About me
My name is Sylvia Ede and I have been a piano teacher for over 15 years. I teach online as well as from my home. I accept students that wish to take exams as well as those who just want to play for enjoyment. I teach both adults and children from age 7 upwards. I am located in Southampton, Hampshire, UK.
Zoom zoom zoom
A few years ago, I started teaching my students by online tuition, using the Zoom web conference app. Despite this requiring my students to have their own piano or keyboard, this is proving to be very successful. It allows my students to progress during this coronavirus outbreak.
The Zoom app can be installed on virtually any computer, laptop, tablet or mobile phone. It is really easy to use, but the main thing I require is that the camera can be occasionally positioned to allow me to see your hands on the keys. Some students have someone with them to help with this. As my students progress, there is less need for this camera positioning.
Pricing
£12 per 30 mins.
This can be paid weekly into my bank account before each lesson or every 4 weeks as block payments in advance.
Introductory Course
For the total cost of £60, I am offering new students a short online course. The course runs for 4 lessons over consecutive weeks on a day and time to be agreed. This course is for all ages who have access to a piano, digital piano or keyboard.
After payment, the student will receive a music pack from me in the post that contains:
Keyboard note stickers
Treble and Bass Clef music notation sheet
4 single sheet tunes that are traditional, popular and easy to play
After the student completes the course, I will be happy to discuss options going forwards. Further online lessons can be arranged and these will be charged at my regular price.
Exams
The examination boards that I use are ABRSM (Royal Schools of Music) and TRINITY (Trinity college, London).
Depending on the ability of my students and how quickly they want to progress, exams are normally taken either once or twice a year. As your piano tutor, I will support you right through your examination preparation to cover both theory and practice as required.
2017 was a particularly busy time for my students who did take exams. They achieved a total of 23 passes, including 12 merits and 4 distinctions.
I realise that some students want to play purely for enjoyment without the desire for qualifications and therefore my students are not required to take exams.
Testimonials
My daughter has been having lessons from Sylvia for 2 years. Willow was grade 2 and then we had to switch to Zoom lessons in March. Sylvia carried on lessons via Zoom and Willow is now practising grade 5. She has come on so amazingly with such confidence and it’s all thanks to Sylvia. She’s just amazing, I would highly recommend. I couldn’t ask for a better teacher.
Fiona Spencer
Since the first lockdown, I have been having regular Zoom piano lessons with Sylvia. Now, into the second lockdown, I’m still here, still enjoying them and still being able to connect. I am using more and more video when working from home but, at last, I am able to use video conferencing for a creative purpose. Sylvia’s Zoom piano lessons have been just what I needed and have kept me motivated. Thank you Sylvia.
Glen Bhaam
My sons have been taught piano by Sylvia over several years, and under Sylvia’s tutelage they have both made significant progress. Our eldest is working towards Grade 7, and our youngest is currently working at Grade 3. Sylvia’s online Zoom lessons have been very effective during lockdown, as they provide the same one to one focus and attention to detail as conventional piano lessons, but from the convenience of your own home. My sons have taken to these well and we would recommend these for anyone considering piano lessons during these times.
Gaby McInnes
I have been having regular piano lessons online with Sylvia since the start of the first lockdown. Before this, I had been going to the studio for many years. I am now successfully playing many pieces that help to relax me, having previous played pieces up to grade 5 level whilst avoiding the exams by choice, due to a hectic and stressful work life.