Piano · Drums · Guitar · and more

Patient, expert music lessons - from first notes to Grade 8 and beyond

In-person lessons for children and adults. Jazz, classical and contemporary - working towards exams, or simply for the joy of playing. In my dedicated music room, or in your own home.

Enhanced DBS checked · child-protection certified · parents always welcome to stay.

Robert Howard smiling at the piano in his music room, a guitar hanging on the wall behind him

About

A fun, encouraging place to start or continue your musical adventure

Hello, I am Robert Howard, a multi-instrumentalist with decades of teaching experience. I teach piano, drums and guitar - jazz, classical and contemporary - up to Grade 8 and far beyond, alongside bass, singing, theory, composition and music production.

I have taught children and adults for many years and find it to be very rewarding work. My approach focuses on the individual: we build solid technique and musical understanding through the inspiring songs and styles you will discover on your musical journey. Whether you want to pass an exam or simply enjoy making music, you are very welcome here.

Lessons happen in my dedicated music room in Furzedown, or I can travel to your home. Parents are always welcome to stay.

What I teach

Lessons for every instrument and stage

Piano, drums and guitar are my main instruments, taught from first steps to Grade 8 and beyond in jazz, classical and contemporary styles - plus plenty more besides.

  • Piano

    From your very first notes to Grade 8 and beyond. Classical, jazz and contemporary - reading, technique and playing by ear.

  • Drums

    Groove, technique and reading for all styles. Beginners to Grade 8 and beyond, building solid time and real musicality.

  • Guitar

    Chords, riffs and reading, on acoustic or electric. First songs to Grade 8 and beyond, including rock, blues, jazz and classical.

  • Beginner bass

    Lock in with the groove and underpin any band.

  • Singing

    Find your voice with breath, pitch and confidence.

  • Music theory

    Understand how music works, from basics to Grade 8.

  • Reading & writing music

    Read the dots and put your own ideas on the page.

  • Composition

    Turn ideas into finished pieces of your own.

  • Songwriting

    Melody and structure for complete original songs.

  • Music production

    Record and shape your music at the computer.

  • Lyric writing

    Find the words - writing lyrics that fit your melody.

  • Percussion

    Beyond the kit - tuned and hand percussion.

For graded exams or purely for fun · beginners very welcome.

Kind words

What parents and students say

We’ve been having piano lessons with Rob for nearly a year, and we couldn’t be happier. He is friendly, encouraging and really knows how to make the lessons fun and stimulating. Our son especially loves showing Rob his progress and the songs he makes up himself! It’s lovely to see how much his confidence and enthusiasm for playing have grown. We would definitely recommend Rob to any parent looking for a great piano teacher.
Graziano
Robert is an amazing piano teacher. My daughter has been going to Robert's lessons for years now. He is so inspiring and patient. He has such talent and always there if you need any advice. He's a top teacher and I can't recommend him highly enough. We are so lucky to have Robert as a piano teacher.
Nilufar Z.
Rob is an amazing teacher who not only helped me progress the drums technically. But also nurtured my love for the instrument and music in general in ways that other teachers completely ignored. He is truly a great teacher and musician.
Alex V.
Rob makes kids and adults fall in love with music, his passion for playing and sharing his skills is palpable. A great teacher who makes playing fun!
Kate L.
Robert’s guitar lessons are engaging, enjoyable and highly useful thanks to his kindness and skill. Robert helps you find your passion for music, with the perfect balance of a hands on approach but also letting you find your rhythm. They have inspired me to keep improving with fun and passion! Thank you Robert m, and I highly recommend anyone looking to learn guitar to take lessons with a Robert. His passion for music is contagious, and his good and kind spirits create the perfect environment for learning.
Melchior D.
Highly recommend! Superb, warm and friendly teacher - 5 stars!
Hannah W.
Coming to the drums later in life I was a little nervous about how things would go but Robert is endlessly patient, technically amazing and has enormous enthusiasm for teaching. My drum lessons are so much fun. I have never looked back.
Ellie V.
Robert is an incredible teacher who I have had for almost four years now. He is clearly extremely passionate and knowledgable about music, in particular piano, in which he has helped me improve from a complete beginner to learning popular pieces. He is incredibly welcoming, friendly, and patient meaning my lessons are always a joy to have and I am actively encouraged to improve. My lessons have always been catered to my musical goals and the pieces/genres that I want to explore, allowing me to improve through pieces I love whilst learning important techniques under Robert’s guidance. I highly recommend Robert’s music lessons to anyone who is looking for a new teacher!
Niamh
I really enjoy my piano lessons with Robert. He has truly given me a love for music and he always makes the lessons enjoyable. I really appreciate that he lets me learn at my own pace, without ever putting pressure on me. He is very patient, encouraging, and makes me feel comfortable and motivated to keep learning. I’m very happy to have found such a kind and supportive teacher! Robert teaches piano to my young daughter as well. He is always very gentle, patient, and makes every lesson enjoyable for her as well. She is gaining confidence, developing a real love for music, and is making great progress. Thank you very much Robert for sharing your passion and love for music with us and for inspiring us along the way!
Celine
Robert has been wonderful with our daughter, Tia. He is genuinely one of the most patient people I’ve ever met. Tia is only five and quite young to start music lessons, and initially she was very resistant to having a new person teach her and gave Robert quite a hard time! Tia is also visually impaired, and Robert has been fantastic at adapting his teaching to suit her. He uses clear verbal instructions and makes small adjustments to ensure she can participate fully and confidently. He is also incredibly creative in the way he keeps her engaged. He doesn’t limit the lessons to piano, but has brought along different instruments and introduced new activities to keep things interesting, which has made her much more excited about her lessons. He has been incredibly patient and consistent, never pushing her before she was ready, and has gradually built her confidence and trust. It’s been lovely to see the change — she now really enjoys her lessons and looks forward to them, while also beginning to develop her musical skills and confidence. Robert is also always punctual, reliable and very responsive. We couldn’t be happier with him and would highly recommend him to any parent looking for a wonderful, patient and adaptable music teacher for their child.
Gabi J.

How to get in touch

Or email roberthowardwolf@gmail.com

Enhanced DBS checked and child-protection certified. Certificates are available to view on request.