Have you always dreamed of playing piano?
With Olga Morozova Piano Academy you will be in the hands of a professional piano teacher and performer. Book your piano lessons today.
Professional piano teacher in Barnsley
I am a classically trained pianist with over 30 years of experience playing piano and have been teaching students how to play for nearly 20 years. I teach pupils of all ages and abilities privately and in music schools, from complete beginner to ABRSM grade 8 and beyond up to Diplma Level.
My lessons are flexible depending on the student's interests. I am well accustomed to the ABRSM exams and would be more than happy to teach scales, theory, aural and sight-reading, in addition to pieces. Many of my students have gone on to pass their piano exams with Merit or Distinction grades. I encourage my students to enter ABRSM exams in order to motivate them and support their progression. Preparing for the exams lays a good foundation for music making, whilst encouraging students to reach their full potential.
I am deeply committed to sharing my acquired knowledge and experience with students. In my lessons, I pay close attention to the student, and my teaching delivery is highly tailored to suit each individual's pace and style of learning. I endeavour to make the learning experience fun and enjoyable, whilst helping students to progress.
I believe that along with musical skills, performance skills also need to be developed over time. Every year I try to organise at least one informal concert or workshop. This provides pupils with the chance to gain experience performing to an audience of family and friends within a relaxed and supportive environment. In addition, I always encourage my students to pursue a broad music education and to take part in as many musical activities as possible.
My lessons are available face to face and online, with the option of home teaching. To book a lesson, call me today on 07988 317130.
Music theory
As instrumental skills progress, development in music theory and musicianship becomes increasingly important in helping students to perform with sensitivity, understanding and confidence. ABRSM’s Music Theory exams aim to give students a thorough understanding of the building blocks of music, starting with the basics of rhythm and notes at Grades 1 to 5.
Grade 5 in Music Theory is a prerequisite for higher graded practical exams. For many of my students I teach theory as part of their normal piano lesson, or as an additional lesson.
I encourage my students to enter for graded theory exams in parallel with their practical exams. Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you need any help with music theory, or wish to know more about my services.
Download my booking form and private tuition agreement for more information.
FAQs & policies
Where are the lessons given?
I teach students from Barnsley and surrounding areas either at my home or at their homes (no more than a 15 miles radius). Lessons at students’ homes are proving to be very demanding, so places are limited as it requires me to travel to them. Online lessons are also available and they have proved to be increasingly popular due to convenience.
What do students need for online lessons?
Online lessons are offered via Skype. Students need a camera that can be positioned to face the piano keyboard, a login to Skype and a good internet connection.
How long is each lesson?
Weekly lessons are either 30 minutes, 45 minutes or 60 minutes. The lesson length depends on the students’ individual needs, goals and age.
What are the prices and how are payments made?
Payments should be made prior to the lesson by either cash, cheque, PayPal or bank transfer. The first 30 minutes' evaluation lesson comes with a £5 discount.
After this, the price of lessons are as follows:
- Lessons at tutor’s home and online lessons: £18.00 (30 minutes), £26.00 (45 minutes) and £33.00 (60 minutes)
- Lessons at students' home: £23.00 (30 minutes), £31.00 (45 minutes) and £38.00 (60 minutes)
- £3.00 discount is given for each lesson when you book 5 lessons in block.
What happens at the first session?
The first session is a one-time evaluation. This is an introductory session where I will assess the student’s skills and aptitude, and students can get a feel for my teaching style. Depending on the student's previous experience, this session may include a set of questions/answers, playing some scales or playing a favourite piece of music so that I can assess their level of playing and knowledge in general.
During this session we make a mutual agreement about what our lessons will cover, for example music theory, scales and the choice of repertoire. I can provide some music sheets/copies, but advise students to buy their own books as soon as possible. A discount of £5 is given for an initial 30 minutes evaluation session, so please do not hesitate to book!
How do you structure the lessons?
Each lesson begins by revising what we have previously covered, followed by a series of warm-up scales or arpeggios. Depending on the level of the student, I may include some harmony exercises, chord progression, transpositions and creative improvisation tasks. For younger students I always include musical games and praise their work with stickers and smiley faces. The lesson would then progress to focusing on musical aspects, such as dynamics, articulation, accuracy of notes, rhythm, phrasing, voicing, hand co-ordination, balancing, continuity, clarity of touch, interpretation, fingering and tempo. I will also include sight-reading and aural tests. Many students also choose to take 10-15 minutes of their lesson to focus on music theory too.
Do you set homework for throughout the week and how do you measure progress?
I expect my students to practice between lessons as this is a necessary element of musical learning that will allow you to make progress. My teaching experience has proven that children of school age need a lot of parental support and encouragement for organising home practicing. Discipline and self-regulated practising provides a sense of achievement and satisfaction. I set home work for each lesson and measure progress by constructive feedback, praise, encouragement or, where appropriate, by assuming if this would be around the Pass, Merit or Distinction mark.
What are the steps to accomplish masterful playing with freedom, fluency and confidence?
It is important to build up strong foundational musical skills and the ability to practice effectively, along with enjoying what you do. The question is not only how much practice should be done, but how and what to practice with an emphasis on a ‘can do’ attitude and setting up your mind for success. For every individual student the main aim would be to achieve independent musical thinking, problem solving and ability to structure their practising in order to become a knowledgeable and thoughtful musician.
Do you enter students for exams?
Many of my students work towards ABRSM grades, so it is one of my regular responsibilities to enter them for exams and provide the necessary guidance and support. Undoubtedly, this is hard work for me as a teacher, for parents and for the student of course, but it is also a very rewarding experience. I always explain to my students and parents that entering into exams is their choice and decision, as there is always another route towards musical success.
Cancellations
If the tutor is obliged to cancel a lesson, the lesson will be rearranged for a time that is mutually convenient for both the student and tutor. Notice of at least 24-hours is required for all cancellations. In the event that a booking is cancelled within 24 hours, the student (or the student’s parent/guardian) will be liable to pay the full fee of the arranged lesson. This may exclude urgent circumstances, such as illness, accidents, floods etc.
Termination of Lessons
Lessons will continue until a mutually agreed termination date. Both the tutor and the student (or the student’s parent/guardian) reserve the right to terminate lessons should they no longer be considered beneficial to the student or if the lessons have been cancelled for a longer period.
"Josh is extremely happy and very impressed with Olga. I can hear his playing improve already, and he's now practicing more often. 5 stars."
- Wob R.
"Just had my second lesson with Olga. She is very patient and if I don't understand she will explain it until I do, that is what makes her a great tutor."
- Maureen B.
