Piano lessons

Alex teaching a student during a piano lesson in Biggleswade

Piano lessons your way – all ages, all styles

Teaching is my vocation, my craft, and my passion. I’ve been teaching for over 15 years, working with students of all ages from complete beginners to professional gigging musicians – and across a wide range of genres.

My lessons are student-led. That means we follow your interests, whether that’s mastering a Chopin prelude, learning your favourite pop song, improvising over jazz changes, or writing your own music. I’ll help you build the skills you need while keeping the joy of playing alive.

It’s this joy that motivates practice, builds confidence, and keeps music a part of your life for years to come.

What I teach

Genres & Styles

  • Jazz – improvisation, voicings, swing feel, playing in an ensemble, the blues, and jazz grade prep.

  • Classical – from beginner pieces to Grade 8 and beyond (including theory).

  • Pop & Rock – learn your favourite songs, accompany yourself singing, or prepare for Rockschool grades.

  • Other Styles – from opera accompaniments to death metal riffs; if you love it, we can explore it.

Skills & Areas

  • Technique, fingering, and musicianship

  • Learning by ear and sight-reading

  • Music theory and harmony (beginner to advanced)

  • Songwriting, composition and arranging

  • GCSE & A-Level music support

  • Audition preparation for conservatoire and specialist music schools

How lessons work

Lessons run in person in Biggleswade (SG18), or online – whatever suits you.

We’ll start by exploring your goals and favourite music, then build a clear plan. Everything – exercises, repertoire, pace – is shaped around you.

I’ll send you personalised notes and, where helpful, short video demos so you can revisit techniques and ideas during your practice.

What a lesson feels like

Blog
Learning that leads itself
Learning that leads itself

Why student-led lessons work

(2 minute read)

Read More →

What students & parents say

  • “Alex plans lessons around what you want to do. That focus boosted my confidence in the music I love. He gave me space to explore and experiment, then helped me bring it into my practice – my playing now feels much more well-rounded”.

    – Shala

  • “Alex has been instrumental in my son’s musical journey for over eight years. His steady support helped my son achieve strong GCSE and A-level results and prepare successfully for conservatoire auditions in London (he received an offer from his first choice). We’re very grateful for the opportunities Alex has encouraged”.

    – Ruth

  • “My autistic 14-year-old son has had jazz piano with Alex for nearly three years. Lessons are tailored to his needs and interests, with an emphasis on learning standards by ear and developing improvisation. He’s happy, motivated, and proud of the repertoire he’s learned”.

    – Meg

  • “Alex believes in every student, wherever they’re starting from. He challenges us and gives us the tools to grow. With his help I’ve composed my own pieces, arranged big-band charts, improved my piano playing and started to improvise”.

    – Kayman

  • “My son had weekly jazz piano with Alex for over six years, including through lockdown. Alex’s knowledge and passion for jazz are phenomenal, and he consistently goes above and beyond with his time and commitment”.

    – Elanor

  • “Alex has been with me since I was little, teaching every instrument I play — trumpet, piano, guitar and singing. He’s influenced me massively, helped me pass my piano grades, and recently supported my songwriting. He’s incredibly talented across all areas of music”.

    – Anahita

 FAQs

  • My new-student rate (2025) is £50 per hour.

    Shorter options are also available: 45 min £38 • 30 min £28.

  • Most children thrive on 30 or 45 minutes weekly; teens and adults often choose 45 or 60 minutes, weekly or fortnightly. We’ll pick a length and frequency that suits your goals and routine.

  • Yes – I teach online (worldwide) via Zoom/Meet as well as in person. You’ll get the same student-led approach, plus lesson notes and occasional video demos to support your practice.

  • In-person in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, and online worldwide. (Full address is provided on booking.)

  • First Class BMus (Jazz & Popular Music), University of Hull; Programme Manager & tutor at the Julian Joseph Jazz Academy; tutor at World Heart Beat Music Academy; peripatetic music teacher in Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ schools; 15+ years’ teaching experience; Member of the Independent Society of Musicians (ISM).

    For more background, see About me.

  • I hold an enhanced DBS, up-to-date safeguarding training, and public liability insurance. I follow my Safeguarding policy and Privacy policy. Parents/guardians are welcome to sit in with younger students.

  • Cancellations 48+ hours before the lesson aren’t charged. Cancellations under 48 hours are charged at the full lesson fee. I’ll try to rearrange where possible, subject to availability.

  • Not at all – exams are optional. I’m happy to prepare students for ABRSM (including Jazz), Trinity, Rockschool, school assessments, and conservatoire/specialist music school auditions when it supports your goals.

Alex Thomas-French, piano teacher

Book a lesson

Whether you’re picking up piano for the first time, returning after a break, or looking to take your playing to the next level, I’d love to help you on your musical journey.

In-person in Biggleswade (SG18) • Online worldwide