Welcome to Andy Alston Piano School
Tailored lessons for beginners to advanced players — jazz, classical, pop & more
Welcome There
About Andy Alston
Andy is one of Scotland’s top pianists. With a background in physics, mathematics and philosophy, Andy brings a structured and inspiring approach to music education. He’s toured with Del Amitri, produced genre-spanning music, and his compositions receive international airplay. He offers tailored piano lessons for all ages.
Our Programs
The chemistry between teacher and student is the most important element of a piano lesson, and I aim to create an environment that is both fun and supportive, while remaining structured to ensure steady progress. In our lessons, you’ll not only learn to play pieces you enjoy, but also build a solid foundation in music theory, discover how music has developed through history, and gain the skills to read and understand the music you want to play. Most importantly, you’ll experience the feel and expressiveness of making music on a real grand piano, which brings a richness and depth to your playing that can’t be matched.
Not every student follows the same path in music. Some want to work within the graded exam system, where accuracy in reading scores is key. Others, who may already have formal training, want to free up their playing—so they can sit at a piano at a party, function, or family gathering and play with ease, without sheet music. I can help you develop both sides of your musicianship. My own journey began with jazz, and I use its foundations to teach the essential skills of improvisation and composition. These techniques not only make your playing more expressive and enjoyable but also transfer seamlessly into any style of popular music.
Music is as diverse as people are, and learning to read music is a fundamental skill that opens up every direction you might want to go. Just as reading text gives you freedom to explore ideas, reading music gives you the tools to understand, perform, and create in any style—from jazz and classical to EDM and beyond. Today there are countless resources available online, from PDF scores to tutorials on YouTube, but true musical literacy gives you the confidence to use them effectively. Once you can do this, you can write scores for jazz, classical, folk, EDM, or whatever style inspires you. I can also show you how to use score-writing software to compose your own pieces, share them with others, and collaborate with musicians around the world.
Learning the piano is a unique challenge because it brings together several skills at once: the physical coordination of hand movements, the visual reading of a “foreign language” of scores, and the listening and responding to sound. Reading music is not always easy—it’s a system devised centuries ago, gradually codified, and now firmly fixed. But with steady progress, you will grasp it, even if it’s new to you. Music theory underpins this process, covering areas such as notation, harmony, musical structures, and the technical terms used in music. As you work through lessons and graded pieces, you’ll naturally build your understanding of theory alongside your playing.
Every song begins with a spark — a feeling, a phrase, a melody you can’t get out of your head. If you’ve ever had ideas in your heart but weren’t sure how to turn them into real songs, I can help bring them to life. As a songwriter and producer, my music is played on radio stations across the world, and I’ve written for international artists whose songs continue to reach new audiences. Songwriting is a craft, but it’s also a journey of discovery: learning how to shape words into lyrics, build melodies that stay with people, and bring everything together into a song that’s uniquely yours. I’ll also guide you through the practical steps — from recording and sharing your work online to getting your music on platforms like Spotify and even out to radio. Whether you dream of writing for yourself or for others, songwriting gives you a voice — and I can show you how to use it.
If you’d like to dip into the fascinating world of music but don’t yet know how to play an instrument or where to begin, I can help you get started. Alongside professional, practical, and theoretical music instruction, I can also guide you in choosing the right instrument. With years of experience, I know the wide range of keyboards available — from beginner-friendly starter models to professional touring instruments — and can help you find one that fits both your budget and the space you have in mind. From there, we’ll explore the path that best suits your musical journey.
Playing the piano can be a powerful way to reduce stress and improve mental well-being. Piano therapy combines the joy of music with mindful practice, helping you focus, relax, and express emotions in a safe and creative way. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, lessons provide a calming, structured environment where you can unwind while learning new skills. Through simple exercises, improvisation, and exploring your favorite pieces, piano therapy can help release tension, improve concentration, and bring a sense of achievement and joy into your daily life.
Format: Group class – 2 evenings per week.
Duration: 6 weeks (12 sessions, 60–90 mins each)
Goal: Teach students how to understand chord structures, read chord charts, and play creatively in any style.

Do You Want to Study at Andy’s Piano?
At Andy’s Piano, we make music education accessible to students from all over the world. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an advanced player, our lessons welcome learners of all ages.
Specialising in both classical technique and the freedom of jazz improvisation, we focus on developing strong musical skills, inspiring creative passion, and building the confidence to perform. Our aim is to equip every student with the knowledge and ability to continue their musical journey for life.
How to Choose an Instrument
Musical Instrument
If you want to dip into the fascinating world of music but don`t know how to play musical instruments and are unsure where to start, you definitely need to contact us! Our experts provide professional, practical, and theoretical music instructions that will help you choose the right direction.



