Piano Lessons in Sheffield
Classical, pop, jazz — beginners to advanced, in-person or online
The piano is the instrument that opens up everything else in music — once you can read both clefs and find the notes under your hands, the rest of music theory makes sense. I’ve been playing and teaching piano alongside bass and guitar for over 20 years, across classical, pop, and jazz styles. Whether you’re sitting at a keyboard for the first time or coming back to it after years away, lessons are built around what you actually want to play.
Part of music lessons in Sheffield — six instruments, one teacher, same approach.
20+ years playing
Multi-instrumentalist with 20+ years across piano, bass and guitar. Recording credits at Abbey Road and work with Mike Stock and Shayne Ward.
Built around you
Whether it’s your first lesson, prepping for an ABRSM grade, or learning to comp jazz changes — every session is built around what you actually want to play.
5★ rated on Google
75 reviews, 5.0 average. Students from total beginners to working musicians — the reviews speak for themselves.
What you'll learn
From your first scales through to the songs you love. Here’s what we’ll cover.
Technique
Hand position, finger independence, scales, arpeggios, pedal work. The foundations that make everything else possible.
Theory & reading
Treble and bass clef, key signatures, chord building. Practical theory you’ll use every time you sit down to play.
Songs you love
Pop, classical, jazz, film soundtracks — bring the songs you want to play and we’ll work them out together.
Improvise & compose
Recognising keys, building chords, writing your own melodies. The bits that turn playing into making music.
Who I teach
Total beginners through to working musicians. Whatever stage you’re at, lessons start where you are.
Complete beginners
Never sat at a piano before? No problem. We’ll start with finding the notes, hand position, and have you playing a recognisable tune by the end of the first lesson.
Improvers
You can play a bit but you’ve hit a wall — usually reading, hand independence, or chord changes. We’ll work out what’s holding you back and fix it.
Advanced players
Working musicians, accompanists, jazz players, classical students prepping for performance. Lessons sharpen specific skills and tackle whatever’s in front of you.
Exam prep
BRSM and Trinity grades for piano. Also GCSE / A-Level / BTEC support — performance pieces, scales, sight-reading, aural tests, and theory.
How lessons work
Lessons happen at my home studio in Sheffield — there’s a proper acoustic upright piano, plus recording gear so we can capture what you’re playing and listen back together. Hearing yourself the way other people hear you is one of the fastest ways to spot what to work on. If Sheffield isn’t workable, online lessons over Zoom work well for piano — most students get on fine with a webcam pointed at the keyboard.
Every lesson is one-to-one. We’ll start with what you want to play, what’s frustrating you, and where you’d like to be in six months. From there I build a plan around what you’ve told me — not a generic syllabus, just the things that move you forward.
The first lesson is a one-off — book in, come down, see if you like the way I teach. From there, students typically book a regular weekly or fortnightly slot and I charge in monthly blocks paid up front.
Pricing & availability
Same rates whether you come to the studio or have lessons online. The first session is a single payment — after that, students typically settle into a regular slot and I charge monthly in advance.
30 minutes
£15
In-person or online
45 minutes
£20
In-person or online
60 minutes
£25
In-person or online
When I'm available
Studio hours are Monday to Thursday, 12pm – 10pm. Online piano lessons can fit around that — message me with the times that work and we’ll find a slot.
Other instruments I teach
Piano players often pick up a second instrument — and the theory you’ve learnt at the keyboard does most of the heavy lifting elsewhere.
Bass Guitar Lessons
Sheffield’s bass specialist. Slap, fingerstyle, picking — beginners through to working bassists.
Guitar Lessons
Acoustic and electric guitar — from open chords through to soloing. At the studio or online.
Music Theory Lessons
From grade 1 basics through to harmony and analysis. Useful for exam prep or just deeper musicianship.
What students say
5.0 stars from 75 verified Google reviews. Piano students, bassists, guitarists, kids and adults — the lot.
Posted on Google Scott TaylorTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ve been having lessons with Adam at Slap 'n' Pop Music and would highly recommend him. He explains things clearly, keeps lessons relaxed, and tailors everything to your level and the music you enjoy. He also covers music theory in a really easy-to-understand way, so you actually know what you’re playing and why. I’ve made great progress in a short time, and it’s always a good laugh as well. Top teacher 👍Posted on Google NellyTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Adam is a very friendly and competent bass teacher. He is very good at pushing you the right amount without overwhelming or criticising. I really enjoy our lessons and I am improving at a great rate. He also has the cutest dog!Posted on Google Natalie MitchellTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Adam is a fantastic music teacher, he is very encouraging, creative and knows how to make learning fun. He's nurtured a love for music in my autistic child. I can't recommend him enough.Posted on Google AndyTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I've been taking Guitar lessons from Adam for about a Month now and I can highly recommend his expert tuition as he is very Professional and thorough. My Playing is getting better week by week.Posted on Google Marie HooperTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Adam is a fantastic teacher. He is teaching my 9 year old son who has ADHD how to play the bass guitar and he has so much patience with him which is wonderful. He is coming on in leaps and bounds because of this, I am so grateful to him for his input and hard work. I couldn't wish for a better teacher, he clearly knows his stuff!Posted on Google Michael ArnoldTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had been trying to learn guitar by myself for about a year & found I had plateaued, I have now had six lessons with Adam & have learned so much already,a good balance of theory and playing.he explains everything so well and I look forward to my lesson every week.i would recommend him very highly to anyone!Posted on Google creaseda teatowellTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Adam is a brilliant teacher. I’m quite nervous in learning environments and take a lot of time to understand things. I’ve only been with him a month and I’ve already learned so much. He has explained everything step by step to make sure I understand, and now I’m flying through guitar and music theory. Lessons are well planned and I have a really good time. He’s also very easy to talk to. I’m really excited to keep learning with him :)Posted on Google Kevin CowlingTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ve been tutored by Adam for a few weeks now and really enjoy our sessions,Adam is thorough and clear with is explanation of music and patient if we need to go over things again,is program is great for a beginner like myself and he’s always contactable in between sessions.Posted on Google Lynne AustinTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Adam was recommended to me, and I can see why. As a retired female deciding to learn to play guitar was exciting but quite daunting. Adam was welcoming and reassuring, his mix of therory and practise helps you progress practically but also gives you the skills to progress in lots of other ways. Sending me away with little practice pieces means I feel like I am making progress even after the first lesson, it also motivates me to practise every day even if I only have 10 minutes to spare. Highly recommended, if you need a guitar teacherm no matter your age or skill check him out.Posted on Google Melissa GraysonTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. So as a late 40 something I was a little hesitant and nervous in starting to learn the guitar but as soon as I contacted Adam he immediately put my mind at rest. He is a lovely guy with a great way of teaching and makes it fun. He also has lots of patience which is good when dealing with me! 😂Google rating score: 5.0 of 5, based on 75 reviews
Do I need a piano at home to start?
You'll need something to practise on — but a digital keyboard with weighted keys works fine for the first year or two. If you're serious about classical or want to pursue grades, an acoustic upright is a worthwhile investment further down the line. Message me before you buy and I'll point you towards what's worth your money.
Acoustic piano or digital keyboard?
Either works to start. Digital keyboards are cheaper, quieter (you can use headphones), and don't need tuning. Acoustic pianos sound and feel better, but they're a bigger commitment. For lessons, what matters most is that the keyboard has at least 61 keys and ideally weighted (or semi-weighted) action so the technique transfers properly.
How long until I can play a song I recognise?
Within the first lesson, usually. Properly playing — both hands together, in time, sounding musical — takes a few weeks of consistent practice. The honest variable is how often you sit down at the keys between lessons. Even 15 minutes a day beats an hour once a week.
Can I learn classical, pop, or jazz?
All three. I cover classical reading and technique, pop and chord-based playing, and jazz comping and improvisation. We'll focus on whatever you most want to play — most students end up dipping into all three styles over time.
Do you teach kids?
Yes, I teach all ages. Piano is one of the best instruments for younger students because the layout makes theory visual. Lessons are paced and structured to keep them engaged — usually 30-minute sessions to start. Parents are welcome to sit in for the first few lessons.
Ready to start playing?
Book your first piano lesson — single payment, no commitment, see if we’re a good fit.