Online Piano & Double Bass Lessons

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Christina Cooper Piano Retreat

Learn To Shape Your Own Musical Voice

As a highly-experienced teacher and skilled performance coach with many years of professional performance experience, I am uniquely placed to help you learn, progress and perform on your instrument. My performance-focused approach encourages you to explore the narrative of the music – not just what the composer is saying, but what you want to say with the music.

This personal connection to the music helps you create solid foundations in your technique, musicality and overall musical understanding. As a result, you can surpass mental barriers and blocks which may otherwise hinder your progress and performance. You can learn naturally and perform to a level which truly showcases your musical and technical ability.

Celebrating My Students’ Successes

I always encourage my students to challenge themselves and set performance goals to work towards. The recognition they receive in realising these goals helps them see how far they have come and the magnitude of what they have accomplished.

Over the years, I have had many proud moments to celebrate with my students:

  • 100% pass rate in ABRSM & Trinity exams and ABRSM Jazz Piano exams (with many distinctions)
  • Multiple 1st place competition prize-winners
  • Students awarded places in the London Schools’ Symphony Orchestra, South London Youth Orchestra, Guildhall School Of Music, Royal College of Music, Royal Academy of Music

For The Love Of Playing

I can confidently say that piano and double bass lessons with me are never boring. I like to make learning an instrument creative, engaging and enjoyable. In lessons, we will keep a balance between structured learning of classical harmony, theory and technique, with more creative explorations across a range of styles, sounds, harmonies and techniques. We will have fun experimenting with improvisation and composition to help broaden and deepen your musical understanding, and to help you find your own freedom and individuality in playing.

Learning an instrument can sometimes feel like an uphill struggle involving many hours of practice, commitment and dedication, but the rewards are truly worth it. I was once where you are and I can assure you, it does get easier (although the learning never stops!). Success in anything does not come easy, but it’s certainly worth it. For that reason, I only teach students who are truly passionate and eager to learn. Whenever the challenge hits, that passion will always carry you through.

If this sounds like you, then I’d love to hear from you. Click below to register and book a consultation lesson.

FAQs

How is your approach different to other teachers?

I have a performance-focused approach which encourages you to find your own unique voice and connect with your own musical narrative. I encourage creative and theoretical explorations of the music and your instrument, through improvisation, composition, technical work and expanding your listening and musical knowledge outside of lessons. All of this serves the purpose of allowing you both structure and freedom in performance, which in turn, builds your confidence.

What should I bring for my consultation lesson?

For intermediate or advanced players, you should bring one or two major pieces which show the level you are currently at. These need to be pieces which you have already reached a basic level of fluency with, and ideally pieces you have performed from start to finish (even if that’s just in the lesson with your teacher). Try to choose pieces which you really enjoy playing and which you feel confident with. I will need to be informed in advance what pieces you will be playing, and you will need to provide a digital copy of the score well in advance of the lesson.

What's the purpose of the consultation lesson?

We will use your consultation lesson to establish what level you are currently at in your learning  journey, and discuss any specific goals you have in mind for your lessons and performances. It’s also an opportunity for us to get a feel for each other and decide whether we could work well together. You are not committed to enrolment until we both agree that it is a good fit for you.

What setup do I need for online lessons?

A reliable internet connection is essential. I recommend a good microphone separate to your computer, which does not distort the sound and allows for as accurate a reproduction as possible. We will be using Zoom for all lessons. Please ensure you download the Zoom app prior to your lessons, so that you can test the settings. You may need to adjust audio levels as appropriate. Always enable ‘original sound’ and ‘high fidelity music mode’ where possible. Make sure that you test your levels prior to your sessions so you are ready. Make sure that I have a full view of you and your instrument (a side view for pianists, where I can see your hands, and a front-to-side view for double bass players). We can do a final sound and visual check in the consultation lesson.

Can I enrol part-way through the term?

If you miss the 6-week enrolment and early enrolment period, you may register for late enrolment up to 2 weeks after the start of the term. After this, booking will then be closed until the next term’s enrolment. You may then apply for early enrolment from 8 weeks before the start of the next new term.

What happens if I miss a lesson?

All lessons are paid for in advance, therefore cancellations are at your own loss. Please consider this commitment prior to enrolling. 

Do I need to commit to a full term?

Enrolment is for at least one full term. This is to ensure that you are making a commitment to learning and progressing, and helps us to plan performances appropriately.

Do I need to complete a new registration for each term?

You will only need to go through the registration and consultation lesson once. After this, you will automatically be approved for the next term enrolment. If you miss a term, you will still be approved for subsequent term enrolment, but be aware that you will not be eligible for early enrolment. Spaces can fill up fast and you may not be guaranteed a slot. This is to prioritise those who are committed to their ongoing learning and development.

How much will I need to practice?

Beginners should aim for at least 10-20 minutes a day as a start. For intermediate players I recommend at least an hour’s daily practice (with a maximum of 1 or 2 days off). For advanced students, this should increase to at least 90 mins a day. Be mindful that 90% of your progress will happen during your weekly practice, and your lessons are most effective when you have something to work with.

Can I book a regular time slot?

Before you enrol, we will both agree on a regular weekly time slot for your lessons. This can then be set during booking by selecting the ‘recurring’ option. Please be aware that this time slot applies to the current term of booking only. To secure your slot for the next term, you are advised to enrol as early as possible, as slots can fill up fast.

How safe are online lessons?

I have professional protocols in place to ensure the safest possible environment for your lessons. I highly prioritise my students’ safety and wellbeing and endeavour to provide a safe and supportive environment for online lessons. Parents of young students are encouraged to join the consultation in the first instance, and may request to be in the room for subsequent lessons if desired. Be assured that I have an up-to-date DBS which can be provided on request.

I'm not sure what level I am. Can I still enrol?

You may wish to have your teacher or another professional musician assess your level prior to registering. I will, however, be able to discern your level at your consultation lesson. I will then assign you to the appropriate lesson duration. Please note that the minimum level for enrolment is ABRSM Grade 5 or equivalent.

What are your teaching hours?

My regular teaching hours are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 12pm-1pm and 4pm-8pm, subject to change.

Booking

All lessons are taught online, and you will need to commit to at least one full term. If you miss the 6-week enrolment period, you may register for late enrolment up to 2 weeks after the start of the term.

You will need to complete a registration form prior to your consultation lesson. This will form the basis of your consultation lesson and give me a good idea of where you are at before we meet.

Click below to begin your registration. 

Individual lesson duration is appropriate to the level you are at. You will be advised on your level prior to enrolment, following your consultation.

Levels:

Beginner: Pre Grade 1-Grade 4 (30-min lessons)

Intermediate: Grade 5-7 (45-min lessons)

Advanced: Grade 8 and above (60-min lessons)

Pricing 

£30      30-min Consultation Lesson (Payable by card at booking) 

£500    Beginner Full Term Programme – 13 Lessons

£700    Intermediate Full Term Programme – 13 Lessons

£900    Advanced Full Term Programme – 13 Lessons

(All termly programmes require full payment by card on booking)