Johnny Richards

Johnny has over 10 years experience in music education and working as a professional musician. Since graduating Leeds Conservatoire in 2010, Johnny has had experience teaching piano individually and in groups to students of all ages, all abilities and a range of styles. As a professional musician he has received a nomination for the BASCA British Composer Award 2018 and has had original projects featured on BBC Radio 2, 3, & 6 as well as touring throughout Europe at major festivals. His professional experience combined with his educational experience gives him a unique insight into how to learn, create and perform music, whatever the style.

Qualifications :

- MA (Masters) Music with Distinction - Leeds Conservatoire

- 2:1 BA Hons Jazz Studies Degree - Leeds Conservatoire

- Classical ABRSM Grade 8

- Excellent knowledge of music theory

- Years of experience as a teacher and professional musician

Since graduating from Leeds Conservatoire in 2010 Johnny has been involved in music education. He has taught privately from my home and around Leeds, in schools around Yorkshire as a peripatetic teacher and provided workshops with the charity Live Music Now for children and adults with learning disabilities.

Lessons with Johnny can include:

- Basic piano techniques

- Note and rhythm exercises

- Scales, aural training and sight reading exercises

- Examining Board repertoire including ABRSM Classical/Jazz, Trinity & Rock School

- Approaches to practicing

- Music Theory

- Learning your favourite songs

- Jazz piano and improvisation

- Jazz harmony and chord voicings

- Composition and songwriting

These lessons include:

- Studying harmony and chord voicings.

- Studying scores and transcriptions.

- Learning different stylistic compositional techniques

- Arranging for small or large ensembles

- Learning through writing your own original music

First lesson

In the first lesson, Johnny will discuss with the student their musical interests and what their own goals are for learning. After this initial discussion the lesson will be crafted with the student’s interests and goals in mind. Johnny can bring a selection of music to try out but please feel free to suggest pieces you particularly enjoy and want to learn to play.

Beginners

For beginners and children, you may be expected to buy some educational materials for the lessons. Johnny will provide song sheets and piano exercises but if you are looking to do grades you may be expected to buy the materials needed for the lessons.

Please feel free to write Johnny a message if you are interested in signing up for lessons or have any questions.