Christopher Atkinson

Additional Info:

Christopher is available for accompanist work in Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire. Work requiring travel further afield (such as London, Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Northamptonshire etc.) would be at an additional charge. Travel expenses (such as fuel) are payable on all work.

Testimonies:
"I just wanted to say a huge thank you. [My daughter] had not been playing the piano, had completely switched off and I thought she had given up. In one lesson you have enthused her again and she is really enjoying it. She is practicing every day and loves the pieces you have given her. Even giving sight reading a go! This is what it is about Chris, making it fun, not cracking through grades. Well done you!"

"Dear Mr. Atkinson,
Thank you so much for re-arranging things so that you can teach me. The feedback you gave me last lesson, it was a lot more positive than my previous teacher and I really appreciate it. I have found the piece you suggested and I am looking forward to practicing again later today.

See you at our next lesson!"
Year 9 student

"Chris is an excellent tutor. He is flexible and able to adjust to her work schedule. He is a patient teacher and has made learning a fun and enjoyable experience. Highly recommended!"

"Chris is more than equipped to meet the demands of accompanying advanced players and particularly suited to understand the breathing and phrasing needs of brass and woodwind players. He displays musical depth, artistry, understanding, judgement and empathy"

Qualifications:
- BMus (Hons) Piano Performance (2013) from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music & Dance
- MA Piano Accompaniment (2016) from Royal Academy of Music

Teachers:
Raymond Banning (2004-2010)
Mikhail Kazakevich (2010-2013)
Andrew West (2014-2016)

Experience:
- Extensive accompanying experience with young musicians in ABRSM and Trinity exams (face-to-face & online). I'm happy accompanying single exams or whole sessions for schools/centres.
- Recital accompanist for singers and instrumentalists.
- Have worked as audition accompanist for Royal Academy of Music.
- Worked at Sevenoaks School and St Dunstan's College as Graduate Assistant of Music.
- Head of Instrumental Music at Surbiton High School from 2017-2021.
- Director of Music at Lockers Park School, Hemel Hempstead from Sept 2021-April 2022
-Visiting Piano Teacher at Stowe School, Mill Hill County High School and various other schools in locale.
- Accompanist for choirs - able to lead rehearsals and warm ups from the piano.
- Musical pit band pianist for several semi-professional and school productions. Able to double on clarinet and saxophone too!
- Jazz band keys player (able to play from chord lead sheets)

Skills:
- Sight reading
- Transposing at sight
- Rudimentary instrument repair (woodwind & strings)
- Organised
- Punctual
- Professional

Fees

£ 45.00 Pounds Per Hour
Please enquire - I will give a bespoke quote depending on each job.

Instruments

Piano

Specialisms

Contemporary Music, Jazz, Improvisation, Instrumental Accompaniment, Vocal Accompaniment, Vocal Repetiteur, Musical Theatre, Musical Direction, Ballet Accompaniment