Dinsmore Music Academy

Richard has been a dedicated teacher whose friendly and approachable attitude has allowed my daughter to progress whilst also building a love for music. He is patient and always takes the time to recognise what the student is struggling with and works with them to overcome it. Richard has been especially understanding towards my daughter's specific learning needs by trying out different methods to ensure that she was always learning in a way which was accessible and comfortable for her. He also helped us throughout my daughter's application process to the amber trust and with their support and Richard's guidance my daughter was able to gain her grade 5 in piano.

I started taking lessons privately as a student in year 9 after playing piano for a couple years and reaching grade 3. Richard helped me develop a love for piano and classical music as well as preparing me for harder grade examinations and finally for grade 8 which i took in year 12 and was awarded a merit. I really enjoyed my time studying with Richard and would recommend him as a teacher for all levels of piano players as he always has something to add and improve.

I love being taught by Richard! He takes into account the challenges an adult learner faces with time to practice. It is never too late to learn and Richard always gives lots of ideas to help with this! He has always helped me choose pieces which I can master!

We cannot thank Richard enough for his outstanding teaching in preparing my daughter for the piano exam. He has been an incredibly passionate and dedicated teacher, nurturing her talent and inspiring her love for music. Thanks to Richard's expert coaching and unwavering support, my daughter achieved a remarkable ‘Distinction’ for the ABRSM Grade 8 Piano Exam at the age of 15. We are thrilled with the progress she made under his guidance, and we wholeheartedly recommend Richard to anyone seeking a remarkable piano teacher. His knowledge and care for his students shine through in every piano lesson. Thank you, Richard!

Outstanding Piano Teacher!My child has been taking piano lessons with Richard for a year now, following two years with a different piano teacher. After a difficult experience that left my child demotivated and anxious around piano practice, we were looking for an instructor who could bring back the enjoyment, life, and passion to music. Richard has exceeded our expectations in every way.Richard's teaching style is friendly, approachable, flexible, and collaborative. He focuses on building confidence, self-efficacy, skill, and enjoyment. He takes the time to ensure that the fundamentals are secure while making the learning process enjoyable for the student.What sets Richard apart is his ability to personalize lessons based on the needs and preferences of the student. He takes the time to understand what interests and inspires the student, making practice more enjoyable. He encourages students to listen to music, discussing the work to build a broader understanding and interest. Richard connects the skills to the grading system, motivating the student to learn what is required for formal assessment. He even has his own informal certification system for students who prefer not to follow the grading system.Richard's communication of concepts, techniques, and musical theory is exceptional. He takes the time to help students fully understand the theory and techniques he is teaching, starting with the why" to ensure students are engaged and motivated