Deborah Shaw

Music Lessons / Teaching

I am an experienced music educator having provided music lessons and workshops in a variety of settings to include schools, colleges, universities and music schools. I am also a professional pianist and perform regularly at hotels, galleries and at private events in Edinburgh. Recent clients include Edinburgh Castle, Caledonian Hotel and Edinburgh Botanical Garden.

I currently provide music tuition from a studio on Great Junction St, Leith, EH6. I currently have openings on a Monday afternoon / early evening. Please email debbie@shawmusic.co.uk for an informal chat or to enquire about spaces. I am currently offering first trial lesson half price please mention this at the time of booking.

Piano Lessons

‘Play’ the piano. Play is the key word! Piano lessons should be enjoyable and accessible and this is my ethos and approach to piano teaching.

When teaching piano lessons I tend to find that each student is very unique, and we work together (whatever age) to plan a journey which suits their learning style. Some students love music theory and want to learn to read music and follow guided books and work towards exams. Others respond more to listening and improvising. Some (most ) enjoy both. I cater lessons to the students interest and style. I can suggest repertoire (I teach classical, jazz, pop, film, blues and world music styles). I can suggest music or students can bring their own.

If you or your child would like to work towards exams I teach the ABRSM Classical and Jazz repertoire and can put candidates forward for examinations.

Music Theory

Many students, especially those who are self taught feel they would like to understand more about the language of music ie. how to read, write and interpret music or for or more advanced students studying harmony and counterpoint. I can guide you in both traditional harmony, as well as popular styles to include jazz harmony and scales.

Songwriting / Composition

If you'd like to write your own songs, or need help with songs you have started but are not sure how to progress with, the right tuition can help in a variety of ways. I am an experienced songwriter having had works published in the US and Europe, and can guide you in areas such as lyric writing, song structure, creating a strong melody and constructing chord patterns. I can also teach you basic production skills so you can record your music using a home studio.

FEES

My rates are in line with the Musicians Union Rates of Pay which currently stand at £34 per hour (£17 per half hour). I offer discounts on 4 weekly and term bookings please enquire for more information. Trial lessons are £8.50 for half an hour lesson and £17 for an hour.

Testimonial

After learning the Piano as a child for a couple of years, like many, I gave up. At 40, I decided to take it up again and after a bit of a false start with another teacher ended up in Debbie's capable hands. She was quickly able to establish what I remembered and where I was lacking skills. That was 18 months ago. Since then I have been making tremendous progress thanks to her stewardship, enthusiasm and never ending encouragement. It is such a difference from learning as a child all these years ago where a programme seemed all pre-written and had to be followed. We negotiate what pieces get tackled based on what I need to work on to improve my skills but also my own interests. I have played classical, South American and well as contemporary composers and popular music. We also explore music theory which is something I like as it helps me understand music - and Debbie is great at explaining that at a level which is accusative to me. Above all, I really enjoy my lessons and the results they bring. I feel listened to and understood. I cannot recommend Debbie enough to any adult learner.

Eric Bonharme, Edinburgh