Sevenoaks Music

A black and white image of a young girl playing the piano. You can see the paino keys, but not her face as her back is turned to the camera.

Piano and French horn tuition in Sevenoaks, Kent

A thriving teaching practice in Sevenoaks, Kent, offering expert tuition in piano, French horn and music theory, as well as performance coaching.

Get in touch

Piano and French horn tuition in Sevenoaks, Kent

A thriving teaching practice in Sevenoaks, Kent, offering expert tuition in piano, French horn and music theory, as well as performance coaching.

Get in touch

About

Richard Kennedy

ARCM (Teach) / DipRCM (Perf)

Sevenoaks Music is run by Richard Kennedy, a full-time member of the Royal Opera House Orchestra, former ABRSM examiner and experienced music teacher.

I am a professional performer and experienced music teacher dedicated to helping students of all ages and abilities discover the joy of music and achieve their full potential.

Over my 30+ years as a music teacher, I’ve worked with hundreds of students, from beginners to professional musicians, some of whom now hold jobs with orchestras such as the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Sydney Symphony Orchestra.

My 15 years as an ABRSM grading and diploma examiner have given me the experience to guide students with precision and efficiency, ensuring they not only pass their exams but excel.

Alongside my teaching, I’ve been fortunate enough to enjoy a successful performing career. I began as Principal Horn with English Touring Opera in the early 1990s before joining the Royal Opera House Orchestra in 2000, where I remain a full-time member. In addition I’ve worked in most of the UK symphony orchestras, as well as in TV, film and radio.

This dual role as a performer and teacher enables me to offer my students practical insights, equipping them with the skills and confidence to thrive in any musical setting.

I am a professional performer and experienced music teacher dedicated to helping students of all ages and abilities discover the joy of music and achieve their full potential.

Over my 30+ years as a music teacher, I’ve worked with hundreds of students, from beginners to professional musicians, some of whom now hold jobs with orchestras like the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Sydney Symphony Orchestra.

My 15 years as an ABRSM graded and diploma examiner allow me to guide students with precision and efficiency, ensuring they not only pass their exams but excel.

This dual role as a performer and teacher enables me to offer my students practical insights, equipping them with the skills and confidence to thrive in any musical setting.

Lessons

Music lessons and coaching for performances, exams and auditions

Teaching practice located in Sevenoaks, Kent.

Get in touch

The same black and white picture of a yound girl playing the piano.

Piano lessons

£60 1 hour £30 30 mins

For beginners through to Diploma-level students. Lessons develop musical skills and support exam preparation, with a personalised approach that keeps enjoyment at the heart of learning.

Piano lessons

£60 1 hour £30 30 mins

For beginners through to Diploma-level students. Lessons develop musical skills and support exam preparation, with a personalised approach that keeps enjoyment at the heart of learning.

Music theory

£60 1 hour £30 30 mins

For students preparing for ABRSM theory exams or A-level listening and appraisal. Lessons build understanding, address knowledge gaps and develop confidence with exam papers, at a pace tailored to you.

A black and white picture of a French horn.

French horn lessons

£75 1 hour £40 30 mins

For players of all levels, from beginners to professionals. Lessons develop technique and musical expression, with guidance shaped by my experience as a performer, teacher and former ABRSM examiner.

French horn lessons

£75 1 hour £40 30 mins

For players of all levels, from beginners to professionals. Lessons develop technique and musical expression, with guidance shaped by my experience as a performer, teacher and former ABRSM examiner.

A picure of a music stand propping up a pice of music with a light shining above the music.

Coaching

£120 90 mins £80 1 hour

For musicians preparing for exams, scholarships or orchestral auditions. Short-term, focused sessions address performance anxiety and build confidence, combining practical preparation with physical and psychological techniques.

A welcoming place to learn

Lessons take place at my home in Sevenoaks, in a spacious ground-floor teaching area with a Yamaha C3 grand piano. You’ll be greeted by Josie, our much-loved cocker spaniel and a firm favourite with students. She enjoys keeping us company during lessons, with the occasional musical performance of her own. If you’d prefer a lesson without Josie present, just let me know and we’ll happily make sure she stays away.

Testimonials

A small black and white picture of one of Richard Kennedy's former piano students.

Arran Hutchinson

University Student

"For the two years I was lucky enough to have Richard as my music tutor, I found him to be extremely helpful and knowledgeable when it came to preparing me for the challenges of my Grade 8 piano examination. His patience and perseverance enabled me to obtain my final grade with confidence, which I now view as a major achievement. Any future students will be lucky to have him as a tutor."

A small black and white picture of one of Richard Kennedy's former French horn students.

Finlay Bain

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, 4th Horn

“Richard was my teacher during my formative years, between the ages of 12 and 18 years old. I still think of these years as some of the most important in my development as a horn player, and I could not have reached the stage I am at now in my professional career as a musician without his tutelage. During our time together as teacher and student, Richard helped me to reach goals as a teenager, including winning a place in the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain and also reaching the televised Brass final of the BBC Young Musician of the Year competition in 2010. He has a vast knowledge of the French horn and teaches with enthusiasm and skill - this knowledge is invaluable for anybody looking to improve their horn playing. I would happily recommend Richard as a teacher for anybody of any ability or age.”

A small black and white picture of one of Richard Kennedy's current French horn students.

Georgie Spray

PhD Student, ROH Mentee & Paraorchestra

“Richard is an inspirational horn teacher. As well as an exceptional horn player and pianist, his caring nature means he can see beyond the music and has really helped my personal growth as well as significantly improving my horn playing technique. I am honoured to have been taught by Richard.”

Henry Ward

Guildhall School of Music and Drama

"I studied with Richard Kennedy for 9 years, from age 9 to 18 when I left to go to the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Richard started me off on the horn, taking a focused and detailed approach to developing my embouchure, allowing me to continually develop with a reliable foundation. Richard led me all the way through my ABRSM grade exams including my diploma. We were able to do mock exams in lessons, which sound terribly dry, but when you are able to have a mock exam with a real associated board examiner, that is invaluable. His fabulous piano playing allowed me to play all repertoire with convincing accompaniments, which makes a huge difference to your enjoyment of playing an instrument. As I pursue my studies, and develop my professional portfolio, I am so grateful for Richard's 8 years of teaching."

Flora Bain

BBC National Orchestra of Wales, 4th Horn

“Richard was my teacher from when I was 11 years old to when I went to music college and I still go back for lessons with him, even now as a professional horn player. He has always been a very supportive, inspiring and fun teacher. Richard has a wealth of playing and teaching experience and I’ve learnt so much from him over the years. He is also a skilled pianist and having lessons where I could play pieces through with accompaniment was extremely useful! I would highly recommend Richard as a teacher; l definitely wouldn’t be a professional now if it wasn't for him.”

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A black and white picture of Richard Kennedy playing the French horn wearing white tie.