Piano, music theory, playing by ear - tailored for you

From 37.51 £ /h

It is never too late to start or resume learning piano! My teaching experience makes me a witness to this.

Perhaps you came looking for piano lessons because you wish to be able to play some particular pieces, or to develop specific skills. Or maybe you don't know what your goal is yet, but are fond of the sound of the piano and want to dive into this wonderful instrument. Whatever the case, I am looking forward to hearing from you and discussing your next step!

I try as much as possible to tailor the work with each individual student aiming at the goals set and the student's musical tastes. This becomes more the case the higher the student's level of experience. Nevertheless, beginners are also encouraged to suggest music for themselves to learn.

The work on pieces is combined with other important activities designed to develop finger dexterity, hand coordination, rhythmic sense, music reading, playing by ear, etc. The Cortot, Hanon and scale exercises are some of my frequent choices for the technical work.

For young beginners, I defend a no-book approach during the first 2 or 3 months, for three main reasons: it makes learning more fun, it unlocks our creative potential and it allows us to explore the instrument rather confidently and freely. Instead of learning how to read right from the start, students have the opportunity to play games, listen to music, sing, compose, and improvise over backing tracks, developing the core skills necessary for any musical activity later on. After this period, it is then time to introduce them to a method book. The one I recommend the most is Piano Safari.

For teenage and adult beginners, the activities described above are selected and adjusted, and theory concepts may be introduced at an earlier stage. If desired, graded level series such as the RSL Classical or Contemporary Piano, among others, may be opted for.

Please notice that my scheduling may not always be up to date on this website, so the best way to know my availability is sending me a message. Feel free to get in touch for any other questions as well!

Looking forward to meeting you soon,

Rodrigo

Extra information

It is advisable to have a piano or keyboard for practicing regularly. If you don't have one yet, I can help you find a model that suits you and your budget.

Location

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At student's location :

Around Lisbon, Portugal

At teacher's location :

Av. Estados Unidos da América, Lisbon, Portugal

Online from Portugal

About Me

I was born and raised in Lisbon. I started playing piano when I was 7 because my parents wanted. I took lessons for two years without really enjoying it, although I've always loved music. So from age 9 on, I would sit at the piano just occasionally and play by ear, I had no lessons.

I was an undergraduate student of Mathematics Applied to Economics and Management when I went back to piano lessons and realised I wished to become a pianist. So I quit the course and prepared for the Lisbon College of Music auditions. Later on I studied in Coimbra under Manuel Araújo and in Paris with Judy Chin. I am still very happy with these decisions!

Classical music is the core of my piano education and experience as performer, but I am fond of jazz and bossa nova as well. I play regularly at the Pestana Palace since 2016 and am currently enrolled in a jazz course at the Hot Club Jazz School in Lisbon.

I like music of almost all the genres and regard each of them as a different language for communicating and expressing emotions in a particular way.

I am a volunteer worker at a charity association based in Bairro do Zambujal, Lisbon suburbs, since 2020. I play and rehearse with the youth choir. I have also been voluntary in other charity projects and summer camps for children and teenagers.

Education

Lisbon College of Music (bachelor in Classical Piano Performance)

Aquiles Delle Vigne International Academy of Music, Coimbra

Mozarteum Summer Academy, Salzburg

Ville d'Avray Conservatory, Paris (Diplome d'Études Musicales)

No-book Beginners Course (by Tim Topham, at topmusic.co)

Hot Club Jazz School, Lisbon (currently enrolled)

Experience / Qualifications

Piano teacher since 2012

Awarded 3rd prize at the Taiwan International Piano Ensemble Competition 2018

Awarded 2nd prize at the Sardoal International Piano Duo Competition 2019

Age

Children (7-12 years old)

Teenagers (13-17 years old)

Adults (18-64 years old)

Seniors (65+ years old)

Student level

Beginner

Intermediate

Advanced

Duration

30 minutes

45 minutes