Shan was the first jazz pianist in the world to offer lessons online using a webcam and microphone. He now has students all over the world who sign in to have a lesson with him on their computers. Lessons work in much the same way as you would if you came to Shan's studio, so make sure you take a good look at the other pages on the rest of the site as this will tell you almost everything you need to know.

These are NOT recorded lessons to buy on DVD or download. These lessons are for people looking for a one-to-one jazz teacher with whom they can interact as if they were in the same room.

What technology is needed?

Almost every computer is suitable for webcam lessons. Here are a few details to show you how simple the technical requirements are. You can buy a good quality webcam with a mic and headphones, often for less that £50.

• PC or Mac
• Broadband internet connection
• Webcam
• Mic/Headphones (either separate or one one integrated headset)
• Some free downloadable software which Shan will advise you on depending on your system

In Shan's own words...

I have been teaching in webcam for many years now but the most common question is still - does it really work?. Anyone who knows ever met me will know that I will only do something if its effective and YES it really does work! Students have been really pleased with the results so perhaps it's best to let them tell you how they have found the experience..." Shan

Case Studies in students own words...

Meet Rachel who lives on a remote mountain  in France

Her mailbox is 2km away and there are no other houses or roads nearby. However, she has been having piano lessons on webcam with Shan for over 3 years.

"I decided when I was 40 that I would start playing the piano.  Having little  patience and no musical background,  I was quite dubious about how far I would get.  After nearly 3 years, jazz piano lessons on webcam have become an essential part of my life and the piano gives me hours of enjoyment.  I really don't think I could have achieved this without Shan and his alternative method of teaching. The method Shan teaches really empowers you and helps you understand what you're playing and therefore how to improvise! I think if I had to have learn piano the classical route, I would not be playing now. I am now at the point where I can sit at the piano and really enjoy myself."

Eric lives in Scotland

To find the rare information that Shan teaches, Eric would have to drive 412 miles which would take around 7 hours. The picture you see was captured from Shan's computer during a webcam lesson with Eric.

"In the course of our lives we make good decisions and bad ones. I have to tell you that taking the plunge and contacting Shan for webcam lessons was certainly one of the better ones that I made. My only regret is that I did not do this sooner. My piano playing had become stale with no fresh ideas and no proper knowledge how to improve. Under Shan's guidance I can honestly say there has been a noticeable improvement with each passing week. Shan seems to have that rare ability to communicate at all levels. The lessons are extremely enjoyable and you will learn things books just cannot teach you. I can only urge anyone who is serious in their desire to learn and improve to get in touch with Shan and book a few lessons to begin with. You will not regret it!"

 

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