Listen Play Grow
Reconnect with your musical self
Play Music Freely — Without Relying on Sheet Music
Coaching for musicians 50+ who want to play by ear, improvise, and express themselves
Helping musicians 50+ reconnect with their musical instinct — and finally play with freedom.
Whether you’re returning to music or feeling boxed in by notation, I’ll help you listen differently, improvise with confidence, and grow into the musician you already are.
For years, I thought musical freedom came from learning more theory.
But what actually changed everything was learning to listen differently — and to trust what I already knew.
Now, I help musicians do the same through ear-led improvisation, solfa, and intuitive musical connection.
Whether you’re a guitarist, pianist, or singer, you don’t need more scales. You need a pathway back to you.
“Musical freedom doesn’t come from piling on more theory. It comes from learning to listen differently — and realising you already know more than you think.”
AndyP
How can I help?
What’s Getting in the Way of Your Musical Freedom?
I Don’t Know How to Work Out Songs by Ear
You want to play songs you love, but you're stuck without the chords or sheet music — and figuring them out feels frustrating.
I Can’t Join In Without the Sheet Music or TAB
You’re with friends or at a jam, and you’d love to join in — but without the music in front of you, you feel lost.
I Know the Theory, But I Still Don’t Feel Free
You’ve read the books and done the exercises — but when it’s time to play, it still doesn’t feel natural.
Freeze When I Try to Improvise
You’d love to improvise, but when the moment comes, your mind goes blank or second-guesses everything
About Me
I’m Andy — a lifelong musician, educator, and coach. But for most of my career, I didn’t trust my ear.
I thought mine just didn’t work properly. Like a lot of musicians, I relied on theory to get by — even as a professional. I could explain things, analyse things, even perform convincingly… but I couldn’t hear them the way I wanted to.I thought I needed more knowledge. But what I actually needed was a new way to listen.That shift changed everything — and it’s now the heart of what I teach.
These days, I help musicians (especially those over 50) reconnect with their inner musicality, play by ear, improvise, and grow their confidence without overthinking theory.I’ve spent years teaching music in colleges and universities — including as Head of Music at a UK college and as a visiting tutor at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.But Listen Play Grow is something different. It’s not about chasing more qualifications. It’s about letting go of the theory crutch, and learning to trust what your ear already knows.
“I can’t wait to help you nurture your inner musician — and grow the confidence to play freely.”
Andy Portas
Rediscover Your Rhythm, On Your Own Terms
It’s never too late to reconnect with the musician you were meant to be.
Life can be loud. Responsibilities, routines, and expectations often drown out our inner music. Listen Play Grow is here to help you tune back in. Whether you're returning to an old instrument or learning to play by ear for the first time, this is your chance to make space for creativity, expression, and joy. There’s no rush, no pressure – just steady growth in a supportive environment that fits your life.
Musicians I've Worked With
Stories From Musicians Like You
“Interesting method — it’s changed the way I listen to music.”
– Webinar attendee (anonymous)
This space will soon feature words from real musicians who’ve started their journey to musical freedom. Maybe yours will be next.
JULIA MOORE
This space will soon feature words from real musicians who’ve started their journey to musical freedom. Maybe yours will be next.
ROBERTO LOPEZ
Change Starts with a Single Step!
Whether you have a question, want to inquire about our services, or simply want to say hello, feel free to reach out to me.
Everyone’s musical path is different. My job is to help you grow at your own pace.