Courses/Classes for Adults 16+ years
(Sevenoaks area only)
It's never too late to learn!
Try a keyboard skills workshop or weekly classes for adults (16+) and make it all about you...
Option 1 - The One Day Crash Course!
Next Date TBC
'I had a fantastic time on Saturday, learning has never been such fun and so relaxed! I came away really inspired and confident in my new knowledge, thank you Ali'
Dee, Sevenoaks
'I had a great time on the course and have had huge fun impressing my family (by which I mean my wife mainly, who is not easily impressed) with my meteoric rise to the foothills of keyboard greatness. Amazing to think what you managed to get through to a group of beginner adults. I think I may have learned more in 5 hours than my son has learned in 5 months of school lessons!'
David, London
As both the director and teacher of Funky Monkey Keyboard Classes, I have heard the phrase 'I wish you did this sort of thing for adults' at the end of our children's classes so many times, that it has finally inspired me to do something about it! Come and join us on one of our crash courses in beginner keyboard (very basic or no knowledge is ideal!)
We will aim to achieve the following:
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Correct hand position/posture and basic technique required for both keyboard and piano
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Reading and writing music
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Understanding the basic structures/concepts of music
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Learning a number of well known tunes, so you achieve fast and satisfying results
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Introduction to reading the bass clef (for you wannabe pianists out there!)
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Satisfaction of playing music in a relaxed and informal atmosphere
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All equipment provided, take home workbook, maximum group size 10, bring a packed lunch, coffee/biscuits provided
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10am-3pm at The Drive Methodist Church, The Drive, Sevenoaks, TN13 3AE VERY LIMITED PARKING
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Non-refundable fee: £60, £10 discount from total invoice for 2 or more places booked together
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Email: mail@funkymonkey.info or call 01732 457 100 to book or register interest
Option 2 - 10 week group course
From Monday 15th April 2024
'I have always wanted to learn the piano but wasn't sure how to go about it. Ali's group lessons were absolutely brilliant - she has an amazing "way in" to learning the foundations that is fun, supportive, challenging but achievable! People went from zero to reading music and playing with both hands in 10 sessions. I had some previous musical knowledge and Ali was able to tailor to people's progress, interests, confidence levels. 110% recommend.' Sarah, Sevenoaks
If you fancy a more structured and regular commitment, then weekly classes could be for you! Ali teaches adults for one hour a week in the evening, using 5 octave keyboards, and with a maximum class size of 10. An engaging, relaxed session which will baby step you through the crazy world of playing the piano, understanding all the signs, symbols and instructions whilst learning to read and write music! Such fun to learn with like minded adults - and of course the headphones give you a sense of privacy whilst getting to grips with the latest new tune!
'It has been 25+ years since I last played any type of instrument so I was naturally very hesitant to join a face-to-face piano keyboard class with 7 complete strangers. I had little to worry about in Ali's safe hands. She masterfully eased everyone from the moment we all sat down in front of our keyboards, and by the end of our first hour together, we were all relaxed and playing a bit of 'Every Breath You Take'. Amazing! I've loved every minute of being one of Ali's students over the 10 weeks and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend her classes to anyone, of any age. She is a true gem in Sevenoaks!' Jullie, Sevenoaks
We will aim to achieve the following:
-
Correct hand position/posture and basic technique required for both keyboard and piano
-
Reading and writing music
-
Understanding the basic structures/concepts of music
-
Learning a number of well known tunes, so you achieve fast and satisfying results
-
Playing with 2 hands and being able to read the bass clef
-
Satisfaction of playing music in a relaxed and informal atmosphere
-
All equipment provided, take home workbook with supplementary repertoire books
-
Non-refundable fee: £160, 10 one hour lessons, books extra (£16)
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Mondays, 7.30pm-8.30pm
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The Drive Methodist Church, The Drive, Sevenoaks, TN13 3AE VERY LIMITED PARKING
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Email: mail@funkymonkey.info or call 01732 457 100 to book or register interest
Option 3 - Private tuition
I also teach privately from my home in Central Sevenoaks and offer 30 minute sessions on a one-to-one basis. Weekday morning classes only (sorry, no evenings or weekends!) £25 for 30 minutes, £20 for retirees. You can tailor the lesson to whatever you want to achieve - grades or just for fun, beginners or returners! You must be able to fit in practice to be able to get the most out of your lessons.
Email: mail@funkymonkey.info or call 01732 457 100 to book a trial lesson
Although it's all about you...here's a little bit about me...
Before I set up Funky Monkey Keyboard Classes in 2003, I graduated from Birmingham Conservatoire with an MA (Distinction) in Music performance. My primary instrument is the oboe, but I also studied piano as a joint first study in my BMus degree and was lucky enough to have wonderful, inspiring teachers all the way through my musical education on both instruments.
Over the last twenty five years (eek!), I have gained a wealth of experience in teaching both young and old and I thoroughly enjoy the process of teaching music. I like to think my classes make people feel relaxed and uninhibited which I believe is an important factor in getting the best out of anyone - and a sense of humour goes a long way too! I still get great enjoyment from playing both for myself and my children and hope I can encourage others to achieve the same.