Annabel Connellan – Piano/Oboe Teacher & Accompanist in the Mid Sussex Area

Background

My background is in classical record production, and in addition to my teaching and accompanying work I also run a production company with my husband, who is a highly respected classical sound engineer. I am an Oxford Music Graduate and have a Masters degree in Music from the University of Surrey (specialising in sound recording), but my interest in music teaching has intensified since I began to teach my elder daughter the piano in 2003.

Teaching

All ages are welcome for private piano or oboe tuition – I have experience teaching children from 4 years old up to adults in their 80s, and I am happy to take on beginners or more experienced players. My philosophy is that music is for everybody, and I try to ensure that my own love and enthusiasm for the subject is always in evidence, making your lesson experience all the more enjoyable. I’m determined that I will always be aware of your overall goal and personal mission for learning, and will strive to get you there in the most enjoyable way possible. However, I think it is important to mention that I don’t believe in ‘instant gratification’. Learning to play an instrument is a long-term undertaking and is not easy, but it is fun and rewarding! My teaching methods are, in essence, traditional – I will teach you to read music properly and thoroughly, and will build theory tuition into the practical lessons. I also encourage all pupils to listen to music that they may not normally be drawn to, and to bring their reactions into lessons for discussion.

My background as a producer has coloured my teaching methods in that I will always try to help people understand the meaning, phrasing and expression in a piece to bring out the best and most musical performance. I back this up with a thorough technical grounding right from the start, with exercises to encourage correct hand position and posture (and breathing/embouchure for oboe). If you are hoping to take grade exams, I am happy to support this, but if not, I will help you learn purely for enjoyment.

Fees

Piano or oboe lessons are £20 each for half an hour, £30 for 45 minutes, or £40 for an hour. The first 30-minute lesson is free of charge, but after that payment can be made by any method (the usual method is a bank transfer). If you have to cancel a scheduled lesson with more than 24 hours’ notice, I won’t charge you, and would be happy to reschedule if possible. However, as children’s slots are highly sought-after, missed lessons during these slots are chargeable from the fourth missed term-time lesson onwards. All last minute cancellations (within 24 hours) are chargeable but only if the lesson can’t be rearranged to occur within the following five days.

Lesson Times

I generally teach children after school and on Saturdays, and adults during the day on weekdays, but I am able to be very flexible. If you are interested in starting lessons, please get in touch and we can arrange a mutually convenient lesson time.

Online Lessons

Since the coronavirus pandemic I have begun to offer lessons online. Whilst lessons delivered in this way can have limitations, in many circumstances they are very effective, and can offer people the chance to have a lesson in their own home if, for example, travelling to my house would present difficulties. Please contact me if you are interested in having a free trial online lesson (usually over Teams).

A Recommendation

Annabel started to teach my children piano aged 7 and 5 respectively from scratch. She is a mother herself, and is experienced in teaching children and adults of all levels and ages. She is a very approachable person, highly professional, good at recognising limitations, praising efforts and constructively tutoring areas for improvement. As her students, I know that my children are always keen to deliver results to Annabel, which encourages a strong home practice regime, and has augmented their abilities and confidence in music no end. Both children are enjoying their journey in music and have experienced a broad style base along the way (waltz, jazz, blues and many other traditional pieces), with ABRSM exams interjected at just the right time. Both have excelled in their exams so far, gaining Distinction every time.

Annabel has always made every minute count for us, always with a smile, and we feel very privileged to have found her!

– Anna Nardini

Accompanying

Ever since my elder daughter took her grade 3 violin I have accompanied my children as they have moved up the grades on violin, oboe, horn and bassoon, as well as for numerous festivals, competitions, concerts and auditions (including for the National Children’s Orchestra, which resulted in scholarships on several occasions). I now regularly take on many types of accompanying work, and draw on my experience as a producer to help people polish their performances, so that they bring out the underlying meaning and expression in the music. Making music with others is a passion of mine, and I hope that my own enjoyment and enthusiasm during rehearsals will help to put you at your ease about your up-coming exam or event. I have experience accompanying younger children and adults, and can accompany all grades, including Grade 8 and Diploma.

Rehearsals are £20 for half an hour or £30 for 45 minutes, and exam fees begin at £40 for Grades 1 – 5. Fees for higher grades or other events will be quoted separately.

A Recommendation

“Annabel provided me with piano accompaniment for my Grade 5 saxophone exam and as many practice sessions as I felt I needed. From the start, I found her to be very enthusiastic and amenable whilst retaining a professional attitude. She gave me a lot of valuable feedback and advice on my playing techniques, musical interpretation and sound and made good productive use of the practice sessions. I would recommend Annabel highly.”

– Gerry Thorpe

Home

About

Contact