Piano and singing lessons · Craig Ralston
Piano and voice lessons in Utrecht, taught in English
Warm, personalized music lessons from a doctoral-level music educator. For beginners, returning students, and serious musicians ready to grow.
Free first lesson, no obligation
Lessons of 45 or 60 minutes
Home studio in Utrecht, with a grand piano
All levels, all ages
Doctor of Musical ArtsFormer university professorInternational competition judgeLondon Royal Schools of Music30+ years on stage
My philosophy is simple: lessons should be encouraging, personal and enjoyable. I will help you build strong fundamentals while playing or singing the piece that made you fall in love with music in the first place. Let's create something beautiful together.
What can you learn at Ralston Music?
Three disciplines, one teacher. Craig teaches every lesson himself, one to one, shaped around where you are and where you want to go.
Piano lessons
Classical, pop or jazz, for beginners and advanced players. From your first chord to exams and auditions.
piano lessons in Utrecht →Voice lessons
Vocal technique, repertoire and performance. Including singing for the actor, a specialty you won't find anywhere else in Utrecht.
voice lessons in Utrecht →Music theory & composition
From reading music to harmony and writing your own pieces, taught by a composer with a doctorate in the subject.
music theory and composition lessons in Utrecht →Online lessons
The same hour of undivided attention, at your own instrument, wherever you are. Any time zone, same rates.
online piano and voice lessons →
Who is Craig Ralston?
Craig grew up in Southern Africa, studied piano and composition through to a doctorate, and built a career across three continents: concert pianist, university lecturer, choral conductor, and founder of his own music school. He now lives in Utrecht and judges international music competitions, currently in Taipei. What that means for you: a teacher who hears exactly what's happening in your playing or your voice, and knows how to take it further.
Read Craig's full story →How much do piano lessons cost in Utrecht?
The average piano lesson in Utrecht costs around €39 per hour. At Ralston Music a 45-minute lesson is €40 and a 60-minute lesson is €50, and the first lesson is free.
That's deliberately above average. You study with a teacher who holds a doctorate in composition and theory, a master's in piano performance, and decades of teaching and stage experience. The free first lesson exists precisely so you can hear the difference before paying anything.
Are the lessons really in English?
Yes, every lesson is taught in English. That's the whole point for internationals, and no obstacle at all for Dutch students.
Utrecht has tens of thousands of international residents, and very few music teachers who teach comfortably in English. At Ralston Music, English isn't an accommodation; it's the studio's native language.
Where is the studio?
In Craig's home studio on Herculeslaan in Utrecht Oost, right by Galgenwaard, at an acoustic grand piano.
No institutional corridors or waiting rooms: you walk into a working studio.
Students come from across Utrecht: Oost and Wilhelminapark are around the corner, the centre and Lunetten are about fifteen minutes by bike, and Utrecht Science Park is a short ride or bus away.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an English-speaking piano teacher in Utrecht?
Yes. Craig Ralston of Ralston Music teaches piano and voice in Utrecht entirely in English. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts and previously taught at university level.
How much do piano lessons cost in Utrecht?
On average, piano lessons in Utrecht cost around €39 per hour. At Ralston Music a 45-minute lesson costs €40 and a 60-minute lesson €50. The first lesson is free.
Can adults learn the piano from scratch?
Yes. Craig teaches students of all ages, and many of his students are adults. Adults often progress faster than they expect, because they know why they signed up.
Do I need a piano at home?
You need an instrument to practise on. A good digital piano with weighted keys is fine to start with; Craig is happy to advise before you buy anything.
How do I book the free first lesson?
Send Craig a WhatsApp message or book directly online via the contact page. The first 30-minute lesson is free, with no obligation.
What students say
Dr. Ralston is an incredibly patient and encouraging teacher who emphasized the importance of building a strong foundation in music theory. Because of his instruction, I can now sit down and learn new pieces on my own with confidence.
Craig saw potential in me long before I could see it in myself. His patience, encouragement, and ability to tailor each lesson to my individual strengths helped me discover a voice that is uniquely my own.
A multifaceted musician, he thoroughly knows his subject area and inspires students to set new goals and reach higher levels of performing and musicianship. He has an excellent personality and makes learning fun and engaging.
The first lesson is free
Come by, play or sing something you love, and tell me where you'd like to go. Then decide if it's the right fit for you.
or use the contact form · Replies usually within a day.