Teaching
Teaching Practice
Colin has a thriving private piano and organ teaching practice, and he welcomes enquiries about lessons for children and adults, from complete beginner to Grade 8 and Diploma level. Theory of Music is taught to Grade 5 level alongside the practical training and is also offered as a separate subject either as a long or a “crash” course.
Colin is registered in the Incorporated Society of Musician’s (ISM) Professional Register of Private Music Teachers as a piano and organ teacher, and he is DBS checked to work with children. Lessons take place at his home; Oakley Wood Farm Cottage, Banbury Road, Bishop’s Tachbrook, Leamington Spa, which is located just south of Leamington Spa and Warwick, adjacent to Junction 13 of the M40 (approximately 10 minutes’ drive from Leamington and 5 minutes from Warwick). He also offers online tuition.
Colin teaches using his Steinway grand piano and a three-manual and pedal digital organ equipped with the Hauptwerk system.
Approach
Colin’s approach to teaching combines the essential elements of sight reading, improvisation, playing from memory, technical skills, aural training, musical perception and general musicianship – essential skills for anyone aiming for musical competence. Since the Covid lockdown Colin has developed considerable expertise in online teaching, which has resulted in a successful ongoing commitment to online lessons for some pupils.
Teaching Career
Colin gained much teaching experience at the Warwick Schools Foundation, where he was most recently Head of Keyboard at Warwick School. He taught piano and theory at the Kings High School for Girls in Warwick and at Warwick Preparatory School. Previously he taught at Solihull School, King Edward’s School Birmingham, Birmingham Bluecoat School, and King Henry VIII School in Coventry. Colin has been teaching organ and piano privately for 40 years and has an enviable success rate in graded examination preparation, with many pupils achieving outstanding results. He is well qualified to guide pupils through the processes needed to help them achieve their true potential, and to find enjoyment through their music making.
Teaching reviews:
‘As I met Colin as a 'mature' student (I was over 60 when I started), he probably wondered if there was the likelihood of a long term relationship but he has taken me from zero to a level of piano playing which I would not have thought possible. And he gives every encouragement to keep progressing; indeed, as every step forward is taken, a new challenge arrives, some of which seem daunting to me at the time but his experience and supportive approach get me there (at least so far!). I am very grateful for his friendly and considered approach’. Frank
‘I have had the pleasure of being taught by Colin for six years. He took me as an uninterested 12-year- old, struggling at Grade 3, to an enthusiastic music student, working at Grade 8 pieces. Colin conducted flexible, tutorial style lessons to suit me, always patient and supportive, working collaboratively with me and my interests and aspirations. However, his wholistic and conscientious approach meant my technical skills were never compromised. He has also helped me with aural skills and accompanied me in my violin exams up to Grade 8. His experience accompanying individuals and ensembles from local choirs to professional soloists is invaluable and denotes what an exceptional pianist he is. This ability to not only teach but play professionally to a standard which far surpasses many music teachers helps massively in lessons. Lastly, I can strongly commend Colin as a person. His kindness, calmness and good humour his pupils has made him not only a great teacher, but a great friend’. Emily
Harlequin recording artist
‘Tom is a Composer specializing in music for the media industry and is based in Leek Wootton, near Leamington Spa. He studied Piano under Esther Duxbury and Colin Druce (A.R.C.M.) for 16 years gaining a comprehensive grounding in music and music performance’
