Online Lessons - David Barton Music

Online flute, piano & singing lessons from anywhere in the world.

I also offer face-to-face lessons from my home-based studio in Lichfield, Staffordshire. Find out more here.

It’s perhaps no surprise that I’d love music to mean as much to you as it does to me. Music has been central to my life since I started piano lessons at the age of six. The enjoyment and fulfilment I’ve had from music for over 30 years is immeasurable.

My musical journey hasn’t always been easy. Sometimes I’ve been stuck in a rut with no clear idea how to progress. There have been times when I’ve ended up doing what I feel I ought to do rather than what I really wanted to. Inevitably, there have been times when the enjoyment of the music itself has been sapped by criticism and anxiety.

But lessons can provide a gateway to a whole range of musical experiences, hours of enjoyment, and a lifetime’s fulfilment.

Online lessons (via FaceTime, Skype or Zoom) can be a great way to enjoy learning from the comfort of your own home. Here are some reasons why online lessons might suit you:

Pianists can learn on their own instrument, and everyone can enjoy lessons in a familiar environment;
You can learn from your own home without worrying about travel, parking or petrol;
There’s no need to worry if there’s a suitable teacher local to you;
You can learn with a teacher who meets you where you’re at, even if you’re in different corners of the globe.

If you’ve arrived at this page, you probably fall into one of two categories:

You’re a parent of a child interested in taking the next step on their musical journey…You’re an adult interested in taking the next step on your musical journey…

Like I was, your child might be inspired to learn an instrument or to sing, even if they have no prior musical experience;

Your child might be having lessons, but they’re not getting the enjoyment from them they’d like;

Circumstances mean you need to change teacher. Maybe you’ve moved house, or your child has moved schools;

Your child might be having lessons, but they’d like to take a different route on their musical journey, maybe to explore new repertoire or learn new skills;

You’re child is hungry to learn, but you haven’t found a teacher they ‘click’ with yet;

You need someone who’s approach to teaching is as adaptable and flexible enough to work with your child’s varied musical interests.

Maybe you learnt an instrument or to sing as a child, and now you’d love to return to it;

Perhaps you’ve just retired and are looking to take up a new hobby;

Life and work can often be busy and demanding, so maybe you’re looking to learn an instrument or to sing to help you relax;

You might already play in an ensemble or sing in a choir, and you’d like to increase your confidence;

You’d like to get to a place where you can play or sing more fluently and find escapism with your music;

For you, playing music or singing might ‘just’ be for fun, but you also want to challenge and push yourself to develop your skills.

Over 20 years:

I have taught some 15,000 hours of one-to-one instrumental and vocal lessons;

I have taught over 250 individual students ranging in age from five to 75+;

I have taught a whole range of students from beginners to diploma-level, both amateurs and professionals;;

I am an active researcher in the field of music education, working recently for ABRSM, with a number of specialist education and teaching qualifications;

In 2018, I was hugely honoured to be
nominated and shortlisted for the
Musicians’ Union Inspiration Award at the Music Teacher Awards.

As a teacher, I meet students where they’re at on their journey of development as a musician, whether they’re a complete beginner, or they have years of musical experiences behind them. I am committed to working collaboratively with each individual student to harness the unique skills and knowledge they bring to the table, in as authentic a way as possible.

I offer a range of simple and flexible options to help students learn online, all of which centre around a sense of creativity and imagination. I create an holistic environment which nurtures each student’s commitment to develop their musical skills further. However each student engages with music, I want them to grow and experience all it has to offer.

As an instrumental and vocal teacher, I’m committed to each student’s development as an individual. Through tailoring what we do to each student’s individual needs, goals and aspirations, I create an experience which is about far more than exam results and certificates. I believe that music transforms lives, offers a voice where words fail, and has a positive impact on health and well-being. Just as my own teachers nurtured my musical skills, so I want to nurture each of my own student’s too.

What do you get?

Commitment to each individual student with lessons tailored to their own needs, aspirations and goals;

A creative approach harnessing each student’s imagination, where music-making is always at the heart of the process;

The development of skills and knowledge which will enable each student to enjoy making music for the rest of their lives;

Sensitivity and reassurance every step of the way, wherever the student is at on their musical journey;

Enjoyment and fulfilment, without pressure;

A range of lesson options to suit a variety of different learners, both children and adults;

A qualified, Enhanced DBS-checked teacher with ISM Registered Private Teacher status.

What do I offer?

I offer the following online lesson options:

Flute	Piano	Singing & Music Theatre	Music Theory
Age 9+	Age 9+	Age 10+	Age 9+
All levels	All levels	All levels	Beginner to Grade 5

How does it work?

Regular Lessons

Regular weekly or fortnightly lesson slot, paid monthly:

Weekly lessons (paid monthly)

30 mins	45 mins	1 hour
£60	£90	£120

Fortnightly lessons (paid monthly)

30 mins	45 mins	1 hour
£30	£45	£60

Flexible Lessons

Book lessons online at times to suits you, pay per lesson:

30 mins	45 mins	1 hour
£19	£28.50	£38

Am I too old?

Never! My oldest student is currently 76, and I’ve previously taught older.

Do I have to do exams?

Exams aren’t for everyone, and there is never any pressure to sit exams. That said, for those who do wish to measure their progress, I enter pupils for a range of ABRSM, LCM and Trinity Exams. There are a range of options available, and we always find the assessment which best matches the needs of the student.

Do you offer a taster lesson?

Yes, I offer a taster lesson with no ongoing obligation. These lessons are charged at the normal pay-per-lesson rate.

Which days do you teach?

I currently teach on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

Do you teach during the daytime?

Yes, I teach both daytimes, after-school and evenings.

How do online lessons work?

In many ways, online lessons work the same as face-to-face lessons, but they can be a great option for some people for many different reasons. Online lessons take place via FaceTime, Skype or Zoom

Do I need any special equipment?

You will need a reliable internet connection and a device (usually desktop, laptop or tablet) on which to have the online lessons.

Next steps

Whatever stage you’re at on your musical journey, I’d love to hear from you.

To find out more about the lessons I offer, and to arrange a taster lesson, click on the button below to contact me.

GET IN TOUCH