Piano Tuition

Tuition

My Teaching Philosophy:

My aim in my teaching is to help students learn the skills required to play the music they want to play. I believe not only that every student deserves to learn, but that every student can learn (it's never too late, and music is for everyone).

I understand that every student is different and requires a specific approach, and I try to tailor my lessons and teaching style to cater to each student's individual needs and goals. Helping me achieve this goal, is my belief that if you haven't understood a concept yet, then I simply haven't taught you the right way yet.

I am comfortable teaching students of all ages and levels, and have experience teaching both AMEB and TCL examinations, and preparing students for tertiary study auditions. In addition to this, whilst I am most expert in the classical medium, I am more than happy teaching contemporary and pop genres, frequently teaching and arranging themes from Movies, TV Shows and Video Games for my students.

What You'll Learn:

repertoire you enjoy

Practice is always easier (and more fun) when you're learning music you enjoy, and with my goal of equipping students to play all the music they enjoy, I always try to balance repertoire the students have selected and enjoy, with repertoire that they need.

strong technical skills

In equipping students with the tools required to perform any music, I provide my students with a comprehensive understanding of piano techniques, and place a great emphasis on fluency in reading music. These two skills together provide students with the ability to learn music more efficiently and accurately.

effective practice techniques

One of the many joys of learning an instrument is learning to teach yourself efficiently and effectively. Effective practice in music requires discipline, time management, goal setting, and persistence. Practice also teaches students how their own brain works, and equips them for self-learning in other fields, making it music's most transferable skill.

and more!

Beyond these core aspects, my lessons vary as much as the students do themselves. Repertoire learnt, lesson structure, homework, and other skills taught, all vary depending on the student's goals and needs. I have helped students with music theory, improvisation, composition, musical arrangement, and accompaniment.

Beethoven ABBA

Frequently Asked Questions:

What books do you use?

For beginning children I work through the early Faber Piano Adventures series, and then variously through Hal Leonard's 'Exploring' series, and then often onto Burgmüller's Op.100 Etudes. These are the books which I use the most frequently, and those for which I have created the most supplementary material (posters/worksheets etc.); I also buy these books in bulk, and can provide them for a discounted price. For student learning beyond these books I also have an extensive library of classical scores, as well as several contemporary works: music from Minecraft, and other video games, Disney and Pixar movies, La La Land, and music by Stevie Wonder, ABBA, and other assorted pop artists. For advice on purchasing your own music books (where to shop, which editions to buy, etc.) please don't hesitate to reach out.

Where are your lessons taught?

Throughout the week I teach from within primary and secondary schools during the day, and then privately from my Carindale studio in the evenings.

On the weekends I teach at Forte School of Music in Coorparoo, where I teach private and group lessons. For more information regarding their teaching services please visit their website here.

What are your rates?

All lessons are charged at a rate of $60/hr, and are offered at 30, 45, 60, and 90-minute lengths. (30 minutes for $30, 45 minutes for $45, etc.)

For students younger than 12, or at AMEB Level 1 (Grades Preliminary-4), I typically recommend 1 x 30-minute lesson/week. For students older than 15, or at AMEB Level 2 or higher (Grades 5+), I advise 1 x 60-minute lesson/week. The ideal lesson length varies according to the individual student and their needs however, and all students are welcome to any of the offered lesson lengths.

For all students one lesson per week is advised, with a maximum of two lessons per week, and a minimum of one per fortnight.

How do you do your invoicing?

For all new students, I always begin with a separately-invoiced trial lesson. This allows for students (and parents) to get to know me, experience my teaching style, and have a feel for piano lessons without the commitment of a term-long package.

For continuing school-aged students, lessons are packaged and invoiced quarterly based on the school term (for a typical 10-week term I invoice for 8 lessons). If a student has completed all of their invoiced lessons and wishes to continue having lessons for the remainder of the term or during school holidays, they are more than welcome to, and the charge for these lessons will be added on to the next term's invoice.*

For continuing adult students, lesson packaging and invoicing arrangements are made on an individual basis.

Do you offer makeup lessons?

If for any reason I am unable to teach an invoiced-lesson, a makeup lesson will be provided for that lesson. If for any reason you are unable to attend an invoiced lesson, and you have provided adequate notice, a makeup lesson will be provided for that lesson, for the first two occurrences per invoiced package.* The number of lessons invoiced per term is designed to accommodate these two makeup lessons with ease.

*For extra information regarding complete T&Cs see my Studio Policy (this policy does not need to be signed ahead of a trial lesson).

Reviews:

Amalorpavam (Parent)

We are so grateful to have found Charles as our son's piano teacher. He is very knowledgeable and friendly teacher. My son enjoys learning piano from him. Charles teaches lesson step by step as per the music curriculum. He also understands my son interest. He spends extra time and effort to prepare notes as per kids interest and create fun learning. He is very flexible in arranging makeup lessons in case of any cancellations. I will recommend Charles for any kid if they have interest in learning Piano.

Coen, 8 (Pupil)

Hello! I'm 8 years old, and I've been learning piano from this amazing teacher named Charles since mid-2023. Taking lessons with him has been so much fun and really exciting! Charles is incredibly patient with me and always explains things in a way that makes sense. I'm really lucky to have such a great teacher!

Ruth (Parent)

Charles has been my daughter's piano teacher for over two years now and I would highly recommend him. He is a kind, patient teacher and my daughter has seen a huge improvement in her piano since starting with him.

Keneena (Parent)

Perfect! I really appreciated Charles taking on all three of my teenagers at once to keep working with them on their piano. He is friendly and approachable, thorough in his preparation, clear in communication and each of the kids is enjoying working with him.

Want to leave a review?

Please use the contact form provided to upload your review, or alternatively, you can leave a review on my teaching profile over at Superprof.

Book a Trial Lesson:

Just as a recorded track is no substitute for the experience of a live music performance, the best way to know if I am the right teacher for you, is to come and have a trial lesson in person. If you are interested in a trial lesson, simply get in touch with me via the contacts provided or the button below and send me a message detailing: your name and age, prior piano experience (if any), and how long a trial lesson you would like. Send it through, and I will get back to you to arrange a lesson.

Book a Lesson

Piano Accompaniment

Accompaniment

About My Accompanying:

As an accompanist I work in AMEB Exam, school eisteddfod, ensemble rehearsal/performance, and recital contexts. I aim to provide the best accompaniment possible for all clients, ensuring a smooth, successful and enjoyable performance. To facilitate this, I:

  • Share my knowledge of style and interpretation with clients.
  • Provide instruction in the skills of ensemble playing and communication, promoting a general feeling of 'togetherness'.
  • Treat all performances with equal respect, importance, and musical attention.
  • Encourage a respect for the value of the playing together, and also of the accompanist as a collaborative artist.
  • Am sensitive and professional when pointing out errors in a client's work, avoiding offence or implication that a teacher lacks musical integrity
  • Guarantee adequate preparation prior to the first rehearsal with the client, as to not waste rehearsal time.
  • Reserve the right to decline an invitation to accompany should a particular work prove too difficult for a reasonably successful performance to occur within the time allowed.
  • Always present a professional image in my dress, punctuality, honesty, communications and accounting.
  • Make prompt and early contact with a client should a problem with a scheduled rehearsal arise which may require reorganisation
  • Observe the requirements of the Australian Copyright Act (1968) by ensuring that original published copies of Copyright music are always used in performance situations, and encourage clients to do likewise.

Pricing and policies vary depending on musical level, type, and length of performance.

Rates:

The pricing for accompaniment varies depending on the nature, difficulty, compass, and timeframe of the specific project, and the best way to get an accurate estimate is to get in touch with the details of your project. This section outlines approximate rates for common contexts.

As an indicator of pricing, the following rates, according to musical difficulty, apply:

AMEB Level 1 (Preliminary-4)
Rehearsal — $60/hr
Exam — $70

AMEB Level 2 (Grades 5-8)
Rehearsal — $80/hr
Exam — $90

AMEB Level 3 (Diplomas)
Rehearsal — $90/hr
Exam — $110

For examinations and their preparation, the above rates apply exactly as written. In the case of non-AMEB examinations (TCL, ABRSM, ANZCA etc.), the accompaniment is priced according to the equivalent AMEB level.

In recital/eisteddfod contexts, accompaniment is packaged as follows:

For the performance of a recital/eisteddfod program of no more than three pieces, the same rates apply as would for the performance of one AMEB examination of equivalent level.

For the performance of a recital/eisteddfod program exceeding three pieces however, a single call out fee is paid at examination rates, and the duration of the performance is charged at rehearsal rates as above (both according to equivalent AMEB level).

In all recital/eisteddfod contexts, rehearsals are charged according to the approximate AMEB level of the music, as above.

Policies:

Scores are to be provided by the client prior to the first performance or rehearsal

The scores must be clear, legible, in the correct key, and in concert pitch.

I require the scores for all Level 1 repertoire, one week prior to the first rehearsal; for all Level 2 repertoire, two weeks prior to the first rehearsal; and for all Level 3 repertoire, three weeks prior to the first rehearsal.

Scores provided with less notice than outlined above, may incur additional late-notice surcharges of up to $10/day past due date.

Failure to provide scores for a project within a reasonable time frame, may result in the cancellation of the project. Failure to provide scores at all, will result in the cancellation of the project.

Accompaniment rehearsals will only be offered (and charged) in 15-minute increments

With a minimum rehearsal length of 30 minutes for Level 1 accompaniment

And a minimum rehearsal length of 60 minutes for Level 2 and 3 accompaniment

No rehearsals are required for Levels 1 and 2 accompaniment however, for Level 3 accompaniment a minimum of one rehearsal must be booked.

I reserve the right to decline an invitation to accompany should a particular work prove too difficult for a reasonably successful performance to occur within the time allowed.

Notice must be provided of scheduling changes, including rescheduling or cancellation of projects.

If less than 48 hours' notice is given: clients will still be charged up to 50% of the total fee

If less than 24 hours' notice is given: clients will still be charged up to 75% of the total fee

If no notice is given: clients will still be charged 100% of the total fee

Frequently Asked Questions:

How many rehearsals do you recommend?

The ideal number of rehearsals depends on the level of the music, and the prior collaborative experience of the client(s).

If you have never played collaboratively before, or your music requires complex ensemble coordination, several rehearsals are recommended. For all performance contexts, at least one rehearsal is recommended. For Level 3 repertoire, a minimum of one is required.*

How should we provide scores?

The performance of all Copyright music must make use of purchased original copies of said music, in accordance to the Australian Copyright Act (1968). In some cases, I may already own the scores required, however, in most it will be the client's responsibility to provide the required scores. All scores provided are to be legible, in the correct key (and in concert pitch), and provided prior to any rehearsal/performance.

Where are your rehearsals?

The ideal rehearsal space for any performance, is one free from distractions, with ample room, with a well-cared-for instrument, and offers similar acoustics and conditions to the performance space (when available, a rehearsal within the performance space is ideal).

To ensure these conditions can be met, I offer my Piano Studio in Carindale as a location for all accompaniment rehearsals. Clients are more than welcome to elect alternate rehearsal spaces, in such cases however, they are accountable for ensuring the suitability of the space, and presence/quality of the instrument.

*For extra information regarding complete T&Cs see my Accompanying Policy.

Reviews:

Katie (Viola)

Charles was excellent as an accompanist for my AMEB exam! He was able to take on a significant amount of repertoire at such short notice, flexible with times and prompt for my exam. Would 100% recommend!

Donald (Cello)

Very friendly with constructive back-and-forth communication. Accompanied me on short notice with fantastic pricing. 100% would book as accompaniment again!

Carl (Ipswich Grammar School)

Charles was an absolute pleasure to work with. His communication was clear and professional and the accompaniment services he provided were of a high standard. Charles went above and beyond in his rehearsal with our students here at IGS and provided valuable coaching for when working with an associate artist.

Want to leave a review?

Please use the contact form provided to upload your review.

Book a rehearsal:

Looking for piano accompaniment? Please get in touch using the button below, or contacts provided, to discuss your project, get an accurate price estimate, and arrange a suitable rehearsal time.

Book a Rehearsal

Piano Performance

Looking to bring a touch of sophistication and atmosphere to your next event or business setting? Live piano music is the perfect choice — whether you're hosting an elegant dinner party, a stylish corporate gathering, a wedding, birthday celebration, or even a gallery opening or film shoot.

elevate your event

Live piano sets the tone like nothing else. From subtle background ambience to a captivating centrepiece performance, a skilled pianist can transform the mood of your space. Whether you need classical elegance, smooth jazz, or contemporary favourites, a versatile repertoire is available to suit your style and audience.

Live piano performance is perfect for:

  • Weddings, birthdays, and private dinners
  • Restaurants, cafés, and boutique stores
  • Corporate functions, brand activations, and business launches
  • Art performances, installations, and film shoots

Have a piano on site but no one to play it? Hire a pianist for your next event. Or no piano at all? No problem! A compact portable keyboard can be provided when needed.

Avoid the awkwardness of pausing a Spotify playlist mid-performance or being interrupted by an ad break. Hire a real musician and enjoy authentic, continuous music tailored to your exact moment — live music is more engaging, more memorable, and can more easily fit your exact needs.

This service is available throughout the Brisbane/Meanjin and surrounding areas, with a $100 call-out fee covering up to 1 hour of live performance. Additional time can be arranged upon request.

Wedding Performance Hall Performance

Reviews:

Chi

Charles, I'll never forget walking down the aisle to your music. You have made this one the most special days of my life and for that I am eternally grateful. I am constantly in awe of your many talents and ability to find beauty in the every day. Stoked to be your sister-in-law.

Want to leave a review?

Please use the contact form provided to upload your review.

Book piano performance:

Choose the real thing — live, local music from a skilled pianist, bringing authenticity, atmosphere, and enjoyment to your guests or audience.

Book Piano Performance