Tuition - Piano & Keyboard
Piano is the most popular instrument taught at the Centre and consequently we have seven piano teachers. Piano and keyboard are taught to students from the age of six.
Lewis Weston JP MA DipRCM
Lewis Weston has been playing the piano since he was five and by fourteen made his debut with orchestra at the Royal Albert Hall Schools' Prom. Whilst still at school he gained his performer's diploma and won a scholarship to study with John Barstow at the Royal College of Music, London, where he won numerous awards and performed concertos by Liszt and Grieg. Having graduated as a recitalist and teacher Lewis led a varied career from entertainment promoter to bar owner with serious music making taking a back seat for some years. But in 2003 he recommenced his studies with David Murray under whom he completed a master's degree in performing at the University of Newcastle, where he gave back to back performances of Schumann’s piano concerto with the symphony orchestra. Lewis teaches piano to diploma level and is in increasing demand as a tutor, soloist and accompanist. Later this year, he is starting a chamber concert series showcasing the best young classical artists in the region. Lewis sits as an adult court Justice on the Newcastle Bench and is a keen tennis player.
Ian Elliott BA (Hons)
Ian began piano lessons at an early age with Kevin Miller, achieving a Grade 8 distinction by the age of 17. Whilst at university, he worked as a rehearsal pianist for various amateur dramatics groups in his local area. Ian returned to the north east in early 2007 to begin a career in piano teaching. As well as his teaching at the Northern Music Centre, Ian also teaches privately in Consett and is the pianist for the Consett, Blackhill and Shotley Bridge Amateur Dramatics Societies.
