Introducing David Stewart (Music Tutor)

How did you start?

I’d never planned to work in the music field and actually completed Commerce studies at Uni before a health condition forced me to consider what was important when considering my future career. So, I then embarked on finding a great teacher for piano studies and enrolled in music at University. 

What do you remember most about your lessons as a student?

Haha, I was very fond of my first music teacher, often because of her outstanding meringues. I was 8 years old and I guess she was in  her late 50’s. She seemed so old. But, she was worldly and had so many fantastic experiences to talk about. Also, she could not only play every piece I asked her to, but, at sight, she could transpose it into a myriad of keys. She had me hooked with her sheer brilliance.

Who has been your greatest influence and why?

The people who have influenced my life are many and varied. I think outside of my wife, parents and families of friends from my formative years, I can pinpoint 4 people who impacted on the way I act, learn, and have gained wisdom. Two of these people are piano teachers, a university lecturer and a business mentor. I’m still influenced, to an extent, by learning from many people, including students. You learn so much about life by listening to other people's stories. 

What do you enjoy most about teaching?

I love what each student brings to the lesson each week, from the most challenging students who make you consider every point you make, to the most advanced students who are relying on your knowledge and expertise to gain a result. 

I believe if we haven’t had at least a small chuckle and quick acknowledgment of something non musical that we’ve done in the time between lessons, then we’ve possibly missed the mark. 

I consider myself to be in a very rare and privileged role. I sometimes get to build an educational relationship with a young primary school student, this sometimes continues through secondary school,  and on the odd occasion to Yr 12 and even friendship beyond that.

What is your advice to music students?

1. Practice a small amount regularly.
2. Learn the rules before you break them (not the school rules of course).