of experience at the piano keyboard with a fresh, holistic approach to teaching. I started playing piano when I was seven and passed my Grade 8 in 1989 aged eighteen. I am passionate about making music and about encouraging and developing musical ability in others using the piano and its amazing array of repertoire. I also compose and direct music for local community theatre groups and a local community choir.
After completing a Psychology degree, I worked in the social care field for much of my adult life. My teaching style is inspired by the skills I developed in this field. I supported clients with different additional needs to reach their best potential. As I progressed, I also supervised staff who offered clients one to one support. So I take a collaborative approach to your tuition whatever your age or ability, working with your interests whilst introducing you to new ideas. Through guided exploration and experimenting with the piano, you will make discoveries of the different techniques used to produce sound and music.
I believe that playing piano brings many benefits to your life. Creative thinking, analytic skills, manual dexterity and emotional intelligence are all enhanced by working with the piano. Playing the piano allows access to music in a way that no other instrument can provide - an orchestra at your fingertips.
I hold a qualification in the teaching of life-long learning and I am a member of the European Piano Teachers Association, UK (EPTA). I attend the annual EPTA and Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) Teacher Conference. In August 2019 I attended The EPTA Piano Teacher Summer School at Chichester University. In September 2021 I joined the ToneBase Piano community which provides online lectures and interactive workshops.
I love playing the piano and want others to experience this joy. By building a musical alliance we will discover your talent, improve your understanding of music and develop your skills so you really enjoy playing the piano.
Piano Tuition face to face and online
Tuition at your convenience: online tuition via a music tuition video platform and the option of face to face tuition if you live in the Brighton and Hove area.
Lessons
Dependent on your needs, your individually tailored piano lesson will cover:
Development of Skills and Musicianship:
keyboard technique and your physical relationship with the instrument, sight reading, playing from memory, performance skills
Use of a wide range of repertoire:
using music of different character and from different periods (Baroque, Classical, Romantic and Twentieth Century including Pop) to develop a variety of keyboard skills and to suit your interest. I may devise specific arrangements to match your needs. To give context to what you are playing, reference to relevant music history.
Deeper understanding through Music Theory:
using games I’ve developed myself for younger learners, simple improvisation and composition, examining structure and texture of music to enhance understanding and performance.
Ideas for Interpretation:
using imagery, colour, light, perspective, visualisation, metaphors and orchestration. All of these ideas enrich your performance and allow you to feel more personally invested in your playing.
Service
Clientele
Many of my students live in Brighton and Hove, as I do. However as my tuition is also available on-line, I have students in other locations.
Students are of all ages and abilities - complete beginners, re-starters and more advanced players.
Some wish to study for graded exams and others want to play purely for pleasure.
I have tutored students to achieve distinction in ABRSM exams and to access senior school music scholarships.
I also work as a peripatetic piano teacher with students at Shoreham College
Additionally I offer
ABRSM Grade 5 Music Theory tuition.
Progress Review appointments for students and their parents / guardians (as required).
Piano tuition at your home across Brighton and Hove, if required.
Peace of mind as I am DBS checked (July 2023).
Performance opportunities through Student Concerts and Piano Club (see below).
Rates and Terms
My prices are based on The Musician's Union fair teaching rates. I review my rates annually, then inform my clients and apply the new rates one month later. Rates detailed apply from 1st January 2024.
Tuition rates
My hourly tuition rate is £40.50 (based on the MU recommended rate for 2023-24).
Other lesson lengths are charged on a pro rata basis, e.g. 30 minutes for £20.25, 40 minutes for £27.
If requested, I offer occasional face to face home visits for Brighton and Hove residents. For this, there is a small charge for travel time, dependent on your location.
Cancellation policy
If you need to cancel or reschedule your lesson, I require 24 hours notice. I will make every effort to reschedule your lesson as soon after the original date as possible. If 24 hours notice is not given and rescheduling is not possible, the cancelled lesson will be charged at full rate.
Notice to quit policy
If you wish to cancel your tuition with me completely, I request a four weeks notice or NTQ payment equivalent to four weeks tuition.
Performance Opportunities
Student Concerts
I provide performance opportunities for students by organising and hosting regular student concerts. These provide a chance for students of all levels to communicate through music making and develop confidence in performance. Participants can be inspired by the work of fellow students and share their own progress with a supportive audience of family and friends.
Videos of some of the previous Student Concerts are available via the YouTube link.
Piano Club
I host a regular piano club for pianist friends and my adult students. This is a great opportunity to meet other players who are passionate about playing the piano. Everyone can hear each other play in a relaxed environment, ideal for developing performance skills. Also a lovely way to Introduce and share ideas about new repertoire.
It is wonderful to be able to provide these opportunities again after having to suspend them for a couple of years due to the pandemic.
Testimonials
"Steve is teaching all three of our Children and he really inspires them to give their best. He is excellent at adapting his style to their individual personalities and strikes just the right balance between making the lessons fun and ensuring they understand that they need to work hard to improve. I wish he had been my piano teacher!"
"Not enough good words to say about Steve, brilliant piano teacher and person. It is fascinating watching him teach as he adapts completely different styles depending on the child and their personality. Putting on the fabulous concerts for the children is a real highlight as the children love showing their pieces and getting together as a group."
"A fantastic and inspiring teacher got me back into playing at 39 years old!"
Many of my clients are happy to provide references by email.
Please ask me for more information
