LEARN
PIANO
ACHIEVE GRADES.
POP OR TRADITIONAL SYLLABUS
Learning to play the piano is truly life enhancing – whatever your age!
Improved memory, concentration and problem-solving
Powerful emotional impact with reduced stress and anxiety
Improved hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills
Promotes a sense of growth and self-improvement
With a degree in classical music and significant experience as a pianist, drummer and published songwriter and producer, Paul Sissons (BA [Hons] Music) offers expert piano tuition for children (and adults) of all levels. Lessons include music theory and improvisation and preparation for formal grades through either the RSL Rock/Pop or ABRSM Classical syllabuses – both OFQUAL regulated and equally recognised.
Limited spaces available for in-person piano tuition in Marlow town centre from September 2025.
£25 / lesson.
Please get in touch here.
Improvising on Yamaha CLP665 Baby Grand
To hear more of Paul’s music, see About
The RSL Awards Rock/Pop syllabus holds the same OFQUAL recognition as the traditional ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music) Classical syllabus. This means that your child can now learn to play the piano through a style of music they enjoy and feel comfortable with, while still working towards the same accredited qualifications. Whether your child is just starting out or already fluent, Paul offers tuition in both styles.
What’s even better? Achieving piano grades 6-8 (performance and theory) in either syllabus can earn your child up to 40 additional UCAS Tariff points* – equivalent to an extra A Level at grade B. This can make a significant difference when applying to UK universities.
*Source: UCAS 2026 Tariff Tables
Teaching Approach and Support
My aim is to inspire a genuine enthusiasm for music while equipping students with the skills and knowledge they need to become confident, independent musicians.
I encourage exploration of a wide range of musical styles and composers, helping students connect emotionally with the music they play. Beyond technical accuracy, I emphasise the expressive and interpretative aspects of performance, fostering a deeper understanding and personal connection to each piece.
Creating a positive, supportive learning environment is central to my approach. I strive to keep students motivated, engaged, and eager to grow.
Technical Development
A strong technical foundation is essential for any pianist. I place particular emphasis on posture, hand position, finger strength and dexterity and a comprehensive understanding of scales, arpeggios, and chord progressions. Developing solid rhythm and timing skills is also crucial for expressive and accurate performance.
Music theory plays an integral role in my teaching. Students are guided to recognise and understand melodic and harmonic patterns, develop sight-reading abilities, and gain confidence in navigating unfamiliar pieces.
Wherever possible, I provide context to each learning experience—introducing historical background, stylistic characteristics, and performance practices related to the piece. I tailor materials and resources to individual needs, including custom sight-reading exercises and theory worksheets.
Areas of focus include:
- Sight-reading
- Scales and arpeggios
- Performance techniques
- The history and context of repertoire
- Chord recognition and harmonic progressions (both classical and contemporary)
Understanding chords and harmonic structure can spark creativity, leading students to explore improvisation and, potentially, composition.
My teaching style is patient, friendly, and adaptable, allowing students to progress at their own pace. Lessons are personalised to reflect each student’s goals and interests, making the learning process both enriching and enjoyable.
Learning the piano is a life-enhancing experience—one that develops skills you carry with you for a lifetime.