Are you looking for a piano teacher in the Blackpool area? Get the best out of your lessons with piano tuition by Ruth Birchall. Call today to find out more.
A passion for music and a passion for teaching
A classically trained pianist and musician, I studied under Nigel Pitceathly (former head of keyboard at Chetham's School of Music) and Derrick Cantrell (former head of academic studies at the Royal Northern College of Music). Following a lifelong ambition, I began teaching private piano students from 1988 in my home studio. From 1996 to 2003 I was a peripatetic piano teacher at Highfield Priory School, Preston, and from 1999 to 2008 head of keyboard studies at Rossall School, Fleetwood. I am a member of the European Piano Teachers Association (EPTA UK) and the Incorporated Society of Musicians (ISM).
As part of my continuing professional development, I regularly attend EPTA conferences and Trinity College of Music seminars to keep me informed about up-to-date piano pedagogical methods and techniques.
During the last twenty-eight years, my students and I have participated in studio recitals and fundraising events. Together we have raised significant sums of money for various charitable causes. Many of my students have studied music degree courses, and some have pursued professional careers in the music and arts world.
Ruth's philosophy
Music encompasses universal truths, making an impact on everyone from young to old; but still contains different meanings for each individual. Music surpasses language barriers, gathers people together, soothes the soul and heightens our imagination and emotions.
Teaching students to perform music provides an important challenge. The pupil must understand and have fundamental instruction in all aspects of musicianship which include: musical artistry and performance, strong technical skills, sight-reading, aural training, music theory and composition, music history and the study of composers. These aspects are the basic stepping stones of my music tuition teaching programme.
My goal is to have the student be independent of me by knowing how to practise correctly, how to count and read music notation, articulate, set realistic goals, perform and finally to portray his/her love of music and knowledge of music to others. When this is accomplished, the student will also have reinforced his/her self-esteem, thus providing him/her self-motivation to continue learning. I strive to provide my students with new and innovative techniques that will foster their appreciation of music, but will still be within the grasp of their understanding, ability and musical taste as they develop musically. Understanding each student's ability helps me develop a distinctly personalised course of study for each individual.
I find fulfilment and satisfaction with the time that I spend with all my students - the music teachers and musicians of the future.
"Music can make a difference. There is a global nature to music, which has the potential to bring all people together. Music is truly an international language."
- Marvin Hamlisch
(02/06/1944 - 06/08/2012)
Ruth Birchall
LGSM, LMusTCL, CTABRSM, FISM
