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Bio

Slow Train Piano Lab is a network of creative learning music studios across the UK, teaching students to play the piano using chords. No exams or stress, just come and learn to play the music you love. Slow Train Piano Lab is a network of creative learning music studios across the UK, teaching students to play the piano using chords. No exams or stress, just come and learn to play the music you love.

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Teaching Info

What will you learn?

At Slow Train Piano Lab you will learn how to play the piano by chords.  This is the method used by all keyboardists in contemporary bands.

We will teach you how to voice chords, starting with simple shapes and gradually evolving into more complex and beautiful harmonies.

We will show you how to use these chords to play your favourite songs, whether you enjoy pop, rock, country, blues, jazz or contemporary worship.

We will teach you scales and arpeggios and how to use these to great effect when improvising over your chords.

 

 

 

Meet our teachers

Mark Baker

• Location: Wollaton, Nottingham

Mark is the founder of Slow Train Piano Lab, establishing it in April 2025 from his home studio, Slow Train Studios in Nottingham.  Mark developed the unique method of teaching students to play piano by chords, both adults and children.  His vision is to equip more people to be able to play the music they love, by unlocking the keyboard using a chord-based methodology.

Mark has been playing piano/keyboard by ear/chords for 45 years in a wide variety of settings including jazz, blues, rock, pop and contemporary worship.

Mark studied classical Piano up to grade 8 (ABRSM) and achieved Grade 5 music theory (distinction)

Mark leads a local band (Slow Train) on keys and vocals and have performed  at various Nottingham events including Chilwell Garage Beer & Carols, Hemlock Happening and Oxjam.

Mark led a contemporary worship band for many years at Christ Church, Chilwell holding the position of Worship Director.  In this role he coordinated all music-based worship activities, organising and leading music workshops for children and youth. He also arranged and led a classical performance group for intimate Taizé-style services.

Mark works on the Production Team at Trent Vineyard Church as a Sound Engineer.  In 2025, he setup and ran the sound system for a student conference in Wales.

Mark has been song writing for 40 years and has mixed and produced his original music, publishing to all streaming platforms.

Mark has established Slow Train Studios in his home as a facility for band practices, song writing, music production and piano teaching.

Mark has written and published several audio technology handbooks for Behringer digital mixers.  Sales on Amazon have topped 1900 copies to date gaining over eighty 5-star reviews.

 

Paolo Iannatone

• Location: Mapperley, Nottingham

Launching in January 2026 – sign up NOW to join the waiting list.

 

 

 

 

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It has been shown to be extremely beneficial to students to learn to play the piano by chords.  We use this chord-based approach to unlock the keyboard enabling you to play whatever songs you wish.

Learning chords will set you up for a lifetime of joy on the piano. You will be equipped to play in a band, a worship team or just relaxing by yourself.

Don’t delay, start your journey today and get in touch.

Join the revolution – piano tuition will never be the same again