Thomas Theakston
Pianist, Keyboardist, Organist, Conductor, Educator

“Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without” – Confucius
“Without music, life would be a mistake” – Fredrich Nietzsche
“Music is to the soul what words are to the mind” – Modest Mouse
Thomas has had a vibrant and versatile musical life. After a busy career within the performing arts, his focus and passion has shifted towards solo performance, accompaniment and educating the next generation of musicians.
biography
Thomas holds a BMus(Hons) from Royal Holloway, University of London, and an MMus from the University of Surrey.
At Royal Holloway, Thomas was awarded an organ scholarship, enabling him to study the instrument under eminent professionals, which included Rupert Gough, Professors David Sanger and Lionel Pike, Paul Provost, and David Briggs. As an organ scholar, Thomas regularly conducted and accompanied the renowned chapel choir, both at home in the historic college chapel, as well as in concert venues and cathedrals both regionally and internationally – in Europe and the United States of America.
Thomas has given performances on the organs in some of the most iconic cathedrals in the world – including; St Pauls Cathedral, Southwark Cathedral and Westminster Abbey, London. Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford. St David’s Cathedral, Wales. Guildford Cathedral, Gloucester Cathedral, Salisbury Cathedral, Chichester Cathedral, York Minster, Coventry Cathedral, Lincoln Cathedral, Winchester Cathedral, Liverpool Cathedral, Arundel Cathedral.
Saint Rumbold’s Cathedral, Mechelen, Cathedral of Our Lady, Antwerp, and The Basilica of Our Lady, Tongeren, Belgium.
The Cathedral Church of Saint John the Devine, New York, and Washington National Cathedral, Washington DC, USA. While touring the East Coast of the USA, Thomas gave a performance on the largest playable organ in the world; the Wanamaker organ, housed in the former Macy’s department store (the Wanamaker building) in Philadelphia.
At the University of Surrey, Thomas’s focus of study was conducting – studying the art form with Russel Keable and Martyn Brabbins.
After seeing a musical in London’s West End, Thomas’s musical interests shifted from the world of organ and choir, to the world of theatre and the performing arts.
Thomas then embarked on a career as a Musical Director, Conductor, Keyboard Player and Pianist.
Thomas has had the privilege of playing on, and conducting some of the most successful musical theatre productions in the world.
At the youthful age of 24, he conducted the premiere UK and Ireland touring production of Wicked – at the time, being one of the youngest people in the world to have conducted the show. He swiftly moved onto the premiere national touring production of Mamma Mia – conducting performances, and leading the cast and band in playing and singing those all too well-known, infamous ABBA songs.
These productions received vast publicity for having been the first-time cities around the country hosted shows with such esteem, making them instant sell-outs – and Thomas felt very privileged and honored to have performed to such a vast number of audiences up and down the country.
Thomas then went onto work with renowned theatre producer, Bill Kenwright, conducting his productions of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat – working with X Factor winner, Joe McElderry, and The Sound of Music – working with Olivier award winning choreographer Bill Deamer, The Voice finalist, Lucy O’Byrne, Coronation Street’s villainous Tony Gordon – Gray O’Brien, and international sopranos Jan Hartley and Rebecca Caine.
Other theatre credits as Musical Director, Assistant Musical Director and Conductor include: The second national touring production of Jersey Boys, Anything Goes-The New Wimbledon Theatre, Mack and Mabel – Hackney Empire (London Musical Theatre Orchestra), Kiss Me, Kate – Sheffield Crucible, I Need a Doctor – The Pleasance Theatre, Honk and The Pirates of Penzance – The Tabard Theatre, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying – Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Honk – Guildford School of Acting, and The Threepenny Opera – Fourth Monkey Theatre Company.
As a Musical Director, Thomas had a keen interest in understanding the meaning behind the music, and what the music aimed to express and convey. When musically directing a production of Honk, Thomas was delighted to collaborate with the shows writers, George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, giving him direct access to the thought processes and rational behind the show.
As a keyboard player, Thomas had a reputation for his proficiencies in ensemble playing, particularly his string phrasing, as well as his technical abilities and execution. Thomas has played in the bands and orchestras for a vast array of productions, both in the West End, regionally, and internationally.
He has played keyboards in the orchestras and bands for the West End productions of Wicked (Apollo Victoria), Mamma Mia (Novello Theatre), Bat Out of Hell and We Will Rock You (Dominion Theatre), and The Phantom of the Opera (Her Majesties Theatre). Thomas was fortunate enough to play on both “The Brilliant Original” production of The Phantom of the Opera, opening at Her Majesties Theatre in 1986, boasting a 27 piece orchestra – the largest in the West End, and the new revival production of the show, which opened post the Covid-19 pandemic.
Other credits as a pianist and keyboard player include: Cameron Mackintosh’s 25th Anniversary touring production of Miss Saigon, Dusty – Charing Cross Theatre, Home Alone, Live – Musikkens Has, Denmark, Liza, Liza, Liza and Marguerite – The Tabard Theatre, Follies and A Little Night Music – Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Carousel – Guildhall School of Music and Drama, The Secret Garden – The King’s Head Theatre, Once Upon a Mattress – The Union Theatre, Company and The Pirates of Penzance – The Electric Theatre, Guildford, Annie – South Hill Park, Brava – GLive, Guildford, After the Turn – Interval Productions, Passion – The Mill Studio, Guildford, The Pajama Game – Minerva Theatre, Chichester, and There was an Old Woman – Waterloo East Theatre.
Thomas also gave a performance, live on TV for Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Superstar – sharing the stage with Nathan James.
During his time in theatre – Thomas had the pleasure of working with and accompanying some of theatres most prominent artists – some of which include: Caroline Sheen, Clive Rowe, Edward Baker-Duly, Fra Fee, James McAvoy, Joel Montague, Laura Tebbutt, Layton Williams, Maria Friedman, Matt Lucas, Rebecca Lock, Tim Howar, and Willemijn Verkaik.
Alongside his performance career, Thomas has been, and continues to be a passionate educator in music. He has taught at Guildford School Of Acting, The Urdang Academy, National Youth Music Theatre (NYMT) and various Stagecoach Performing Arts schools, as well as having taught piano, organ and music theory privately. He has taught students from aged five to their mid-fifties, and has experience successfully guiding students through classical ABRSM exams; teaching jazz theory and practice; and teaching beginners through to more advanced players.
Thomas holds a BMus(Hons) from Royal Holloway, University of London, and an MMus from the University of Surrey.
At Royal Holloway, Thomas was awarded an organ scholarship, enabling him to study the instrument under eminent professionals, which included Rupert Gough, Professors David Sanger and Lionel Pike, Paul Provost, and David Briggs. As an organ scholar, Thomas regularly conducted and accompanied the renowned chapel choir, both at home in the historic college chapel, as well as in concert venues and cathedrals both regionally and internationally – in Europe and the United States of America.

Thomas has given performances on the organs in some of the most iconic cathedrals in the world – including; St Pauls Cathedral, Southwark Cathedral and Westminster Abbey, London. Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford. St David’s Cathedral, Wales. Guildford Cathedral, Gloucester Cathedral, Salisbury Cathedral, Chichester Cathedral, York Minster, Coventry Cathedral, Lincoln Cathedral, Winchester Cathedral, Liverpool Cathedral, Arundel Cathedral.
Saint Rumbold’s Cathedral, Mechelen, Cathedral of Our Lady, Antwerp, and The Basilica of Our Lady, Tongeren, Belgium.
The Cathedral Church of Saint John the Devine, New York, and Washington National Cathedral, Washington DC, USA. While touring the East Coast of the USA, Thomas gave a performance on the largest playable organ in the world; the Wanamaker organ, housed in the former Macy’s department store (the Wanamaker building) in Philadelphia.
At the University of Surrey, Thomas’s focus of study was conducting – studying the art form with Russel Keable and Martyn Barbbins.
After seeing a musical in London’s West End, Thomas’s musical interests shifted from the world of organ and choir, to the world of theatre and the performing arts.
Thomas then embarked on a career as a Musical Director, Conductor, Keyboard Player and Pianist.
Thomas has had the privilege of playing on, and conducting some of the most successful musical theatre productions in the world.

At the youthful age of 24, he conducted the premiere UK and Ireland touring production of Wicked – at the time, being one of the youngest people in the world to have conducted the show. He swiftly moved onto the premiere national touring production of Mamma Mia – conducting performances, and leading the cast and band in playing and singing those all too well known, infamous ABBA songs.

These productions received vast publicity for having been the first-time cities around the country hosted shows with such esteem, making them instant sell-outs – and Thomas felt very privileged and honored to have performed to such a vast number of audiences up and down the country.
Thomas then went onto work with renowned theatre producer, Bill Kenwright, conducting his productions of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat – working with X Factor winner, Joe McElderry, and The Sound of Music – working with Olivier award winning choreographer Bill Deamer, The Voice finalist, Lucy O’Byrne, Coronation Street’s villainous Tony Gordon – Gray O’Brien, and international sopranos Jan Hartley and Rebecca Caine.

Other theatre credits as Musical Director, Assistant Musical Director and conductor include: The second national touring production of Jersey Boys, Anything Goes – The New Wimbledon Theatre, Mack and Mabel – Hackney Empire (London Musical Theatre Orchestra), Kiss Me, Kate – Sheffield Crucible, I Need a Doctor – The Pleasance Theatre, Honk and The Pirates of Penzance – The Tabard Theatre, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying – Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Honk – Guildford School of Acting, and The Threepenny Opera – Fourth Monkey Theatre Company.

As a musical director, Thomas had a keen interest in understanding the meaning behind the music, and what the music aimed to express and convey. When musically directing a production of Honk, Thomas was delighted to collaborate with the show’s writers, George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, giving him direct access to the thought processes and rational behind the show.
As a keyboard player, Thomas had a reputation for his proficiencies in ensemble playing, particularly his string phrasing, as well as his technical abilities and execution. Thomas has played in the bands and orchestras for a vast array of productions, both in the West End, regionally, and internationally.
He has played keyboards in the orchestras and bands for the West End productions of Wicked (Apollo Victoria), Mamma Mia (Novello Theatre), Bat Out of Hell and We Will Rock You (Dominion Theatre), and The Phantom of the Opera (Her Majesties Theatre). Thomas was fortunate enough to play on both “The Brilliant Original” production of The Phantom of the Opera, opening at Her Majesties Theatre in 1986, boasting a 27 piece orchestra – the largest in the West End, and the new revival production of the show, which opened post the Covid-19 pandemic.

Other credits as a pianist and keyboard player include: Cameron Mackintosh’s 25th Anniversary touring production of Miss Saigon, Dusty – Charing Cross Theatre, Home Alone, Live – Musikkens Has, Denmark, Liza, Liza, Liza and Marguerite – The Tabard Theatre, Follies and A Little Night Music – Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Carousel – Guildhall School of Music and Drama, The Secret Garden – The King’s Head Theatre, Once Upon a Mattress – The Union Theatre, Company and The Pirates of Penzance – The Electric Theatre, Guildford, Annie – South Hill Park, Brava – GLive, Guildford, After the Turn – Interval Productions, Passion – The Mill Studio, Guildford, The Pajama Game – Minerva Theatre, Chichester, and There was an Old Woman – Waterloo East Theatre.

Thomas also gave a performance, live on TV for Andrew Lloyd Webber’s
Superstar – sharing the stage with Nathan James.
During his time in theatre – Thomas had the pleasure of working with and
accompanying some of theatres most prominent artists – some of which
include: Caroline Sheen, Clive Rowe, Edward Baker-Duly, Fra Fee,
James McAvoy, Joel Montague, Laura Tebbutt, Layton Williams, Maria
Friedman, Matt Lucas, Rebecca Lock, Tim Howar, and Willemijn Verkaik.
Alongside his performance career, Thomas has been, and continues to be
a passionate educator in music. He has taught at Guildford school of
acting, The Urdang Academy, National Youth Music Theatre (NYMT) and
various Stagecoach Performing Arts schools, as well as having taught
piano, organ and music theory privately. He has taught students from
aged five to their mid-fifties, and has experience successfully guiding
students through classical ABRSM exams; teaching jazz theory and
practice; and teaching beginners through to more advanced players.

Watch Thomas's Work in Theatre

Solo and Ensemble Performance, Accompanist and Répétiteur Services
Learn the Art of Music
Piano, Organ and Music Theory Lessons….

Thomas’s Educational Approach
A Physical Approach…
Thomas uses a unique methodology, blending creativity and science. As a qualified personal trainer, Thomas’s research and training has gifted him with significant knowledge of the anatomy. Thomas also specialises in the Taubman approach – a groundbreaking methodology in piano pedagogy, centered around the ergonomics of piano playing, emphasising the relationship between physical efficiency and musical expression.
This approach, devised by prolific piano teacher Dorothy Taubman (1917- 2013), ensures pianists incorporate a natural, and most importantly, healthy technique into their practice. The approach is specifically aimed at addressing common pitfalls in piano technique, which can lead to pain and injury, redefining the art of playing through a scientific lens.
Playing those fast passages can look and feel effortless when incorporating this approach. The core principles involve correct alignment, rotational and lateral forearm motions, tone production, hand position leaps, notational grouping, interdependence between the hands, and safe placement of octaves and chords.
Thomas interweaves the core Taubman principles in and around lesson content of your choosing.
This, combined with Thomas’s knowledge of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, the learner is guaranteed to adopt an effective and efficient technical model that will give them a solid foundation in safe and proficient piano playing – giving them that edge above the rest.
A Psychological Approach…
Although a strong foundation in musical expression and physical technique is paramount, Thomas also firmly believes that a strong psychological foundation is required to make an all rounded, competent musician.
Whatever brings you to learning an instrument, there will come a time where performance, on any level – whether it be on a mass public level, an intimate level, or a one-to-one level in exam conditions – performance is likely to make an appearance in your musical journey.
Performance is a highly exposing practice, which can bring a whole host of feelings to the surface. Sadly, as these feelings can be tainted with negativity, peoples go-to behaviour can be that of avoidance – or, at its worst, when faced with a performance situation that is unescapable, one is met with overwhelming feelings of anxiety and increased levels of stress.
Thomas is highly experienced in working with people with performance anxiety, and is enthusiastic in working with individuals to ensure they are not “getting in the way of themselves”, and can excel in whatever it is they choose to pursue.
As a qualified Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapist, Thomas utilises Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and mindfulness techniques, adjunctly with evidence-based hypnosis, to remove the layers of fear which may be present, relinquishing the burden individuals can feel, enabling people to perform at their best.
Music is a language, communicated through the medium of performance. Inability to express fully the meaning that music conveys, would not only be a huge loss for the listener, but on a greater level, society as a whole. By equipping individuals to master the art of playing and performance, it can be guaranteed that all in society benefit from the joy and magic that music has to offer.
You can view Thomas’s coaching and therapy practice, “A New Way, A New You” here: www.newway-newyou.com
A Flexible Approach…
Thomas teaches students of all ages, from pre-school students to students firmly in adulthood. Piano tuition is completely flexible and tailored to suit each student’s individual requirements.
Students can choose both the frequency and length of their lessons. Typically, students progress best with weekly lessons and commonly increase lesson time or frequency in preparation for examinations (if you choose to take them). Having trained classically, Thomas specialises in classical, ABRSM & Trinity examinations, music theory & musical analysis. However, having spent years in the music industry, playing a wide range of different styles, Thomas is equally at home with other musical genres, including pop, rock, and jazz.
Thomas will always encourage students to:
- Choose their own repertoire – music that’s meaningful.
- Listen to, and learn to play the music they love.
- Consider the emotional impact of the music they are playing.
- Develop their aural skills.
Details
Prices
30 minutes: £25
45 minutes: £37.50
60 minutes: £50
Payment is kindly requested via cash or bank transfer. Cheques are not accepted.
Location of Lessons
Lessons can be held in person or online. In person lessons are held in
Wimbledon, South West London. If you own a piano in good working
condition, or an electric piano, Thomas is more than willing to travel to your
home.
PLEASE NOTE: If you live outside the boroughs of Wandsworth, Lambeth,
Merton, Richmond upon Thames, Kingston upon Thames, Croydon and
Sutton – Thomas’s travel expenses will require reimbursing, and will be
added on top of lesson prices listed above.
Cancellation Policy
Lessons are very flexible, and Thomas tries to best fit around your schedule. Regular lessons are the best way to guarantee improvement in piano playing but it is understandable that life can get in the way. If you need to cancel or postpone a lesson for whatever reason, Thomas requires 24-hours notice. Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice will be charged the full lesson rate.

Ready to embark on your musical journey?
Please do contact Thomas for an informal conversation.
This will be a chance for Thomas to understand your goals and aspirations, and a chance for you to ask any questions to see if you wish to work with Thomas.