What others say

“My piano lessons with Matthew are a delight.

We cover classical music as well as blues and jazz and my favourite, the standards of Gershwin and we tackle all of these topics from reading sheet music as well as from listening and learning chords and improvisation.  Matthew also persuaded me to prepare for the RSM exams so now I am the proud possessor of both Grade 5 practical and theory certificates and am preparing for Grade 6.

Although I am in my 60’s and Matthew is much younger, he is never patronising, just always encouraging and motivating and great to learn with.  I would encourage anyone to take up lessons with Matthew.”

Mary Green – Brighouse

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“I studied piano very briefly as a youngster and have played on and off, strictly for my own amusement, ever since. In my early 20’s I tried to re-engage with formal study of piano but found it difficult.

Now a parent of four children who all liked to ‘tinkle’ on the piano at home, I needed to find a piano teacher. Finding Matthew Watts was, quite simply, a stroke of good fortune. I honestly thought that the kids would, as so many do, attend a few lessons only to decide that they wanted to drop piano in favour of some other hobby, how wrong I was!  Three years on, three of our four children are still actively playing and not only that – their interest and determination to succeed just keeps on growing!

Having been through a few piano teachers myself, I have to say that I didn’t quite know what to make of Matthew when I first observed him teaching our children… his style is anything but ordinary and quite at odds with the stiff & stuffy learning that I’d experienced when first learning myself. Nevertheless, the results spoke and continue to speak for themselves. Not only have our children flourished as young musicians but about six months ago, I signed-up with Matthew to see what he could do for me.  As a very un-confident player who NEVER played in front of anyone (even my own wife!), I approached Lesson #1 with great trepidation – but I needn’t have worried, the lesson was WONDERFUL and I have been THRILLED with my progress since then. In December 2012, I even played a piece at one of Matthew’s bi-annual piano recitals – I was terrified and my hands shook like a leaf throughout, but I DID IT!  The credit for this turn-around rests entirely with Matthew. He’s inspirational, he’s enthusiastic and his unique approach to music and learning is universal to all ages and abilities.”

Nicholas Carroll – Queensbury

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“Matthew has been my piano tutor for over three years. In that time he has taken me from Grades 5 – 7, but more than that he has taught me how to not only play the piano, but also how to play music. He’s improved how I play the aesthetics of a piece and how to compose music for myself. My confidence has improved greatly when playing and I am now happy to play in public. I have thoroughly enjoy my lessons with Matt, he is very approachable and I love the way he teaches lessons!”

Joe Wilson – Wakefield

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“Matt’s qualities as a piano teacher are many but for me I can say two things have progressed since having lessons. Firstly he persuaded me to study for my Grade 8 exam and secondly through positive encouragement and great tuition got me through it with a Merit pass. Thanks Matt you’re a first rate piano teacher.”

Rob Yorke – Thornton

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“Both our boys began playing piano with Matthew when they were five.  His enthusiasm and friendly manner meant that they took to lessons easily and Matthew used lots of little child-friendly ideas to present music in a way they enjoyed and understood.

Within a few weeks of starting to play they were able to participate in one of the concerts which Matthew organises every six months in Huddersfield.  These regular events have given them a fantastic opportunity to perform in concert conditions which they wouldn’t have had anywhere else – all in front of a supportive audience of other players and their families.

Matthew also teaches improvisation and adapts favourite pop songs to suit the ability of students so our eldest who is now nine, has not only passed his Grade 3 but also has some understanding of chord structures and enjoys trying out new sounds for himself on the piano.

Unfortunately, we have just moved out of the area so we are now facing the daunting prospect of finding another teacher as good as Matthew!”

Jane Clayton – Dewsbury