Piano with Chris

Professional piano tutor based in Reading, Berkshire offering 
in-person or online teaching and audio-visual recording. 

Chris Sansum - Professional Piano Tutor

About Me

Hello I'm Chris! I am a Grade 8 ABRSM qualified pianist with a deep passion for music and I had my first piano lesson when I was 11 years old. My areas of interest have expanded over time to encompass a wide range of keyboard instruments such as the piano, clavichord, harpsichord, and Hammond Organ. This has led to performance opportunities in an eclectic range of ensembles and bands, as well as solo recitals. I have over 38 years of experience playing piano.

I currently teach piano to students at a secondary school academy in Slough, and sometimes at two primary schools in Harrow. I hold an enhanced DBS Certificate, a requirement in jobs that involve working directly with children or vulnerable adults. I have also completed a Child Protection in Education (Music) course organised by EduCare.

More diverse musical exploits have included playing keyboards in an 8-piece funk band and setting up a Hammond Organ trio. Recently I have started playing harpsichord continuo for Berkshire Recorder Consort and performed a Brandenburg Concerto with them in June 2022.

I majored in music for my degree which was awarded by the University of Leicester. As a student I performed regularly in public. I have an interest in early music and have performed in two baroque chamber orchestras. I have been a committee member of the British Clavichord Society and am a founder member of a piano performing circle which meets regularly in Wokingham and online.

I perform regularly and recent activities have included performances to the Friends of Square Pianos in Chelveston, performances in the clock tower of St. Pancras Station, London, music circles, a charity recital in a historic medieval church in London as well as live online streams. I play harpsichord and recorder every month in a chamber music group, sight reading renaissance and baroque trio sonatas. I also host a YouTube channel where I perform music on piano, clavichord and spinet. More diverse musical exploits have included playing keyboards in an 8-piece funk band and setting up a Hammond Organ trio.

Outside of music I am an experienced rock climber and a keen cyclist. 

What I offer

I teach both adults and children, from beginner to advanced level. I can prepare students for their ABRSM practical and theory grade exams.

I aim to make lessons a pleasurable experience, developing all-round technique and aptitude, and focusing particularly on areas that need work. I am happy to teach new pieces and exercises to suit the individual student, or to work on developing existing pieces.

I currently have vacancies available for new students. I am also available for Visiting Music Teacher work in schools, academies etc. Please contact me for more details.

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Learning Options

ABRSM Practical Exam preparation
ABRSM Music Theory Exam preparation

These lessons focus on preparing you for the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music examinations. I can teach from beginner to advanced levels.

Tailored Lessons 

I am happy to tailor a lesson around your specific needs. I can support a range of musical styles including renaissance, baroque, classical, romantic, as well as more contemporary music.

Professional Audio &
Visual Recording

I can offer the facility to record a piece to keep as a memento, for posting on social media or to aid with your skills development.

Tuition Fees
30 Mins

£19

This is a session for people who prefer a more succinct and focused lesson approach. 

60 Mins

£33

A one-hour lesson gives greater scope to explore ideas in more detail and to cover more areas of study.

Video

A short selection of pieces played by Chris on piano, spinet and clavichord.

Here are a few recordings of me playing. The pieces are:

*Orlando Gibbons - Prelude in G major (piano)
*Anon - Why Ask You? (spinet)
*Francesco Durante - Virgin, Tutto Amor (piano with soprano Anne Fittall)
*Johann Caspar Ferdinand Fischer - Allemande from 'Clio' Suite (piano)
*Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck - Paduana Lachrymae (clavichord)
*Johann Caspar Ferdinand Fischer - Gigue from 'Clio' Suite (piano) 

Frequently Asked Questions

On-street parking is available nearby. A map will be provided to students, indicating parking locations.

I teach using a Yamaha Arius YDP-162, an outstanding quality digital piano, providing consistently good quality tone, touch and tuning.

The closest public transport is the number 33 bus which runs quite frequently along Tilehurst Road. The Waverley road stop is most convenient - about a 5 minute walk away. Alternatively there are regular buses along Oxford Road, which is approximately an 8 minute walk. Timetables available at https://www.reading-buses.co.uk/services. Another option is to catch a train to Reading West station, which is about a 10 minute walk away. 

I prefer to teach in my home due to the travelling time involved. However, it may be possible to travel for an additional surcharge. Please ask me for more details.

I teach both children and adults from beginner to advanced level. I currently have vacancies available for new students. 

Contact me on the below email address or phone number with any lesson enquiries. Please include a contact name, phone number and a short message outlining your query and I will reply as soon as I can.

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Piano With Chris - Professional piano tutor based in Reading, Berkshire offering
in-person or online teaching and audio-visual recording. 

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