Rachel Grayson

As an enthusiastic and engaging teacher, I am passionate about the importance of learning a musical instrument, and developing all round musicianship, to enhance enjoyment and appreciation of life. I provide a supportive and enjoyable learning environment, enabling each student to achieve their full potential and to develop a love for their instrument and for music.

My teaching encompasses:

Recorder - beginner to advanced
Piano - beginner to Grade 5
Theory of Music - to Grade 6
Developing aural skills and musicianship at all levels

I have a real interest in nurturing and shaping the young musicians of the future but I am also very keen to support adults who are looking to take up, or return to, an instrument. I have a particular expertise in playing and teaching the recorder; a versatile and rewarding instrument for both beginners and advanced musicians, for which it is now increasingly difficult to find specialist teachers.

I focus in my teaching on building excellent technique whilst also developing expression and musical creativity. I take a holistic approach to teaching, focussing on the importance of posture and being at ease whilst playing. I use singing, improvisation and rhythmic games as part of my warm-ups and prioritise ensuring students feel happy and confident in their lessons.

I integrate appropriate and enjoyable methods of learning theory of music as part of my lessons from the beginning, as this provides a gateway into developing a much fuller understanding of music, and paves the way for being well prepared to pass the Grade 5 theory exam often required to access the higher performance grades.

Studying for graded music exams can be a great way to measure your progress, and I am experienced in preparing pupils for all aspects of these exams. I am also a big believer in creating and finding performance opportunities for my students, and a keen supporter of local music festivals.

I have a lovely spacious music room in Wilmslow, with a beautiful Schimmel Konzert piano. I am a member of the European Recorder Teachers Association UK. When not playing or teaching, I enjoy singing with the William Byrd Singers, one of the Northwest’s foremost chamber choirs.