Piano / Keyboard Teachers
Playing the piano offers a unique blend of joy, creativity, and mental stimulation. It enhances cognitive skills such as memory, concentration, and problem-solving, making it an excellent exercise for the brain. The piano’s versatility allows players to explore a vast range of musical styles, from classical to jazz, blues to contemporary pop.
Learning piano also improves hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills, while providing a sense of accomplishment as pieces are mastered.
-
Mike began his musical education at the age of 5 when he started learning piano and trumpet at school. He achieved grade 8 in both by the age of 14 and an advanced performing certificate in trumpet aged 17. Mike performed for several years with the National Children’s Orchestra at venues such as the Barbican and the Royal Albert Hall. His orchestral journey continued with the East Sussex Youth Orchestra where he was fortunate to play in many prestigious venues across Europe.
Whilst at college Mike achieved grade 8 in singing and attended the Junior Royal College of Music studying trumpet and percussion, achieving grade 8 in the latter shortly after.
Mike then attended Trinity College of Music where he gained both a BMus Hons degree and postgraduate diploma in classical singing.
He has sung bass for the TCM Chamber Choir, the choir at the Royal Hospital Chelsea and the BBC Symphony Chorus. Solo performances include
Mendelssohn’s Elijah
Stainer’s Crucifixion
Mozart Requiem
Fauré Requiem
Menotti’s opera The Telephone.
As a pianist Mike’s performances include
Little Shop of Horrors
Copacabana
Les Miserables and
West Side Story
Mike has performed many continuo performances in various concerts across the South East for Pro Musica and Sussex Symphony Orchestra.
He has been playing with the ceilidh band Licence to Ceilidh for 17 years.
He occasionally dabbles as a church organist too.
As a teacher Mike is very flexible in his approach. Whether it be studying for grades or learning popular songs the emphasis is on making it fun alongside introducing musical theory.
-
I'm a session piano and keyboard player specialising in jazz/ soul/ funk/ neosoul -related contemporary styles...and a bit of everything else. I gig all over the UK and the world, am available for recording work (some of which I can do remotely from home) and I teach privately to suit individual students and their musical interests whilst providing a sound basis in the essentials. That kind of thing
-
Jarrod Elks is an international performer with over 15 years of teaching experience.
A passionate teacher of a variety of instruments including guitar and piano, Jarrod’s seen hundreds of his students gain the skills and confidence to perform live.
Particularly passionate about jazz, acoustic guitar, blues, ragtime and folk, Jarrod has shared stages with legendary session musician Herbie Flowers as well as many of London’s top tier musicians, regularly performing at Ronnie Scott’s jazz club, as well as appearing at jazz festivals (Twinwood, Rye Jazz Festival, Brighton Jazz Festival) in the UK and abroad.
“I can’t say enough good things about Mike, my son’s piano teacher! From the moment he started lessons with him, it was clear that Mike is a brilliant teacher. Not only does he have an impressive depth of musical knowledge, but his ability to connect with children is remarkable.
Mike is patient, kind, and understanding. He knows exactly how to keep my son engaged and excited about learning. He tailors his lessons to my son’s unique pace and interests, making each lesson feel fun.
What I appreciate about Mike is his ability to balance structure and creativity. He provides clear, step-by-step guidance while encouraging my son to express himself and explore music in his own way. I couldn’t ask for a better teacher, and I’m so grateful for my son’s progress under his guidance. I highly recommend Mike to anyone looking for a talented and genuinely caring piano teacher!”
Jarrod
