Make music that matters
WITH CHRISTOPHER ATKINSON
WITH CHRISTOPHER ATKINSON
About me
I am a UK-based pianist, conductor and educator with a professional career spanning performance, accompaniment and music leadership.
My development
Having grown up in a musical family, I developed a strong foundation at the piano before completing my undergraduate studies at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. I later completed a Master’s degree at the Royal Academy of Music, specialising in Piano Accompaniment and Conducting.
I have performed at leading London venues, including Wigmore Hall, Steinway Hall, and St John’s Smith Square, and have worked extensively with orchestras, chamber ensembles, and young musicians across the UK.
Alongside performance, education has remained central to my work.
I have performed at leading London venues, including Wigmore Hall, Steinway Hall, and St John’s Smith Square, and have worked extensively with orchestras, chamber ensembles, and young musicians across the UK.
Alongside performance, education has remained central to my work.
For students and parents
My teaching approach is structured but adaptable. Lessons are tailored to the individual, with a strong focus on building secure technique, musical understanding and long-term independence at the instrument.
I have supported students through ABRSM, Trinity and MTB examinations at all grades. For those who wish to take exams, preparation is thorough and carefully paced. For those who prefer to learn for enjoyment, lessons remain equally purposeful and rewarding.
In addition to private teaching, I have held senior music roles within respected schools, including Head of Instrumental Music at Surbiton High School and Director of Music at Lockers Park School. This experience has allowed me to develop a calm, organised and professional teaching style.
I have supported students through ABRSM, Trinity and MTB examinations at all grades. For those who wish to take exams, preparation is thorough and carefully paced. For those who prefer to learn for enjoyment, lessons remain equally purposeful and rewarding.
In addition to private teaching, I have held senior music roles within respected schools, including Head of Instrumental Music at Surbiton High School and Director of Music at Lockers Park School. This experience has allowed me to develop a calm, organised and professional teaching style.
For performers, schools and commission clients
I have extensive accompanying experience, including work as an audition accompanist for the Royal Academy of Music, recital accompanist for singers and instrumentalists, and rehearsal pianist for ensembles and choirs. I understand performance conditions firsthand.
As a conductor, I have led projects that include a complete cycle of Beethoven symphonies and have guest-conducted various orchestras and chamber groups. This experience brings practical insight into scoring, balance and rehearsal realities.
When creating arrangements or original compositions, I write with clarity and purpose. Music is shaped around the performers, the setting and the project's artistic intention. Scores are professionally prepared and musically considered, ensuring they are both expressive and practical.
As a conductor, I have led projects that include a complete cycle of Beethoven symphonies and have guest-conducted various orchestras and chamber groups. This experience brings practical insight into scoring, balance and rehearsal realities.
When creating arrangements or original compositions, I write with clarity and purpose. Music is shaped around the performers, the setting and the project's artistic intention. Scores are professionally prepared and musically considered, ensuring they are both expressive and practical.
Qualifications
BMus Piano Performance
Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance
MA Piano Accompaniment
Royal Academy of Music
Professional experience
I have held a number of teaching and leadership roles within respected schools and institutions, including:
- Music Graduate AssistantSevenoaks School
- Music Teaching AssistantSt Dunstan’s College
- Head of Instrumental MusicSurbiton High School
- Director of MusicLockers Park School
- Visiting Piano TeacherStowe School and Mill Hill County High School
- ExaminerMusic Teachers' Board
Alongside these roles, I have worked extensively as a pianist, accompanist and conductor across the UK.
Currently, I work as a Visiting Piano Teacher at Stowe School and Mill Hill County High School, and as an examiner for the Music Teachers’ Board.
Currently, I work as a Visiting Piano Teacher at Stowe School and Mill Hill County High School, and as an examiner for the Music Teachers’ Board.
Lessons
Private music lessons for beginners through to professionals.
Music services
Bespoke music arrangement and performance services.