ONLINE PIANO LESSONS | Jazz, Classical, Pop, and more | All ages and abilities | Over 10 years of teaching experience | 20 years playing experience

Find out more about Samuel

• When did you first develop a passion for music and your favourite instrument?

  When I was about nine years old I used to sit and listen to my sister playing the piano at home, one day I asked her if she could teach me a song I liked, and she did. Ever since that day, I've played the piano at every opportunity. It has been over 15 years, and it was one of the best decisions I ever made.

• Is there a particular type of music or artist that you listen to on a loop without it driving you crazy?

  My answer to this question is kind of a cliche - I listen to all styles of music, and I mean ALL styles of music. But I would say the genres I listen to most are probably jazz, classical, and funk. I enjoy experiencing the different emotions that music can instil in me. One day it might be classical, another pop and another Gaelic folk music… At the moment I'm listening to a lot of Salsa and Latin Jazz. One artist that has really inspired me is Chick Corea.

• Explain to us the most difficult or riveting course you could personally give to a student of music.

  I would say either improvisation or songwriting.

• What do you think is the most complicated instrument to master and why?

  If I had mastered all the instruments in the world, I could give you a valid answer! However, I can play a few instruments to a decent level, and what I've realised is that each instrument has its own challenges and complexities.

• What are your keys to success?

  Patience. Lots of patience.
  
  A lot of my students come to me and ask 'okay so how long before I'm a really good pianist?' And most of them want quick results, but really learning a musical instrument is a lifelong endeavour. I'm still learning to this day, there is so much to learn. For me, that's what I really enjoy about it.

• Name three musicians you dream of meeting in your favourite bar in the early hours of the morning. Explain why.

  There are so many of them, that it's difficult to whittle it down to only 3. But I'd have to go with Oscar Peterson, Chick Corea, and J S Bach. Oscar Peterson was one of the first jazz musicians I ever listened to - I still remember the impression his music made on me. Chick Corea is one of my favourite musicians and composers who I just missed the chance to see perform before he died, due to the covid pandemic, and Bach is Bach…

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to music or your days at music school.

• What are the little touches that make you a Superprof in music?

  I think my biggest strength is that I love teaching. I have had some teachers in the past who only taught out of necessity rather than out of passion, and I've had lots of teachers who are bubbling with enthusiasm for what they do. Guess which ones I learnt more from…
  
  Another thing is my variety - No two lessons are the same, and I don't push my methods on to someone if it's not how they learn