the Art of Piano Playing

Vincent specialises in teaching beginners and adult learners who have returned to the piano after many years. Vincent studied under world renowned chamber musician Lamar Crowson at the University of Cape Town. The experience of having to adapt his musical understanding and to relearn many aspects of his piano technique to truly begin to express and relive the classical music scores has made teaching beginners a teaching mission. The foundational aspects of developing piano technique and a musical understanding are crucial. Vincent knows that to gain mastery of the instrument it is important to understand the way one’s body interacts with the mechanics of the keyboard and - most importantly - to have the ability to think musically in the confines of a musical pulse. Lessons focus on understanding the scale and chords and gaining a fluid ability to play in a relaxed fashion. Improvisation and sight reading are experienced as a focused way of understanding how musical forms are created and work. Vincent brings to his lessons real life purpose. His work experiences involving photography and film, wine and travel and a great sense of classical music history enable him to make music tuition something that is fascinating and rewarding. Vincent regularly accompanies students across the grades and different instruments and enjoys playing chamber music as a regular musical activity with different instrumentalists. Vincent teaches widely throughout SE London at various schools developing students in both one on one piano lessons and group keyboard classes.

 

“I have no hesitation in recommending Mr Rowley as an excellent Peripatetic Tutor.  He has been an asset to the department since joining us in September 2013. He is polite, helpful, organised and reliable.  His timetables are always prepared on time and well organised. His rapport with the pupils is excellent and they are making good progress.  He is passionate about teaching the whole musician and is in the process of developing innovative methods to this end, including group improvisation classes alongside the more traditional development of reading notation and high quality playing technique.  Mr Rowley has a good retention rate and I would highly recommend him as a piano tutor. “ Natasha Johnson Head of Music, St. Ursulas