For remote lessons there is the added bonus that students may then review the recorded lesson at their leisure as often as they wish.

• Affordable – Please see the eMusicTutor Facebook page for current prices.
• Friendly – I don’t operate a faceless, anonymous internet site.
• Highly regarded – Please see the eMusicTutor Facebook page for independent reviews.
• Professional – my lessons are relaxed and informal; however I am always professional and focused on delivering results. I want my students to enjoy rapid progress and I hugely enjoy seeing that progress too – it’s fun for all of us!

I believe it’s important (as well as a lot of fun) that my students have the opportunity to play the kind of music THEY want to play.  So, instead of the narrow, sometimes uninteresting music that is so often taught for exams, I encourage students to learn a range of interesting and fun styles – styles that you will want to play and others will love to hear.

So while I certainly encourage and teach the best of classical music, I also teach “hard to come-by” styles such as Boogie Woogie, Ragtime, “Honky Tonk” or Blues – provided of course that’s what the student wishes.

For example, for someone who has been learning only a few months a lesson might cover:

• The basics of a simple boogie woogie like Jerry Lee Lewis’s Whole lotta shakin’
• How to learn, play and recognise chords and their inversions and variations
• Some basic “learner” tunes in various keys, focusing on correct fingering, excellent technique and recognising chord the progressions making up the tune.
• Some fun “honky-tonk” bass lines
• One of my many personal compositions such as “The Russian Song” – played in a Russian style, getting faster and faster…

For the intermediate/advanced student, a lesson might cover:

• Boogie Woogie Stomp by Albert Ammons
• The Maple Leaf Rag by Scott Joplin
• Air on The G-String by J S Bach
• Some Jerry Lewis style rock ‘n roll

Essential Technique

Of course as well as making learning music fun I also ensure our students learn the essential basics required for any style:

• Thorough knowledge of all keys
  • Some scale work (although not too much, it’s supposed to be fun!)
  • The importance of correct technique and fingering even when playing more ‘informal’ styles
• Knowledge and recognition of chord progressions
  • Allows a deep understanding of pieces, more than “just reading dots on a page”
• How to recognise keys and play by ear
  • vamp’ in a variety of engaging styles
  • how to join in with other musicians
  • play with or without music in front of you.

Song writing and composition

I also teach song-writing and composition as a standard part of my lessons – so you could be writing your own pieces before very long at all…

Many of my lessons are the traditional, local, face-to-face lessons, in Kippen, Scotland, where the parent is always present.

However, when taking Internet lessons rather then local in-person lessons, the ‘Mum and Dad taxi’ can (at last!) retire while your children enjoy their lessons in the comfort, convenience and safety of your own home. Before you know it your child could be learning boogie woogie and ragtime, as well as the very best classical music pieces!

Of course, as for any internet activity, you will wish to ensure your child’s lessons are totally safe, and here at eMusicTutor I provide the following safeguards:

• All lessons are recorded and available for you to privately review at any time (this is very handy for learning purposes too!)
• I encourage parents to be engaged with the lessons enabling them to be fully informed of lessons and lesson content at all times.
• A current “Disclosure Scotland Certificate” is available for all parents and students to view.  For those unfamiliar with these certificates, for the person listed (me!) they list any criminal convictions considered unspent under The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and thus provide parents and students with a measure of confidence regarding my background. (Presently the only conviction is a single speeding offence some years ago!)  Please do ask and I will be happy to let you see the certificate.
• For all students under the age of 16 I always communicate with the parent or guardian when communicating outside of the lesson itself – I never ask for or accept direct contact details from the child outside of a lesson.

No long-term contract or obligation

We all know children (and adults!) can change their mind and if you or your child wishes to stop lessons you can do so at any time, completely free of any charge or obligation.

Additionally, the first lesson is completely free, with no obligation!

I teach locally in Kippen, Scotland, as well as over the internet for my more remote students.

Should you choose internet lesson,  simple (Skype technology means that all you needs is an Internet connection, a laptop or tablet, a webcam and of course your musical instrument!  Internet lessons also have the following advantages –

• No need to spend time and money travelling to lessons.
• I’ll help you set up your laptop or tablet for free.
• You can record your lessons and review them at any time – a substantial advantage over traditional lessons and one of our most popular features.
• Payment (from any currency) is easy and on-line.
• Get your initial set-up and first lesson is FREE with no obligation.
• For reviews and testimonials, please see my testimonials page here.
• I am not an anonymous website with hundreds of teachers; my name and address can be found on the contact section of the website.  Please feel free to phone or email at any time.

For subsequent lessons I currently charge £25 per hour, £20 for 45 minutes, or £15 for a half hour lesson.

Also, for on-line lessons:

• Initial discussions and guidance on setting up your internet piano lessons are completely free and for those not confident with “technology” I am very happy to take things slowly and just chat things through.  I also provide as much free set-up guidance  as you require – I know that sometimes modern technology can seem a little overwhelming!  All this comes with no obligation…I’m happy to talk!
• After the initial free set-up and discussions,  your first formal lesson is free and there is no obligation to continue if you decide that my lessons are not for you.
• Payment is simple, secure and online, from anywhere in the world.
• I ask that all lessons are paid for in advance, but there is no ongoing obligation and you can decide to stop taking lessons at any time.

Equipment required for Internet lessons:
To make the most of your internet lesson I recommend the following simple equipment which in total usually costs less than the price of two lessons (prices correct Sept 2017)

• a stand-alone webcam
  
  (cheaper webcams are available but this one guarantees good picture and sound)
• a tripod for mounting the camera next to you, such as:

I can supply links and details of how to purchase online, typically from Amazon.

Both methods have their own advantages.  For online lessons –

• No time (or money!) is wasted travelling…so Mum and Dad can relax instead of having to ferry the children to their lessons.
• You can automatically record all lessons .  This is a massive advantage over traditional lessons and is the single biggest reason our students LOVE internet lessons. It means that students can review any parts of the lesson that they have forgotten or that require their special attention.  This may help:
  • studying what the teacher played in detail
  • reviewing the student’s own performance during the lesson
  • replaying advice and teaching from the teacher
• Students often say they are more focused and learn faster from internet lessons
• Students can “warm up” at the piano prior to the lesson meaning that they are not playing “cold” to the teacher often gets a more accurate assessment of the pupil’s ability.
• Mumps, measles, minor injuries etc need no longer stop lessons.

“After being sceptical about how successful internet piano lessons would be, I no love them.  They are simple and the benefit of being able to review the lesson can’t be over-stated.  I would not go back to non-internet  lessons again.”
Margaret, a happy and active pensioner!

What happens if the internet connection fails?

This is a rare occurrence but when it does we simply reschedule the lesson.

Can you observe as much from a screen image as they would visiting in person?

Yes.  provided the internet connection is good I’ll have a crystal-clear view of your piano and fingers as well as excellent audio. I’ll help you set up the simple equipment before any lessons begin such that I will have a good view of the piano keyboard and your playing throughout each lesson – and of course you will have an excellent view of anything I demonstrate as well.  It works very well.

Is lesson time lost in adjusting cameras and microphones?

No.  These are done prior to the first lesson and thereafter everything should be in place when the lesson starts.
In fact we find internet lessons more productive as

• Time is not lost travelling walking into the room, taking coats off, opening music cases and adjusting piano stools.
• You don’t lose packing away at the end of the lesson.
• We find that students often have a warm up” practice before the lesson starts which means they are not playing “cold” to the teacher.  This can sometimes be a significant factor.
• All in all we strongly feel that you get more productive teaching minutes from an internet lesson.

How can I contact eMusicTutor?

Please see our contact page for details.

What happens if I don’t like your music lessons?

You just stop having them;  there is no contract or long-term obligation, but we are very confident you will enjoy your lessons and stay

Technical Questions (equipment etc):

Is it difficult to set up the equipment for an internet lesson?

Not at all, and we will freely give you any help you require.

Can I watch the recorded lesson afterwards?

Yes. You can automatically record all lessons. This is a significant advantage over non-internet lessons and means that students can repeat any parts of the lesson that require their special attention.  This may help:

• studying what the teacher played in detail
• reviewing the student’s own performance during the lesson
• replaying advice and teaching from the teacher

You can securely watch the lessons on any tablet or device that has an internet browser.

Will my internet connection be good enough?

A good internet connection is of course required.  As a minimum, I  suggest:

• 2Mbps download speed
• 3Mbps upload speed

There are many free services available for checking your internet speed. I suggest clicking one of the links below:

• www.broadbandspeedchecker.co.uk
• http://speedtest.btwholesale.com/
• http://www.broadband.co.uk/broadband-speed-test/

Tunes by Albert Ammons (sheet music also available)

By popular agreement, Albert Ammons was simply the best boogie woogie piano player who ever lived.  Not only was his technique unparalleled but he also composed many of the best  “standard” boogie-woogie pieces, many of which I can teach, and some of which I demonstrate below.

* Note that I have transcribed many of the performances and sheet music is available (for a small charge) exactly as I played them. – Please contact me for details.

Click here for Pinetop’s Blues

Click here for Boogie Woogie Blues (Albert Ammons piano solo)

Click here for Cuttin’ The Boogie (solo performance of the Ammons-Johnson duet)

Click here for Chicago In Mind (unusual slow blues-boogie with n extended, soulful intro)

Click here for Chicago In Mind – this time on a honky-tonk piano

Click here for Barrelhouse Boogie (solo performance of the Ammons-Johnson duet)

…coming soon…Boogie Woogie Stomp (Ammons’ most famous tune)

Tunes by Meade Lux Lewis

Meade “Lux” Lewis was the third of the famous “Boogie Woogie Trio” of the 1940’s.  His famous “Honky Tonk Train Blues” was one the first “recognised” boogie woogie recordings – and remains one of the best and most original in its ideas and elements.

Click here for Honky Tonk Train Blues

Tunes by Pete Johnson

Pete Johnson played alongside Albert Ammons and the two complemented each other fantastically well, even though their boogie-woogie piano styles were very different.

Dive Bomber
(…coming soon)

Tunes by Doctor John

The good Doctor plays a mean boogie-woogie and usually plays them in the technically-difficult key of Eb.

Click here for Doctor John’s Pinetop Boogie

RAGTIME

Knowing which ragtime tunes to demonstrate is difficult – everyone has their personal favourite…but here are some of ours..

Black and White Rag (popularised by Winifred Atwell)
(…coming soon)

Russian Rag
(…coming soon)

Maple Leaf Rag
(…coming soon)

Jerry Lee Lewis

Jerry Lee Lewis took what was essentially a form of music played until then by black musicians and added his own unique twist, as well as terrific vocals to create his own unique sound – be it fast paced boogie-woogie rock ‘n’ roll or his own inimitable country style.

I teach many elements of Jerry Lee’s style and videos demonstrating some of his tunes and style are…on their way!

And many more…

For a small charge you can own the sheet music for these fabulous boogie woogie pieces – exactly as played on my YouTube Videos (see below).

Please email me at [email protected] to inquire about sheet music for the following YouTube videos:

Boogie Woogie Blues (Albert Ammons piano solo)

Cuttin’ The Boogie (solo performance of the Ammons-Johnson duet)

Chicago In Mind (unusual slow blues-boogie with n extended, soulful intro)

Chicago In Mind – this time on a honky-tonk piano

Barrelhouse Boogie (solo performance of the Ammons-Johnson duet)