I have over 35 years experience as a teacher of piano, organ, theory, keyboard skills and composition. My philosophies in teaching and directing are:
  • Be a friendly face and treat people of all ages thoughtfully and with respect.
  • Take music seriously and encourage the highest standards.
  • When one level is achieved, look to the next one.
  • Pay attention to detail, but also be aware of the whole.
  • Have a sense of humour.
  • Enjoyment comes from making progress, and this can only be achieved by careful and efficient practice.
I encourage students to enter Associated Board exams, as these give a goal to work towards. I choose a middle ground when deciding when students are ready to take exams. There are those who will only enter their students when they are more or less certain to get a distinction. Whilst this may look good on the teacher's CV, I believe that this holds students back, and whilst aiming for the best result through careful preparation, it is important to maintain enthusiasm. After all, there is little point in learning an instrument if you don't enjoy it!

After passing an exam, it is usual to consolidate technique and repertoire before learning the next exam pieces. Unless there are external reasons for proceeding straight to the next grade (eg. scolarship or university entrance requirements), I recommend up to 6 months in between exams, though this may depend on the individual, of course. No hard and fast rules - everybody is different!

I have always prided myself on being an all-round musician. Recently I have taken this to a new dimension and have re-kindled an interest from my 20s in Rock music, and am learning the drums. Learning a new instrument also helps teachers remember how hard it is to learn!

My fees (current as of May 2019) are:
40 minute lesson:  £24
60 minute lesson:  £36
Payment can be cash, cheque, online banking 1/2 termly, or cash lesson by lesson if preferred. Whilst I have no strict cancellation fee, I ask that
(a) students/parents make a regular commitment and
(b) A week's notice is given of inability to attend due to other commitments such as school events, and at least 24 hours notice if possible.
Most students have weekly lessons, but sometimes fortnightly lessons can be adequate with older and more advanced or adult students.
  • I take students from about grade 2 standard onwards. They can be working towards grade 2, not necessarily having taken the exam.
  • I prefer not to give less than 40 minute lessons. I used to offer 30 minutes, but the extra 10 is so beneficial because sight reading and aural (very important!) can be sqeezed out with shorter lessons, or else students go home having had less than optimal help with their pieces.
  • I encourage parents of young pupils to sit in on lessons so that they can understand how to help their child with practice.
  • I teach theory of music at all levels. In piano lessons I incorporate theory terms and general musical knowledge as part of the lesson.
  • I help students at GCSE and A level with their composition assignments.
  • I now teach through the summer holidays if students and parents want to continue.
  • I have an enhanced DBS clearance through Richmond Music Trust, with whom I work on Saturday mornings as a director of children's ensembles.
Here is a link to my page on MusicTeachers.co.uk: Philip Buckmaster

BA (Mus, Hons); ARCO; CertMusEd
I have over 35 years experience as a teacher of piano, organ, theory, keyboard skills and composition. My philosophies in teaching and directing are:
  • Be a friendly face and treat people of all ages thoughtfully and with respect.
  • Take music seriously and encourage the highest standards.
  • When one level is achieved, look to the next one.
  • Pay attention to detail, but also be aware of the whole.
  • Have a sense of humour.
  • Enjoyment comes from making progress, and this can only be achieved by careful and efficient practice.
I encourage students to enter Associated Board exams, as these give a goal to work towards. I choose a middle ground when deciding when students are ready to take exams. Some teachers will only enter their students when they are more or less certain to get a distinction. Whilst this may look good on the teacher's CV, I believe that this holds students back, and whilst aiming for the best result through careful preparation, it is important to maintain enthusiasm. After all, there is little point in learning an instrument if you don't enjoy it! But on the other hand, I will not enter students until I believe that they are ready.

After passing an exam, it is usual to consolidate technique and repertoire before learning the next exam pieces. Unless there are special reasons for proceeding straight to the next grade. (eg. scholarship or university entrance requirements.)

I have always prided myself on being an all-round musician. Recently I have taken this to a new dimension and have re-kindled an interest from my 20s in Rock music, and am learning the drums. Learning a new instrument also helps teachers remember how hard it is to learn!

My fees (current as of May 2019) are:
40 minute lesson:  £24
60 minute lesson:  £36
Payment can be cash, cheque, online banking 1/2 termly, or cash lesson by lesson if preferred. Whilst I have no strict cancellation fee, I ask that
(a) students/parents make a regular commitment and
(b) A week's notice is given of inability to attend due to other commitments such as school events, and at least 24 hours notice if possible.
Most students have weekly lessons, but sometimes fortnightly lessons can be adequate with older and more advanced or adult students.
  • I take students from about grade 2 standard onwards. They can be working towards grade 2, not necessarily having taken the exam.
  • I prefer not to give less than 40 minute lessons. I used to offer 30 minutes, but the extra 10 is so beneficial because sight reading and aural (very important!) can be sqeezed out with shorter lessons, or else students go home having had less than optimal help with their pieces.
  • I encourage parents of young pupils to sit in on lessons so that they can understand how to help their child with their practice.
  • I teach theory of music at all levels. In piano lessons I incorporate theory terms and general musical knowledge as part of the lesson.
  • I help students at GCSE and A level with their composition assignments.
  • I now teach through the summer holidays if students and parents want to continue.
  • I have an enhanced DBS clearance through Richmond Music Trust, with whom I work on Saturday mornings as a director of children's ensembles.
Here is a link to my page on MusicTeachers.co.uk: Philip Buckmaster
BA (Mus, Hons); ARCO; CertMusEd