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All lesson formats explained

Piano Lessons
Your Way

Live video calls, flexible video exchange, music theory, children, adults — every format explained in full.

Live Video Video Exchange For Children For Adults Music Theory
Online piano lesson via video call
Live · Real-Time

Format 01

Live Video Call
Lessons

One-to-one piano lessons in real time, delivered via Zoom, FaceTime, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet. You play from your own piano at home; Ruth teaches from her studio with her full range of resources, camera angles, and demonstrations.

This is the closest online experience to a traditional in-person lesson — with the added benefit of no travel, no commuting time, and lessons from the comfort of your own home with your own familiar instrument.

Zoom FaceTime Microsoft Teams Google Meet WhatsApp
  • Immediate feedback and real-time correction of technique
  • Structured weekly or fortnightly lesson slots
  • Ruth uses multiple camera angles for demonstrations
  • No travel costs or commuting for either party
  • Ideal for children aged 4+ and adult beginners
  • Lessons from any device — phone, tablet, or laptop
Enquire About Live Lessons

Format 02 · Ruth's signature format

Video Exchange
Lessons

Ruth's unique correspondence lesson format. You film yourself playing your piano and send the videos to Ruth. Ruth watches carefully, then sends back a detailed written response and, where helpful, a demonstration video — along with your personalised next assignment.

No fixed lesson time. No shared timezone. No scheduling constraints. Just expert, one-to-one teaching on your schedule — reaching students in the UK, USA, Australia, and across Europe.

Google DriveYouTube (unlisted) DropboxVimeoWhatsApp
Start a Free Enquiry

How it works — step by step

1
You film yourself playing

Record 1–2 short videos on your phone, tablet, or camera. Show your hands on the keys. No special equipment needed.

2
Send your videos to Ruth

Share via Google Drive, Dropbox, YouTube (unlisted), or Vimeo. Quick and straightforward.

3
Ruth analyses your playing in depth

Technique, musicality, rhythm, expression, and fingering — Ruth gives the same depth of attention as a live session.

4
You receive detailed feedback

A personalised written and/or video response with your next assignment — feedback you can review as many times as you need.

PRICING

£17.25 per exchange lesson

Pay as you go · No subscription · Weekly, fortnightly or monthly

Specialist area

Lessons for
Children (Age 4+)

Ruth teaches children from age 4 upwards, and has extensive experience making the piano engaging and enjoyable for very young learners. Multiple students who began as young children have gone on to achieve ABRSM distinctions under Ruth's teaching.

For children, live video call lessons (Zoom or FaceTime) work best — the real-time interaction, immediate encouragement, and visible teacher presence make all the difference for young learners building their first musical habits.

  • Children from age 4 welcomed
  • Multiple ABRSM distinctions achieved by child students
  • Patient, encouraging, and child-focused teaching style
  • Music theory games and interactive teaching tools via screenshare
  • ABRSM exam preparation from Grade 1 through Grade 8 and diplomas
  • DBS checked, NSPCC trained — full safeguarding compliance
"The calmest, kindest and most patient teacher I have ever known. My daughter is now at Grade 4, and my son Grade 2." — Pip, Parent
Enquire for Your Child
Child learning piano
Ages 4+
Adult piano student
Beginners to Advanced

For adult learners

Lessons for
Adults

Ruth teaches adult learners at every level — complete beginners who have never touched a piano, returning students who played years ago and want to pick it up again, and advanced players working towards diplomas.

Ruth creates a relaxed, pressure-free environment particularly suited to adult learners who may feel self-conscious about their playing. No judgment, no pressure — just thoughtful, personalised teaching that meets you exactly where you are.

  • Complete beginners always welcome — no experience needed
  • Returners and rusty players happily accommodated
  • Advanced players and diploma candidates welcomed
  • Playing for pleasure — no exams required
  • Video exchange particularly popular with busy adults
  • Jazz, blues, improvisation available as focus areas
"I really like your style of teaching. You are always so encouraging, as well as giving great ideas and techniques." — Lucy, Adult Student
Enquire as an Adult Student

Standalone or integrated

Music Theory
Tuition

Ruth offers music theory tuition as a standalone service via correspondence (email/post) as well as integrated into piano lessons. Covering all levels from absolute beginner through to advanced diploma-level theory.

Students submit their completed theory work as photos or scans, and Ruth marks it, adds detailed comments, and answers questions — typically within a few working days.

  • ABRSM, Trinity, RIAM, AMEB, LCM — all major exam boards covered
  • All levels — basic notation to advanced harmonisation and figured bass
  • Bespoke exercises — designed to address your specific weaknesses
  • Marking service — past exam papers and workbooks from any exam board
  • £17.25 per lesson — approximately 4 pages of theory work per exchange
"Ruth helped me achieve a high distinction in my Grade 8 theory. Her explanation of harmony concepts was exceptional."

— Alan, Grade 8 Theory Student

"I learned Grades 7 and 8 theory in 3 months and achieved a merit. The feedback was always clear and understandable."

— Scarlett, Grades 7 & 8 Theory

Enquire About Theory Lessons

Getting started

Online lesson
setup guide

📷
Camera Position

Position your device diagonally to the side of the piano, angled slightly downward — high enough to show your hands on the keyboard and your upper body. Landscape mode is strongly preferred. A gooseneck phone holder or tripod makes this much easier.

🔊
Audio on Zoom

In Zoom settings, set "suppress background noise" to Low — or enable "Original Sound for Musicians." This prevents Zoom from treating piano sound as background noise. On phones and tablets, look for "Original Audio" in settings.

📶
Internet Connection

Position your device close to your Wi-Fi router. Minimise other household internet usage during lessons. Close unnecessary apps. If possible, use a wired ethernet connection for the most stable experience.

📱
What Equipment You Need

A smartphone, tablet, or laptop with a working camera and microphone. That's it — no special equipment is required. Ruth will provide sheet music as free public domain downloads where available, or recommend affordable printed books.

Ready to choose your
lesson format?

First enquiry is free. Ruth replies personally. No obligation.

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