Piano Lessons in Glasgow with Andy Alston
Andy Alston is one of Scotland’s most experienced piano teachers, combining a First-Class Honours degree in Physics, a further degree in Mathematics, and postgraduate study in Philosophy with a genuine career as a professional musician. He toured and recorded with Del Amitri during the band’s most successful years, and today his compositions — spanning jazz, classical, country and pop — receive regular radio airplay across the UK and internationally. Since 2002 he has combined that musical career with teaching, holding two postgraduate qualifications in education and lecturing at college and university level.
That combination shapes every lesson: informal and encouraging in tone, but built around real, measurable progress, whichever direction you want your playing to go.
What a Piano Lesson With Andy Covers
| Skill Area | What You’ll Develop |
|---|---|
| Technique & Repertoire | Hand position, finger independence and a growing repertoire, played on a real grand piano for authentic touch and tone. |
| Sight-Reading | Reading standard notation fluently, so new sheet music stops being intimidating. |
| Music Theory | Harmony, scales, chord structures and the notation that underpins everything you play. |
| Improvisation | Playing by ear and responding musically in the moment — drawn from Andy’s own jazz background. |
| Composition & Songwriting | Turning your own musical ideas into finished pieces, including using score-writing software. |
| Performance Confidence | Building the comfort to play for others — at a recital, an exam, or simply a family gathering. |
Two Paths: The Graded Exam Route, or Playing Free
Not every student wants the same thing from music. Some want to work within the graded exam system, where accurate sight-reading and set repertoire matter most. Others — including many who already have some formal training — want to free up their playing so they can sit at a piano at a party, a family gathering, or a function and play with ease, without needing sheet music in front of them.
- Exam-focused route: structured progress through graded repertoire and set technical work.
- Improvisation-led route: built on jazz foundations, developing the ear and confidence to play any style without relying on written music.
- Most students land somewhere between the two, and lessons can be weighted either way as goals develop.
Why Lessons Happen on a Real Grand Piano
The chemistry between teacher and student is the most important part of any piano lesson, and Andy aims to create an environment that’s both fun and supportive while remaining structured enough for steady progress. Every lesson takes place on a real grand piano rather than a keyboard, bringing a richness and expressiveness a digital instrument can’t match.
Choosing the Right Instrument for Practice at Home
You don’t need a grand piano at home to get started. With years of experience across the wide range of keyboards and digital pianos available — from beginner-friendly starter models to instruments used for professional touring — Andy can help you choose one that fits both your budget and the space you have.
Music Theory, Made Practical
Learning piano brings together several skills at once: the physical coordination of hand movements, the visual reading of a written musical “language,” and listening and responding to sound in real time. Music theory (notation, harmony, structure and terminology) is woven into lessons alongside your playing rather than taught separately.
From Playing to Composing and Recording
Reading music opens doors in every direction, from jazz and classical to EDM and beyond. Once you’re musically literate, you can write your own scores in whatever style inspires you, and Andy can show you how to use score-writing software to compose, share your work, and collaborate with other musicians. As a working songwriter and producer whose own music is played on radio stations internationally, Andy also guides students through turning an idea into a finished song — recording it, sharing it online, and getting it onto platforms like Spotify.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to already read music to start?
No. Complete beginners are welcome, and reading music is taught gradually alongside your playing.
What ages do you teach?
All ages, from young children through to adults.
Do I need my own piano at home?
A keyboard or digital piano is enough to start, and Andy can advise on a suitable option for your budget and space.
What styles of music can I learn?
Classical, jazz, pop, country and more — many students blend several.
Is there a free trial lesson?
Yes. Every new student gets a completely free, no-obligation 30-minute taster lesson.
Explore Other Programs
| Program | Best For |
|---|---|
| Private Learning | Anyone who wants fully one-to-one lessons shaped entirely around them |
| Kids, Teens & Adults | Finding the right approach for your age and stage |
| Early Childhood | A gentle, confidence-first start for young children |
| Piano for Wellbeing | Stress relief and mindful playing rather than exam pressure |
| Ensemble Skills | Preparing to play chord charts and jam with other musicians |
| Summer Course | A short, focused course over the summer break |
Get in Touch
| Studio | Andy Alston Piano School, 41 Clouston Street, Glasgow, G20 8QP |
| Phone | +44 (079) 861 16397 |
| andy-alston@hotmail.co.uk |
Book Your Free 30-Minute Taster Lesson | Get Directions & Contact Form
