About Ian Gray
Ian Gray is a freelance music educator and performer with over 35 years experience. Practical music-making is at the heart of all his activities and he enjoys performing in a variety of styles as a pianist, accompanist, musical director and organist/keyboards player.
IAN AS TEACHER/MUSIC EDUCATOR
It is Ian’s firmly held belief that ‘learning by doing’ is the way for-ward for students of all ages and abilities; his approach is skills based, with a commitment to teach music musically. Each learner presents a unique challenge and it is his mission to teach in the style that enables the pupil to learn effectively.
Private Practice
In his private piano teaching practice Ian offers 1:1 tuition in a variety of styles. Current pupils range from Prep Test to Diploma level. Over the years he has amassed a great deal of experience working with beginners and already accomplished pianists who want to work on their jazz and improvisation skills; a particular feature of his practice is the number of more mature players returning to piano tuition after several years.
Ian worked as an examiner for ABRSM for over 20 years on the classical and jazz panels both in the UK and in Hong Kong, China Singapore and Turkey.
Royal Northern College of Music
He teaches jazz piano, improvisation skills classes, as well as coaching jazz ensembles at the Junior Royal Northern College of Music each Saturday. In the senior RNCM he is a mentor on the Masters’ programme, working with postgraduate pianists who aspire to teach in the future.
Ian is a facilitator, 1:1 piano teacher and workshop leader on the RNCM’s ‘Pathfinder Project’ – an innovative outreach initiative presenting workshops and formulating short bespoke courses for young musicians whose musical progression needs careful guidance – he has many years experience leading workshops over the entire age range from infants to adults in schools, PRUs, community music settings and in adult education summer schools.
Classroom Expertise
Ian’s experience and expertise in classroom music has seen him lecture on the PGCE (Secondary Music) course at the University of Cumbria and on the course run jointly by MMU and RNCM which prepares graduates for a career in music education.
IAN THE PERFORMER
Ian is a sought after accompanist/musical director with several singers and is the keyboards player/musical director of the band ‘Blue Moon’. He is one of the organists at St Margaret’s Parish Church in Ingol, Preston. When time permits he is a freelance musical theatre MD – his most recent productions were “Spamalot” and “Wind in the Willows” with Leyland Methodist Music and Drama Group. In the past he has worked with Blackpool Operatic Players and Preston Musical Comedy Society.
If you’re looking for music for your celebration (party/wedding) Ian can call upon many singers and instrumentalists to meet your requirements – please feel free to contact him to discuss your needs.
Contact
Ian is always pleased to hear from anyone who may benefit from his expertise & experience as a performer, musical director, piano teacher and music educator.
Please get in touch with him using the enquiry form or contact details below, to arrange an informal, no-obligation conversation/meeting to discuss your needs…