Mark Swinton offers private tuition for:

• Organ
• Piano
• Music Theory
• Music Exams

Plus, he is often available as an outstanding accompanist for lessons and exams.


Tuition FAQs

How much do you charge?

My rates are reasonable. Please contact me for more information.

When do you teach?

I have a few spaces on Saturdays for pupils wishing to come weekly. I also have space on Monday and Tuesday mornings for pupils looking for one-off, fortnightly or monthly lessons.

What abilities do you teach?

Organ / Theory -- any ability (complete beginners to fellow professionals and everyone in between)

Piano -- adults of any ability or children from grade V upwards (I sometimes make exceptions if a child is particularly keen and happy to practise).

Where do you teach?

Piano and Theory lessons are normally given in the pupil’s home.

Organ lessons are normally given in the pupil’s local church, as this is where the pupil will usually practice and perform. (Organ pupils must undertake to secure access to the church for all lessons and pay any charges for electricity, heating etc. that may be levied by the church as a condition for use of the organ.)

Are travelling expenses extra?

No, I normally try to include travelling expenses for lessons in and around Warwick. If you live far afield, there may be a reasonable extra charge which we can agree upon in advance.

Do I have to buy my own books?

Yes, normally pupils will need to obtain their own reasonably priced music, exercise books, metronomes, organ shoes and other necessary equipment. I am very happy to advise, depending upon the individual pupil’s needs, and can also help with sourcing specialist items. I also have a number of books, recordings and music journals which I can loan to pupils to help.

Do you offer longer sessions?

Yes, at very reasonable rates, please call for more details.

Do I have to pay in advance?

For the first lesson and any one-off weekday lessons, payment on the day is fine.

For subsequent regular lessons, pupils are asked to pay for each series of lessons in full at the beginning of the series. All pupils undertaking regular tuition are guaranteed their place with me by way of the Agreement for Private Music Tuition as produced by the Incorporated Society of Musicians (ISM), which is agreed and signed at the commencement of tuition. (Terms and Conditions PDF)

Do you accept cheques?

Yes, cheques or cash. For the first lesson and any one-off lessons, the specified fee will be payable on the day by cash or cheque. For subsequent regular lessons, a series of 6 is due in advance.

Do you teach in the school holidays?

Not normally, but I can often be flexible. Series of lessons are normally worked out in line with the school term dates, as set by the local Council. Pupils are notified of all Lesson and Holiday dates in advance.

I play the organ at my local church, can you help me to enjoy it more?

I particularly enjoy providing help and advice to part-time parish church organists (particularly 'reluctant organists' or pianists who find themselves press-ganged into playing at least once a month!) who might wish to develop or refresh certain skills.

What exams do you prepare pupils for?

Having undertaken Examiner Training as part of my professional development, I am pleased to coach candidates for examinations of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM), the Royal College of Organists (RCO) or other boards. I am also available for ad hoc consultation sessions on academic music for students at GCSE level, A-level, degree level or diploma level.