1:1 Lessons
What's the best way to develop?
Do it! Or better: do it, while being guided by a pro
Lessons with UoR Music
Taking music lessons is a wonderful way to not only transform your skill, but the development process results in improved wellbeing and fulfilment during your time as a student.
We are delighted to enable this transformative experience for our students through 1:1 lessons
The department offers lessons based on demand, and so we currently offer lessons in Piano and Voice. Teachers at the University of Reading must meet our exacting criteria to support a high level of teaching, be well regarded within the industry and – importantly – they must inspire our students creatively!
If you wish to undertake 1:1 lessons for another instrument, please get in touch. If there is sufficient demand, we are able to offer more instrument lessons within the department. If we are unable to support teaching within the department, we will support you in finding a suitable, high quality teacher.
Outstanding Musician Awards
Find out more about our Outstanding Musician Awards (OMAs) which offer free lessons to successful candidates
Yes! Lessons are about getting better, not being the best.
Whatever your level, it’s all good!
Lessons are open to all students and staff.
We’re sorry, but unfortunately we can’t offer lessons to the community (as in anyone non university).
(Note – this just registers interest; it doesn’t commit you)
We offer a ‘one-size-fits-all’ package.
6 hours worth of lessons, which can be taken as 30 min, 45 min or 60 min lessons, depending on your level and the recommendation from your teacher.
Six hours of lessons = £270.
Fees are paid in full, upfront at the start of each block of lesson hours. They’re non-refundable.
Our Teachers
Michael Higgins – Piano
Michael Higgins is a pianist, composer and arranger, and co-Artistic Director of Sonoro. With a special interest in choral accompaniment, Michael is in demand with some of the leading choirs in the country and works with the National Youth Choirs of Great Britain, London Voices and the BBC Singers. He has written for the Stay at Home Choir, Farnham Youth Choir, RSNO, Sonoro, The Dionysus Ensemble, the National Children’s Choir of Great Britain, Wimbledon Choral Society, corporate films and television commercials including the 2014 Waitrose Christmas advert, as well as music for the Classic BRIT awards, BBC Children in Need and the Royal Variety Performance. Many of his works are published by the Royal School of Church Music and Oxford University Press. Michael studied at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, the Royal Academy of Music, London, and at the Franz Liszt Academy of Music.
Vanessa Bowers – Voice
Soprano Vanessa Bowers was raised in Buckinghamshire by musician parents, studying voice and piano from a very early age. Vanessa earned a place to study voice at the Royal Academy of Music where she graduated with the Clifton Prize, awarded to the highest graded singer in her year group. Following a year training with the English National Opera she won a scholarship to study opera at the RWCMD in Cardiff. During in her time there she performed the role of Tiny in Benjamin Britten’s opera Paul Bunyan with Welsh National Youth Opera. More recently she has set up a thriving teaching practice based in Berkshire, where she now lives.