About Laurence

Laurence teaches the piano at his home in Copmanthorpe, 5 miles southwest of York city centre. He is welcoming, friendly and encouraging. He enjoys teaching classical, jazz and popular music of all eras. He takes beginners to diploma standard pupils across the full age range from 4 to 80!

Laurence completed a degree in music at Colchester Institute in 1986. Here, he studied the piano with Harold Parker and Tim Carey and harmony and counterpoint with Alan Bullard. Laurence then qualified as a secondary school music teacher at the University of London, Institute of Education. He taught music in a variety of schools until 1993 then he became a full-time piano teacher Laurence likes to use a wide range of piano publications and enjoys arranging current chart music for pupils of different abilities - often making 2 or 3 versions of the same piece. Pupils particularly enjoy playing these arrangements and are highly motivated by them.

Laurence also teaches theory, sight-singing, composition and skills such as keyboard harmony, score reading and improvisation.

From the outset he aims to establish good habits with his pupils. Good posture and reading habits are encouraged together with a wide variety of practice techniques. Above all he tries to help pupils to play with expression, imagination and enjoyment.

Pupils have the option to take public music examinations with the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music or Trinity College of Music.

Laurence has an eclectic music taste. He enjoys medieval music, opera, musical theatre, symphonic, vocal and chamber music and has a large collection of piano music on CD. Jazz, folk and popular music are also important to him. Another aspect of Laurence’s work is accompanying other instrumentalists and singers both for musical examinations and public performances.

At various times he has played the trumpet, tuba, guitar, treble recorder, medieval harp and the church organ! Most of Laurence’s teaching takes place after school hours, but he teaches many adults during the day. However, Laurence does not teach at weekends or during school holidays. When not actively involved in musical pursuits, Laurence still finds time for his other interests which include his allotment, walking, playing chess and spending time with his family..