Flute, Piano & Singing Lessons in Lichfield, Staffordshire

It’s perhaps no surprise that I’d love music to mean as much to you or your child 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 felt 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 music lessons can provide a gateway to a whole range of musical experiences, hours of enjoyment, and a lifetime’s fulfilment. Whether you’re a parent of a potential student, or an adult learner or returner, I know that taking the first step isn’t always easy, but a great place to start is to see what past students have said about their lessons. You might be surprised to find it’s not all about the music itself:

“You always had faith in me when I said “I can’t” or when I was adamant I had failed. I admire your love for music and care for your pupils.”

Dina, singing student

“I cannot believe the transformation from someone who had never played or sung in front of anyone. I find it difficult to believe. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I could achieve this. It has brought such pleasure into my life.”

Elizabeth, piano and singing student

“David is one of the most patient, encouraging and nurturing teachers I have ever had the pleasure to know! I wanted to know if I could still sing (having been in choirs as a child) and he coaxed me with wit and humour all the way to Grade 8. I would never have had the confidence or courage to have reached as far as I did and I only wish I could find a similar teacher – no one else has filled the void.”

Jan, singing student

“I sing in a local choir and wanted to ensure I am singing the right part as well as improve my singing and understanding…David has been very kind and supportive…he is helping me to learn to breath better, to understand the notation and the theory as well as challenging me to try different songs.”

Fiona; adult singing student

“Her confidence has grown and she would never have played in public without your help and guidance.”

parent of a 14-year old flute student

“I really appreciate your hard work and expert teaching. I have enjoyed my lessons, performance experience and meeting with others who share a passion for music.”

Caroline; adult singing student

“I have enjoyed all of my lessons and they have sometimes improved a bad day.”

Ellen; flute student, age 14

““She has enjoyed all her lessons and never asked to give up which is a great credit to your teaching and understanding of teenagers!”

parent of 14-year-old flute student

“Thank you so much for your help over the last couple of years. You have very much helped me regain my confidence after an accident.”

Sue; adult piano student

“I want to thank you not only for all you have taught me during my lessons, but for taking that extra time outside the ‘classroom’. You have not only developed my knowledge but deepened my passion for singing, composing and music altogether.”

Dina; singing student, age 17

“It’s been wonderful to find joy in playing the flute again, and it’s been one of the very few things that has helped me find my way back to the light after a very dark period.”

Amy; adult flute student

“We wanted to thank you for your support in tutoring our daughter. We have seen her come out of your lessons far more confident and cheery. We are delighted with her progress.”

parent of an 18-year-old singing student

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

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 whose approach to teaching is 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. Maybe you’re looking for a teacher who can work flexibly with your schedule?

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 

For nearly 25 years:

I have taught over 20,000 hours of one-to-one instrumental and vocal lessons

I have taught nearly 300 individual students ranging in age from five to 75+

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

I am an active researcher in the field of music education, working recently for ABRSM and LCM, 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 for Excellence

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 lessons, in as authentic a way as possible.

Find out more about me on my About page.

Here in Lichfield, Staffordshire, I offer a range of simple and flexible options to help students learn, 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 here in Lichfield, 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 seek to offer 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, from regular weekly and fortnightly options, to flexible book-as-you go

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

  • Opportunities to enter exams (both digital and in-person) and musical festivals for those who choose

  • A range of opportunities to make music with other students including a flute choir and termly, informal performance opportunity for adults

I offer flute, piano, singing (including music theatre) and music theory lessons, all of which take place at my home-based studio in Lichfield, Staffordshire:

FlutePianoSinging & Music TheatreMusic Theory
Age 9+Age 9+Age 10+Age 9+
All levelsAll levelsAll levelsBeginner to Grade 5

Regular Lessons

Regular weekly or fortnightly lesson slot, paid monthly (fees from 1.9.24):

Weekly lessons (paid monthly)

30 mins 45 mins
£71.25£106.88

Fortnightly lessons (paid monthly)

30 mins 45 mins
£35.63£53.44

Flexible Lessons

Book lessons online at times to suit you, pay per lesson (fees from 1.9.24):

30 mins 45 mins
£22.50£33.75

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I too old?

You are never too old to start learning and return to learning. Currently, my oldest students (yes, there are a few) are well over 75.

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, both in-person and digital options. 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/trial lesson?

Yes, I offer a discovery lesson with no ongoing obligation. They’re a chance for you to discover more about what I can offer you as a teacher, and for me to discover more about what you’re looking to do. These lessons are charged at the normal pay-per-lesson rate. I do not offer a ‘free trial’.

How much do you charge?

You can find my current lesson fees listed in the section above.

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.

Where are you based?

I teach from my home-based studio in Lichfield, Staffordshire. It’s about 15 minutes walk from Lichfield Trent Valley railway station and close to the A38.

Why don’t you teach younger age groups?

Each teacher has their own particular skillset, and over the years, I’ve developed my work with older children, teenagers, and adults.

Do you with other teachers?

I absolutely love working with other instrumental and vocal teachers. There is no judgement here, and I always seek to meet you where you are on your teaching journey.

What is your availability?

My availability changes regularly, and all enquiries are dealt with on a case-by-case basis. Where no suitable slot is available, I operate a waiting list.

Ready to take the next step?

Whatever stage you’re at on your musical journey, I’d love to hear from you. I know that taking that first step can be hard, and there’s probably a lot of questions going through your mind. To find out more about the lessons I offer, ask any questions that are on your mind, and to arrange a discovery lesson, click on the button below to get in touch:

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