Stephen Jackson Banks

Composer, producer, pianist, and more

Teaching profiles on MusicTeachers / Superprof / Tutorful

Private Piano Tuition Available in Liverpool

Music Composition PhD Student and Piano Teacher

Currently, I am taking a PhD in music composition at the University of Liverpool. My research project centres around finding new ways to manipulate pitch relationships and harmonies with electronic timbre modulations. Techniques like this could work towards my interests in creating new musical possibilities that bridge the gaps between compositional practice and digital music/audio production.
On the dedicated research page, you can find my university profile and initial publications.
Or you can find my compositions on Vllax.com

I am a classically trained pianist and teach piano from beginner level to grade 8. My students have ranged across many ages, needs, and ability levels. Feel free to contact me if you’re interested in arranging lessons and I should usually be able to accommodate.

Finally, I also distribute music productions across most major online platforms under the pseudonym Vallax (vllax.com). These original productions include a wide variety of explorative soundtrack-style tracks with elements from classical, electronic, and rock.

I work in Liverpool and can teach at your location. Online lessons also available upon request.

Piano Tuition

My teaching style is positive and approachable, focusing on creativity and enjoyment without any compromise on progress or exam success. In lessons, I prioritise a solid foundation of music theory and piano technique to enable independent learning and practice. Furthermore, I emphasise the “why” behind every concept, connecting all information to ensure a comprehensive understanding. This approach provides a basis for enthusiastic students to quickly progress to high standards. I focus on piano and theory, but can include elements of composition, production, and improvisation.
My teaching works for a wide variety of different students, including those who want to pursue paths outside of any syllabus.

Current qualifications:

– MRes in Music Composition (distinction, 80 thesis), University of Liverpool
– BA(Hons) in Music (first class honours) + RLPO performance scholarship, University of Liverpool
– ARSM diploma in Piano Performance (distinction) + grades 1-8 piano/5-6 theory, ABRSM
– Music Technology extended diploma (distinction) + Music 90 credit diploma, City of Liverpool College

In progress:

– PhD in Music Composition funded by the John Lennon Memorial Scholarship + FLTHE/AFHEA, University of Liverpool
– LRSM/FRSM + Grade 8 theory, ABRSM

Triple alumnus of the University of Liverpool, working as a GTA (graduate teaching assistant) during the second year of my PhD.
Teaching (seminar leading and support) on three modules:
Tonal Harmony [MUSI181], Theory in Practice: Exploring Music’s Construction [MUSI180], and Composition for Digital Games [MUSI206]

Additionally, marking work on MUSI181.

Yamaha U3M upright piano at my location (lessons at my location not currently available)

Competitive pricing

Enhanced DBS/CRB certificate.

High student attainment

100% positive platform reviews

Special needs students welcome

I live in Childwall, Liverpool (L15) and travel up to 3 miles from there.

Timeline View – Stephen Jackson Banks MRes BA(Hons) ARSM SMISM

Extended Diploma in Music Technology

July 1, 2018

Completed with Distinction. Around 5 concurrent piano students at any time

BA (Hons) in Music

July 21, 2021

Completed with First Class honours and RLPO scholarship. Around 10 concurrent piano students

MRes in Music Composition

November 22, 2022

Completed with Distinction and 80% thesis mark. Around 20 concurrent piano students

ARSM Diploma in Piano Performance

January 23, 2023

Completed with Distinction.

PhD in Music Composition (in progress)

July 1, 2026

Funded by the John Lennon Memorial Scholarship. >20 concurrent piano students and Graduate Teaching Assistant work on three University of Liverpool modules

Pricing

30 minute lesson	£15
1 hour lesson	£25
2 hour lesson	£45
Other	Available, individually priced

_{If I am required to travel a long distance from my location, additional fees may apply}

Contact

For composition or production commissions, piano lesson arrangements, or other queries, here are my contact details.

Phone/text/whatsapp:
+44 07584 476522

Email:
hypercompute@hotmail.com