Alex Thomas-French – pianist, music educator, and jazz specialist

Hi, I’m Alex

I’m a pianist and music educator, specialising in jazz, with 15+ years’ teaching experience. I teach students of all ages and abilities through a fully student-led approach that adapts across genres and styles to your goals – from complete beginners to professional gigging musicians, helping you grow in confidence, develop your skills, and enjoy making music.

What makes my teaching special is the connection I build with each student. At the Julian Joseph Jazz Academy, I’m a devoted mentor and jazz enthusiast; to my younger students, I’m a safe space where they can explore music freely and without pressure; for adult learners, I adapt to their musical tastes, cross genres, and help them tap into new and unexplored interests. My lessons are about curiosity and creativity, not perfectionism – because real progress comes from feeling relaxed, inspired, and open to trying new things.

Every session is an opportunity to discover something fresh – whether it’s mastering a skill, hearing music in a different way, or surprising yourself with what you can play. I bring not just knowledge and experience, but empathy, encouragement, and a genuine enthusiasm that makes each lesson inspiring, collaborative, and completely personal to you.

On this site, you’ll find more about my piano lessons, my work in jazz education, and the workshops and courses I run. Want to know more about my journey?

Young musicians on tenor and alto sax during a concert

A space to find your voice

Alex is an exceptional group facilitator, naturally combining his love of Jazz with a depth of knowledge that is second to none. His ability to welcome in, and meaningfully engage, teens and young people from all walks of life, to either start them on their Jazz journey or take them further, was a pleasure to witness. I was quite honestly deeply moved to see such expert and attuned facilitation of such a large group of young musicians, and their response to his artful work with them, spoke for itself. Brilliant group dynamics come from creating a container safe enough to relax into, and large enough to really find one’s own voice. Alex achieves both.

— Dr Samantha Graham
Parent of a young jazz musician

Alex Thomas-French, piano teacher

Get in touch

Whether you’re looking for piano lessons, a workshop or course for your group, or you just want to start a conversation about music, I’d love to hear from you. Drop me a message and let’s see where your music could go next.

Biggleswade (SG18) • Online worldwide