Teaching

My Ethos and Teaching Style

I have over nine years of experience teaching piano, music theory, and composition, working with students of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds—from beginners to those preparing for advanced exams or performances. I believe that a good teacher balances kindness, understanding, and encouragement with the ability to push students to reach their potential. My goal is to create a welcoming environment where students feel comfortable and supported, whether they’re aiming for high-level achievements or learning music for fun. Above all, I want my students to enjoy their lessons—because when learning is enjoyable, motivation follows. Once students connect with the joy of music, they begin to value it for the incredible gift that it is.

Learning an instrument is such a valuable skill. It fosters discipline, focus, and resilience, especially when the learning gets challenging. At the same time, it’s highly rewarding—there’s nothing quite like creating a beautiful sound with your own hands. As a teacher, I take my role seriously, seeing myself as a mentor who guides students in developing these skills and helps them discover the satisfaction that comes from their hard work. I give detailed feedback during every lesson, so students know how they’re progressing and what to focus on during the week. For younger students, I work closely with parents too, sharing regular updates on their child’s progress and offering tips on how they can support their learning. Strong communication between teacher, parent, and student really makes a difference—not just in the student’s progress but also in making the whole experience more enjoyable for everyone.

I also have experience teaching students with disabilities, including those who are partially sighted or non-verbal with autism. For each student, I adapt my teaching approach to suit their individual needs.

Understanding the importance of safeguarding, I have an approved Enhanced DBS Certificate.

Teaching Locations

I offer four main options for where lessons can take place, so you can choose what works best for you:

  1. St. Margaret and All Saints Church, Canning Town
    I teach at St. Margaret’s Church on Tuesdays and Sundays. This is a great option if you’re looking for lessons in a quiet, inspiring space.

  2. My office at Fairkytes Arts Centre, Hornchurch
    I’m available at Fairkytes Arts Centre on select weekdays. It’s a welcoming location, near the town centre.

  3. Home visits
    I may be able to visit your home if you’re nearby. However, this isn’t my preferred option, so please get in touch, and we can discuss whether it’s possible.

  4. Online lessons
    I’ve been teaching online comfortably since the pandemic, and this option often works well for students who prefer learning from home, and who’s schedules are flexible. It’s also a fantastic choice for students with additional needs, as they can stay in a familiar environment while enjoying the same quality of teaching.

 

St. Margaret and All Saints Church, Canning Town. Find out more about the parish here >>

 

Fairkytes Arts Centre. Find out more about this here >>

Rates

Below are my rates for teaching:

Lesson Type Beginner -> Grade 8 Hourly Rate Beginner -> Grade 8 Half Hour Rate Advanced (Grade 8+) Hourly Rate Advanced (Grade 8+) Half Hour Rate
In-person (St. Margaret's/Fairkytes) £45 £25 £60 £35
Home Visit (plus travel fees) £45 + travel fees N/A £60 + travel fees N/A
Online £40 £20 £55 £30

Reviews

Hear what my clients have to say about me!

“Jacques has been a fabulous teacher to both my sons and has supported them in achieving passion for playing piano. Thank you Jacques for going above and beyond for my kids.”

Rayvathi John

“Jacques was amazing at our wedding in December 2024. He really listened to what we wanted and gave us great advice to make the music perfect for the day. His performance during the church ceremony was incredible and one of the highlights of the wedding. Many of our guests said how memorable it was. We can’t recommend Jacques enough!”

—Jade

“He has been an amazing influence on my son not just mentoring his musical skills but also his confidence.”

— Fahad

“We would highly recommend Jacques as a piano teacher. Our children love their lessons with him and he is really helping them to develop their joy of music.”

— Bernadette

Contact Me

Interested in lessons? Get in touch!

Email: jacquesallen@hotmail.com
Phone: 07804690824