symonspiano

Chris is kind, gentle. He helps you learn really quickly - and writes lots of sticky notes!

Our son looks forward with enthusiasm to his lessons with Chris and he, in turn, is equally positive and encouraging. His style and approach certainly works and we, as parents, are delighted with the progress being made.

My boys really enjoy Chris' lessons which he makes fun, contemporary or traditional, warmly encouraging and inspirational. I love that he teaches improvisation and I have enjoyed listening to some gorgeous music that my boys have made up! We always recommend Chris to anyone thinking about taking up the piano.

A friendly and inspiring teacher. Ready to share his knowledge in a practical and patient manner. As a senior returning to the piano, I find I am learning techniques and skills at a pace to suit me. I leave, looking forward to my next lesson.

Chris is a real find. Our son of 15 has been learning piano for only a few months and is already making terrific progress. But more importantly he is enjoying both his lessons and the practice. Chris starts teaching from the moment he arrives, and is always personable and enthusiastic. What is really good for us is the flexibility of finding a date to suit us all rather than having to stick to a particular time no matter what. Great chap!

I have had the delight of 16 lessons with Chris for the past 8 months. In that time I learned more music theory t‎han I covered in several years of weekly sessions as a child. Chris is encouraging, infectiously enthusiastic, clear, patient, great fun, highly knowledgeable and truly knows how to teach and how to help his students learn. He comes each lesson having planned exactly what to cover, based on a combination of what he knows I need to learn plus my own stated hopes and aspirations. Furthermore he is flexible enough to discard his agenda entirely in order to respond to questions that have emerged for me in my playing and composing between lessons. This makes his input finely tuned to my musical development... it is simply brilliant!

Chris teaches piano to my two children aged 10 and 13. He teaches at our home which is a great benefit as it saves the waiting around time we have had with previous teachers who only teach from their own homes. He is always punctual and very flexible with lesson times where it has been necessary to change timing or reschedule a lesson. His lessons are extremely reasonable in price and travel costs are low.

Chris is friendly, professional and enthusiastic. It is clear he has a vast knowledge and passion for piano and this comes across in his teaching and playing. He has a relaxed and approachable manner and is always extremely encouraging. He does not work to a rigid system of books and adapts his teaching style according to the need of the student at any particular time. Both of my children have different musical aspirations and ability and he has shown great understanding of this. He has worked with both of my children in achieving formal grades but also takes time to explore different techniques and styles of music and to develop both improvisation skills and playing piano purely for fun.

He has recently agreed to teach music theory to my eldest daughter alongside her piano lessons. Chris has approached this with a great enthusiasm which is completely infectious. Rather than seeing theory as a dry subject which is something to endure he has encouraged my daughter to see this as creative and interesting and something that will truly enhance her piano playing and her musicianship overall.

I would have no hesitation in recommending Chris as a piano teacher.

Chris is an intelligent and sensitive pianist with a formidable technique. As one of his former teachers, I encouraged him to start taking on pupils himself, as I felt his skills as a pianist combined with his talent for communication would make him an excellent teacher. He has an ability to make people feel at ease, and to create a comfortable and supportive learning environment. Being a "people person", he can work comfortably with people of all ages and backgrounds, and is quick to tailor lessons to each pupil's own learning pace and style. For younger pupils he can focus on keeping lessons fun and motivating, but can also adapt to those wanting to learn in a more structured and serious way. He also values his professional development, which is vital for anyone working in the profession. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him to anyone looking for lessons in the Hampshire area.

www.cavershampiano.com