The Complete Musician 2026 : Piano Essentials Course

Tom is an amazing musician and teacher. Extremely generous with his skills and knowledge and very supportive. I have a pretty theoretical background in music (degree etc.) but have always wanted to be able to improvise creatively and play along with other musicians freely. So Tom’s approach, to master/understand the piano, rather than to just learn one or two songs is perfect for me.

Having an excellent teacher/ musician play along with you during a lesson is a very natural way to learn (and a lot of fun). Tom makes the seemingly complex, simple and much easier to understand (even possible with practise). We have illuminating discussions about music and the sessions are very inspiring.

I have a long way to go but Tom has made me feel much more positive about my piano playing and its creative potential. I wish I’d met him a long time ago!

My treat to myself has been to spend a couple of days with Tom Donald in his London studio each summer specifically to liberate my piano playing. Formal teaching of the traditional binary school of right/wrong, correct/incorrect is of no interest to me so finding Tom has been a complete breath of fresh air! His musical knowledge and experience is vast and talent for improvisation is nothing short of thrilling. Spending time absorbing ideas from him has given me a massive amount of confidence in creating my own style of playing. As a worship group leader I am improvising freely as we respond to the liturgy and needing to blend with a wide variety of other musicians. I’ve had so much feedback from our congregation about the music I’m now producing which has helped them to experience worship in a deeper way. Tom has listened to what I wanted from our piano sessions together and tailored the content perfectly to my needs – working with Tom is utterly absorbing, intensely inspiring and enormous fun!!

He is one of the most relaxed pianists I’ve ever met, a delight to spend time with and having performed twice for me for the Cheltenham Christian Arts Festival has each time left his audiences dazzled by his virtuosity

Tom is a superb teacher with a rather unique approach. He has introduced me to the world of jazz and improvisation without making it overly complex or daunting, and always with amazing energy and charisma

I’ve taken so many piano lessons throughout my life but I could never ever see them through or stay motivated to continue learning piano, I’d go for 1 or 2 months and then stop going. Until I found out about London Contemporary School of Piano and read about their different approach to teaching, it’s nothing like I ever experienced, with no exaggeration, they made me start playing actual music (not just drills and scales for years -.-) and it was so exciting and motivating to me. 1 and a half year later and I’m still going strong ! And I’m starting on a Chopin piece now !.. yes a Chopin for someone like me who’s was a total beginner, this is huge for me! .. Tom is incredible and he’s an amazing mentor, if anyone wants to start playing piano right away, I would recommend anyone to try London Contemporary School of Piano even if it is for 1 class to try their method and I promise you won’t regret it. So much thanks to everyone at the school Specially Tom and Cait.

I have been going to the London Contemporary School of Piano for around 5 years now. I think somewhat typical of many an adult pianist, I did the studies and grades as a child and initially thought that was it for me. While not falling out of love with the instrument and playing, I certainly spent many years somewhat lost (and in all honesty disappointed) with my direction and level in playing. I wanted to find the joy in playing again, improve and raise my skill and performance – at the same time trying to fit this all into a busy work and personal life schedule. Thankfully I found the London Contemporary School of Piano, and have been under the tutelage of Tom Donald and the many excellent teachers of the school ever since.

Tom is an excellent teacher, who quickly understood the needs and direction I was looking for. In a very short space of time I was working through pieces I had thought were impossible for me to even bother trying. Technique and musicality improved immensely and indeed even today I am surprised at far I have come, and hopefully can continue to go with my playing. I found his method of teaching unique and refreshing, it wasn’t all about scales and drills, or viewing a person’s ability by grades and exam results. The music was the focus and importance before anything else and I believe this understanding and acceptance was what I was missing for many years.

I have also had the privilege of being taught by most of the teachers at the school and can confirm that they are all amazing, highly accomplished musicians, each with their own ideas and teaching styles which can bring out the best you. Always patient and understanding of my musical preferences, but at the same time mindful and suggestive in ways to broaden my playing. Siwan Rhys has shown me an appreciation of modern / contemporary music which is so different yet often complementary to music I usually play. I have thoroughly enjoyed my lessons with Alvise Pascucci (Piano and Violin) which truly centred on my love of late classical and romantic eras and I am now currently studying with Alberto Ferro looking to refine and build my playing and performance levels as well as learn new skills (and hopefully lose my bad habits!)
The school is very well organized and flexible to your time, I am able to fit my lessons into my busy weekly work schedule. The lessons are held in the wonderful Bluthner piano showroom practice studios, and the pianos are a joy to play.

I of course thoroughly recommend the school and its teachers to anyone looking to return to playing the piano, those looking to improve their current playing or indeed any new starter just looking to fulfil their dream of being able to play!

I live in California and was looking for a school that would do intensive 15-20 hour week of lessons so that I could take a week vacation and really make some good progress. This was the perfect school for that. I did a 15-hour intensive lessons, plus a couple hours’ a day practice which you can conveniently book there. I just started teaching myself about three months ago, and I had about 100 hours of practice in before coming which definitely helped me get a jump on understanding my areas for improvement, articulating what I wanted to work on and learn etc. I did half classical / technique lessons and half improv / chords/ lead sheet lessons. I think learning both at the same time is a virtuous cycle that accelerates improvement. They are excellent teachers, very patient, and most importantly encouraging and positive, which any adult newbie player needs. I had a million questions and things I wanted to understand, and I’ve noticed a remarkable difference in how I play and approach music reading just in one week. So many great tips, suggestions, and proposed pieces of music to try. Thanks all! Hope to come back 🙂

Undoubtedly the best piano school in London. Their modern and forward facing approach is more engaging than traditional teaching methods whilst still having the discipline to push students to excel. The teachers are genuinely passionate about the success of their students and you get that in everything from the lessons to the administration. I have had a lot of piano lessons in West, North and South London but these guys and gals are without a doubt the best. I would recommend the LCSP to anyone.

As an older mid-level piano student from the Live Music Capital of the World, Austin, Texas, having a piano coach from the London Contemporary School of Piano via Skype or FaceTime has been like having my coach/instructor/mentor right next door. Insightful guidance has taken my interest and ability from lukewarm to HOT for which I am extremely grateful to Tom Donald and his team. Alberto Ferro has introduced me to concepts that have broadened my scope and understanding and have increased my desire to learn more.

This is a world class piano school. I live in Melbourne and it’s fabulous to be able to have online lessons with amazing coaches in London. I wanted to improve my piano playing skills and Tom and Siwan have helped me to do this. I haven’t just met my goals, I’ve exceeded them in a short space of time. My technique has improved immensely and I’ve acquired new skills such as improvisation and playing from lead sheets. The team are so friendly and encouraging and it’s a pleasure to work with them.

I’ve known Tom for four years and he still astounds me with his musical acumen, knowledge and passion for exploring all aspects of music. He has a great love of jazz, classical and contemporary music and it all compliments each other. He is also an excellent film composer and music arranger.

Tom and I have recently worked on a project in his music school together. I also run a music school in London and have used the Trinity exam board for over 20 years and have one of the best exam results in the country for my students.

Tom bought me in as an exam advisor for one of their star students and I’m thrilled to say the student not only got a Grade 8 distinction but also got full marks, something that is unheard of!

This is the quality and attention to detail you get when you are a student at LCSP.

The classes were truly remarkable. Travelling in and out of London posed a great challenge to my musical progress but with the amazing staff and teachers, I managed to keep up my learning. All the teachers there are kind and friendly, mixing together both styles of education and offering a wide variety and expertise in various styles of music. I highly recommend these courses and teachings for anyone at any level of learning, anywhere in the world. 🙂

It was a hugely enjoyable and inspiring session in the group class on Friday April 10. Tom Donald. I have had many, many piano lessons in my past musical life, including those at the Royal College of Music (you’d never guess now!), but you are by far the best, the most enabling, enthusiastic and inspirational teacher I’ve ever had. Someone who can explain complex ideas in simple terms and make you believe that you can do it – with fun!

I was telling my son that I remember one or two teachers when I was quite a young child who sat with a cane or stick in their hands, ready to smack my hands or place beneath my wrists if they weren’t in the right position! It’s astonishing that I didn’t give up then. I was also positively admonished for playing by ear – unless it was under instruction. Barbaric!
However, the London Contemporary School of Piano is a brilliant and innovative fun way to learn. We are also an interesting and supportive global community. And definitely no canes here!

Tom, your daughter, Lara, is lucky to have both you and her mother, Yuylia as parents. She will be surrounded by music, enthusiasm, and creativity.