Sharing your Musical Journey
Music has been at the centre of my life since I first began piano lessons at the age of six. Over the years, it has brought me joy, fulfilment and a sense of connection unlike anything else. But my own journey hasn’t always been straightforward: I know what it feels like to be stuck in a rut, pressured to do what I felt I “should” or weighed down by criticism and anxiety. Those experiences have shaped the way I now teach, with sensitivity, encouragement and a focus on nurturing each student’s own relationship with music.
What I Teach
I offer private one-to-one lessons in flute, piano and singing (classical and musical theatre) from my home-based studio. Since 2001, I have taught hundreds of students, first in Gloucester and, since 2010, here in Lichfield, Staffordshire. I teach a wide range of students, from children beginning their musical journey, to teenagers developing their skills and adults exploring music at their own pace.
Who I Teach
My students come from many walks of life, and here are just a few:
Teenagers preparing for GCSE, A Level or university courses, or looking for a safe space where they can relax and be themselves amidst a busy schedule of school work
Adults returning to music after many years away, often in retirement or at a new stage of life
Singers in local choirs who want to feel more confident with technique and sight-reading
Amateur dramatics and youth theatre performers preparing for auditions and shows, and looking looking to increase their confidence as performers
Beginners - young and old - taking up music for the first time as a creative hobby or a way to relax
Students who’ve been teaching themselves or learning online, who want to grow further with personal support
Students have gone on to study at universities and conservatoires, including Oxford Brookes University, the University of Chichester, Birmingham City University, Leeds Conservatoire, and SOTE Birmingham. Others simply enjoy the chance to make music as part of their everyday lives. I also teach students who belong to Lichfield Musical Youth Theatre and who sing in local choirs such as Lichfield Cathedral Chorus, Birmingham Bach Choir and The Palace Singers. Everyone is welcome, wherever they are on their musical journey.
“Thank you very very much for all the help you have given Ellen over the years. She has enjoyed all her lessons and never asked to give up which is a great credit to your teaching and understanding of teenagers!”
~ Tony (parent of a teenage flute student)
“David has been an inspiring teacher, introducing me to a whole range of music. He is very supportive and always asks questions to elicit an individual response to the music. He is tolerant of mistakes, and has many strategies to help sort out difficult moments. He has given me greater confidence in my music-making and as an adult learner I recommend him unreservedly.”
~ Richard (adult student: piano)
My Approach
“Every lesson is shaped around you.”
I don’t believe there is a single “right” way - instead, we work together to explore the music, skills, and techniques that will help you grow and enjoy playing or singing for the rest of your life. My focus is always on music-making first, creating space for curiosity, creativity, and imagination.
I encourage a safe, healthy approach where the whole body is engaged, helping students to play and sing with ease and confidence. For me, lessons are about more than exams or certificates, they’re about nurturing a love of music that lasts a lifetime.
Opportunities Along the Way
For those who choose, I offer graded and diploma exams with Trinity, LCM and ABRSM (both digital and in-person). Many students also enjoy taking part in our flute choir and termly informal performance opportunities for adults - safe, supportive spaces to share music and connect with others.
My Journey
Alongside teaching, I remain active in the wider music community. In 2018, I was shortlisted for the Musicians’ Union Inspiration Award at the Music Teacher Awards for Excellence. I am a Fellow of the Independent Society of Musicians (FISM), hold Registered Private Teacher Status with an Enhanced DBS check and am an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. I have completed Child Protection in Music training with the NSPCC and am fully insured for public liability.
I also hold a PhD in Music Education from the Royal College of Music, alongside professional diplomas in teaching, performance and composition. David Barton Music is recognised as both a Trinity Digital Centre and a Trinity Champion Centre.
Fees & Booking
I offer private one-to-one flute, piano and singing (classical and music theatre) lessons from the age of 10 upwards, the age groups I specialise in teaching. Students can choose to reserve a regular slot or book lessons on a flexible basis.
Regular Lessons
Regular lessons provide students with a reserved space in the timetable and a structured commitment that supports steady progress throughout the year. Regular lesson slots are billed as a flat-rate monthly payment, entitling students to:
A reserved weekly or fortnightly lesson slot in the timetable
38 lessons per academic year (19 for fortnightly students) or the equivalent lesson time
A minimum offer of 38 teaching weeks per year
Weekly lessons (paid monthly)
30 mins
£76.00 per month
45 mins
£114.00 per month
Fortnightly lessons (paid monthly)
30 mins
£38.00 per month
45 mins
£57.00 per month
Flexible Lessons
For those who do not wish to reserve a regular weekly or fortnightly slot in the studio timetable, then you can book and pay for lessons on a flexible basis. This is great for those with changing work schedules, those who work shifts, retired students and those who need only occasional lessons, and is a popular option with many adult students. Lessons can be booked online; however, these are always subject to availability and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
30 mins
£24.00 per lesson
45 mins
£36.00 per lesson
60 mins
£48.00 per lesson
Ready to take the next step on your musical journey?
Whatever stage you’re at, I’d love to hear from you. I know that taking that first step can be nerve-wracking, and there’s probably a lot of questions going through your mind. You may wish to read my FAQs or to find out more about the lessons I offer, ask any questions that are on your mind or to arrange a discovery lesson, get in touch.