Alford Music Tutors and Alford Music Tuition

Personal Description:
PSYCHOLOGY
I have a BSc (First Class Honours) in Psychology from Brunel University (2007), and a PhD in Psychology from the University of Cambridge (2011). I have worked as a research fellow and subsequently as a psychology lecturer at various universities in the U.K. My research is mainly in social, health and cognitive psychology, but I also teach research methods (both quantitative and qualitative methodologies), statistics and SPSS, as well as effective academic writing, including dissertations and research projects. In addition, I have sufficient competence in personality (i.e., individual differences) and clinical psychology to be able to teach these at undergraduate level. I have published over a dozen peer-reviewed articles, including some in world-leading journals, and have over 1300 academic citations of my research. Some of my research interests are: The attitude-behaviour relationship, behavioural interventions, motivation, cognition, and emotion, dual-process models of cognition, cognitive dissonance, self-affirmation, and information processing, emotional intelligence, mindfulness, health psychology, meta-cognition and self-knowledge, persuasion and social influence, intelligence and problem-solving, psychology of music, and psychology of religion.

PHILOSOPHY/CRITICAL THINKING/RELIGIOUS STUDIES
In my own research in psychology, I have drawn on several philosophical ideas, and have integrated different philosophical perspectives into my work. In addition to critical thinking, I am able to teach humanistic philosophy, social cognition, epistemology, existentialism, and related areas. I also teach how to build philosophical arguments for academic and commercial purposes. In terms of religious studies, I have a particular interest in the Abrahamic faiths, as well as Hinduism, Buddhism, and related philosophies.

MUSIC
I am a performer and teacher of Indian classical music (Northern style), and teach the instruments of dilruba, esraj, taus, taar shehnai and a bit of sarangi. I have been learning for 18 years, and been performing for the last 10 years. I teach beginners and intermediate students in basic and advanced raagas (from Yaman to Darbari) and taalas. I also teach vocal and harmonium.

ENGLISH LITERATURE
I specialise in creative writing, particularly short stories, and can teach students techniques in textual analysis and interpretation, especially using the hermeneutic method. I am also interested in how characters in stories (all genres) are given psychological depth, as well as how story structure and character development go hand-in-hand.

URDU
Urdu is my mother tongue, and is one of four languages that I speak fluently. I can teach beginners and intermediate students in grammar, reading and writing, as well as conversations. And I also teach advanced students in conversation. My particular interests in Urdu literature are 18th and 19th century poetry, especially ghazals.

DANISH
I am a native speaker of Danish, and spent the first 22 years of my life there. I can teach all levels of the language and its literature. Some of the key authors that I have an interest in are Søren Kierkegaard, Karen Blixen, H C Anderson, and we can also discuss Danish film, cinema, and culture. Danish is very similar to Swedish and Norwegian so by learning Danish you will be able to read those languages quite well, and you might be able to understand speech in those languages to some extend. There is also some overlap between Danish and German, though not as much.

Teaching Experience:
I taught psychology to undergraduates at the University of Cambridge from 2008-2011. I then taught at King's College London from 2011-2014, followed by the University of Bath from 2014-2017 and then Bath Spa University from 2017-2022. I also supervise BSc, MSc, and doctoral students. I'm currently lecturing at the University of Hertfordshire.

Tutoring Approach:
I aim to use an interactive approach that encourages active involvement of the tutee. My main goal during tuition sessions is to stimulate an interest in the subject and facilitate independent and critical thinking. This, I believe, allows the tutee to become an independent thinker and to enjoy the learning process, which is rewarding for both parties.

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Personal Description:
I'm 43 years old and live near Bordon, Hampshire. I have been speaking French and Italian for about 20 years. My degree and my Masters degree are in History with Italian and Museum Studies with History respectively and I am very passionate about all of these subjects.

Teaching Experience:
I used to teach English as a Foreign Language in Italy both to large classes and giving one to one tuition and have also reached A-Level and Degree level in both French and Italian. I also taught English in Spain. I have around ten years' experience of one to one tuition at my home in this country and can also travel to the student's home if they live locally.

I have prepared students for their exams in English as a Foreign Language, such as the Cambridge First Certificate in English and the Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English and am also happy to assist both children and adults with either casual learning or preparation for GCSE/A-Level

I also assist in my local primary school and am a school governor and am familiar with the National Curriculum and can tutor in maths and literacy for Key Stage 1 and 2.

Tutoring Approach:
The above subjects are things which I am passionate about and hopefully that comes across in my teaching methods. I am very flexible and can respond to the needs of the particular student

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Personal Description:
French native, Christine teaches French since 2005. Christine has studied French literature, music and drama to obtain her Baccahalaurat. In Sept 2011 she obtained a Trinity Guildhall Music diploma for teaching singing. Now she is part time Singing teacher and a Performer.

Teaching Experience:
She is a singing teacher at Newham Music Trust since 2010 and gives private lesson at home too. She is fully aware of ABRSM syllabus and Trinity. Christine has recently started to teach piano to the little ones in a ludic way where singing, movement and rhythm is part of the learning. She teaches adults, teenagers and children taking exams or auditions. Although she had a previous classical training, she uses 3 octaves in her voice, which allows to sing various music style and gives an expertise on your vocal difficulties.

Tutoring Approach:
Through her work experience Christine has gained an original way of teaching Music. It is creative, dynamic and with a broad spray of resources. She brings her students to a high standard of achievement. Christine will teach:

- Body awareness
- Your own voice.
- The vocal technic
- The breathing technic
- Various repertoire
- Music theory
- Confidence

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Personal Description:
In the ten years I've studied bass I've gained a B-Tec National Diploma in music and music tech from Tauntons College and a Higher Diploma in music performance from the Academy of Contemporary Music in Guildford where I am also studying for a Degree in music performance. This education fuels my passion for my instrument, and with such a huge variety of influences to choose from I couldn't see myself doing anything else.

Teaching Experience:
As a new tutor i have limited teaching experience however; during the course of my studies for my degree i have on many occasions had the opportunity to take on the role of the musical director of a performance. As a musical director i have had to think of different ways of explaining a task to my peers and have gained relevant teaching experience in the process.

Tutoring Approach:
I have found the best way to tech someone a new subject is to try and relate the subject to something the student has an understanding of or an interest in.

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Personal Description:
I have around 15 years of teaching experience ranging from French, English as a Foreign Language and both practical and theory of music. I teach from home for a relaxed and friendly lesson style.

Teaching Experience:
I have tutored numerous pupils towards ABRSM, AQA and WJEC exams and teach both children and adults.

Tutoring Approach:
I teach from home for a relaxed and friendly lesson style.

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Personal Description:
I was born in Hamburg, Germany, am 28 years old and moved to Cardiff in 2013 to study towards a Master of Music degree at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama. I completed a Bachelor of Music degree at the University of Aberdeen in 2013 and graduated with 1st Class Honours.

Since 2015, I have been running the International Music School Cardiff as Director, where private music tuition in all instruments of the highest quality is offered to children and adults alike.

I am an active performer, accompanist and composer, which I believe is very important in order to be able to speak from experience when teaching your instrument.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching piano and music theory for the past ten years, both privately and at school and university. I have worked with children, university students as well as adults, ranging from early beginners to grade 8 standard and beyond.

I have prepared my students for school exams, graded exams, concerts and competitions and all of them passed and had successful performances.

Tutoring Approach:
I use various teaching resources which I have both collected and created myself to cover all areas of piano playing, i.e. sight-reading, theory, scales, technical exercises, duo and ensemble playing. I find it more important (especially for a young person) to develop a natural relationship with the instrument and to learn to love the sound of it by making it and listening to it rather than to merely focus on achieving grades as quickly as possible.

I believe that music should be a social activity. This is why I encourage all of my students to perform in front of each other at regular informal concerts as well as festivals and competitions, if the student feels ready.

Working with students and passing on my knowledge and skills is the most rewarding experience and based on the good relationship I have with all my students and their families as well as my students' successes in performances and competitions I am confident to say that they are having an enjoyable and rewarding time under my tuition.

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Personal Description:
Ben has been described by a current student as "a brilliant teacher who has helped me with whatever styles of music I have wanted to play". I've been a profession teacher for over 10 years and am well established in the local area. I teach from my home or yours and even offer on-line lessons using Skype.
I have a fully modern studio, and am able to create custom backing tracks for you at no extra cost. Please do not hesitate to contact me at any time for more details.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching privately for over ten years and have got many students to pass their guitar and theory grades

Tutoring Approach:
I have an informal approach, trying to make lessons as enjoyable as I can and still achieve the best possible results.

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Personal Description:
I hold expertise in teaching trinity music grades. I specialize in keyboard and piano.

Teaching Experience:
I hold 18 years experience in teaching music.

Tutoring Approach:
I hold a positive approach towards music. As music is my passion, I hold skills to develop the required skills in children and enable them to bring their best out.

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Personal Description:
Bachelors Degree Graduate in Popular music.
Highly skilled Lead Guitarist with extensive experience as a performer, teacher and composer.

Teaching Experience:
One years experience, teaching 13 different students, with great success. Currently two of my students have joined bands and are proficiently good lead guitarists.

Tutoring Approach:
My philosophy is to make learning fun, music is a joy to the heart and soul and is a creative subject.
I'ts easy to get bogged down by the technicalities and theoretical knowledge,
however music should first and foremost, always be fun.
Learn the songs you love, while also retaining theory and building technical skills effortlessly.
I bring a teaching style that is:
Patient, understanding as well as caring, bringing a teaching style that is friendly and warm, and can adapt to suit student needs.

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Personal Description:
I am a singer/composer/producer and songwriter. I've worked mainly in the advertising world, composing and producing for television.

In terms of teaching, I have helped people with regards to Vocal Coaching, Singing, Songwriting Techniques, Music Production and Relaxation, all under the bracket of music and performing.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught privately for 4 years. I have helped people develop their songwriting craft and assisted them in developing their songs and finding their own uniqueness. I also assist in recording sessions/rehearsals, focusing on making sure the vocalist is in a good emotional space and we can also look at technique and diction and the emotion behind the song.

In terms of production, I tend to work with Logic Pro, but the principles of production are to do with sound selection and arrangement. I help students hear which sound choices work, and hear the finer details in well crafted and produced songs. Once the principles are understood, this allows them to apply them to their own work.

Tutoring Approach:
I have a relaxed yet very focused approach to tutoring. First we'll identify the student's goals and intentions, whether it's purely singing based, or involves aspects of songwriting and performing or production. We then set some targets and work together to achieve them.

In terms of vocal technique, I have studied and integrated elements of 'Bel Canto', Speech level style singing, and more contemporary forms of vocal development. I also explain what each vocal exercise is designed to do, so we know why we're doing certain exercises.

Relaxation techniques are a big part of my work. This allows us to breathe more freely, and helps free us of any tensions which may stand in our way.

The confidence of technique and precise execution that becomes second nature is the key to successful musical delivery. I help develop those techniques that can be relied upon to deliver the true emotion and intention behind your of your work.

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Personal Description:
I have a BSc and an MSc in science and a PhD in engineering and have a theoretical and practical knowledge of maths and science. As well as that I have a lot of experience in industry and working around the world. I follow my family tradition in tutoring maths and science in my spare time, helping students, in particular those needing extra help and confidence in their studies. My husband and I have two children aged 17 and 13, we have a cat named Peter and have lived near Hereford for over 12 years. I volunteer at Marden Primary Academy as a classroom assistant and thoroughly enjoy helping out.

Teaching Experience:
I have been tutoring maths, physics, biology, piano and theory of music for 2.5 years and have done home-schooling.

Tutoring Approach:
A patient approach, finding where a student is and then leading them on to a secure standard, with a feeling that it wasn't so difficult after all. Visual learning techniques are employed where possible in addition to learning by muscle memory, coordinating with any school work and homework so that there is no confusion with approach. I really enjoy tutoring and have fun which I think enables the students to ask questions which perhaps they were less able to do in a classroom environment.

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Personal Description:
I have been teaching drum and percussion semi-professionally since 2010. Outside of teaching, I perform semi-professionally in variety of genres including Pop, Rock, RnB, Jazz, Fusion, and Gospel, in large venues across Surrey and London. I have extensive experience of working alongside top industry professionals, and have undertaken studio, session and live television work.

I also hold a Degree in Professional Music Performance for the Academy of Contemporary Music in Guildford.

Teaching Experience:
I am the founder of a music school specialising in high quality, affordable drum lessons for all ages and skill levels. We are independently owned and operated by a staff of qualified & experienced professional musician-educators.

Tutoring Approach:
I am professional and friendly, helping you reach your musical goals, and to inspire you to reach for new goals that you may never have thought possible.

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Personal Description:
Graduated in Trinity College LTCL in Violin (Masters). Currently active member of The University of Manchester Symphony Orchestra and Manchester String Orchestra. Joined the Aberystwyth Philomusica and Aberystwyth Wind Band for more than 3 years. Over 10 years of music experiences. Have been learning, practising and expertising in music all my life. More like an exchange in music between music lovers rather than boring lessons. Provide violin, pop vocal, piano, basic saxophone and recorder tuition.

Teaching Experience:
Orchestra & Wind Band, Violin Music Tutor

Organization: The University of Manchester Symphony Orchestra ,Manchester String Orchestra, Aberystwyth Philomusica,
Nature of Work: First Violinist

Organization: Aberystwyth University Wind Band
Nature of work: Saxophonist

Nature of work: Private Music Tutor
Employment type: Self-employed
Dates: Ongoing

Tutoring Approach:
Introducing the easiest way to grasp the basic music skills in just a few lessons, in focus of performance-level, advanced pop and classical violin, pop singing, classical piano, basic saxophone and recorder.

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Personal Description:
I first began to take interest in education in late 2016 during my second year of studies at Falmouth University, after undertaking 'skills for music leaders' module, where I studied different approaches to formal and non-formal music education. In September 2017, I have taken my ambitions to teach guitar further and fully dedicated my third year of studies to learn about ethics in music education, and began work experience with Cornwall Music Service Trust. I have shadowed 3 guitar teachers as well as 1 violin teacher and learned how to work with children aged between 6-16. I have actively engaged during the lessons, and helped as much as it was possible. I observed their teaching style and studied how to apply it into my own practice, gaining very good references

Teaching Experience:
I have completed 'skills for music leaders' during my second year studies and dedicated the rest of my time researching ethics and practical teaching strategies in music education. I have completed a year of work experience with Cornwall music service trust shadowing their teachers and learning their teaching styles. I am currently doing more work experience at Penair School learning about classroom teaching. Soon I will be looking to apply for Teacher training

Tutoring Approach:
I structure my lessons to each student individually

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Personal Description:
My name is Antonis, I was born at 22/9/1993. I'm from Cyprus. I'm a professional DJ I played music in over 70 Clubs and Bars in Cyprus and the UK. Also, I have my own radio show on Super FM CY. I can teach someone from nothing to something.

Teaching Experience:
I teaching DJ software, download music, mixing technics, equipment, everything about music and genres.
I really love to teach someone with passion and love for DJing.

Tutoring Approach:
I have a lot of method, understanding and a lot of love for what I do. I have been in the field for many years and I believe I have a lot of experience to pass on my knowledge to someone who loves music.

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Personal Description:
A Master's graduate of The Institute of Contemporary Music, I have a wealth of experience performing throughout the UK and Europe with many different artists, including James Woodrow (BBC singers), Harry Marshall, Lisa Canny, Db Clifford, Joe Slater, The Fizz (formerly Bucks Fizz) and many more. I have also played at many of Europe's most highly regarded venues and festivals such as Isle of Wight Festival, Jazz in the Park (Romania), Rhythms of The World and the O2 Academy Brixton, whilst featuring on many radio and magazine shows, such as BBC Radio 1, BBC Introducing, Kerrang! Magazine and many more. I love to get involved in as many genres as possible, and my CV includes an exploration of an array of styles such as jazz, jazz-fusion, blues, funk, rock, progressive, pop, traditional and contemporary Irish music, traditional and contemporary Syrian music, soul, hip- hop and grime.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching part time for around five years now, students ranging from 6-80 years old. I have been lucky enough to guest lecture on occasion, as well as tutoring privately and for agencies across London, the South East and online.

Tutoring Approach:
Instrument:
Electric Bass (fretted and fretless)
Guitar

A student's personal goals are always at the centre of their development and I like to approach tutoring on an individual basis, as, particularly with music, every student learns in a way unique to them. The first lesson is generally spent getting to know students (and vice versa), understanding the approaches that work best for them and building a much needed rapport. I feel strongly that students must feel at ease and thus able to express themselves freely in lessons, as this will transfer in their music.

Areas covered will include the student's chosen instrument (can be more than one), music theory, harmony, technique, timing, technology (using DAWs or Sibelius), working within band/ensemble contexts (both musically and socially) and self-development, which includes the study of practice methods, mentality and motivation. Lessons are typically taught in an informal environment, enabling for the freedom of expression and thought. Lessons are generally encouraged to be an hour in length, but other options are very much available.

Lessons are taught predominantly online, from my home (Oxted, Surrey), or on occasion at a student's location. Please note that the latter will require an extra fee (to cover travel expenses and time).

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Personal Description:
I'm an experienced tutor currently working as a Lecturer and Supervisor at the University of Cambridge. Besides this I have several years' school-teaching experience as well as with individual tutees.

I studied at the University of Cambridge and at the Royal Academy of Music throughout my teenage years.

In addition to my work In Cambridge I hold a Deputy Professorship at the Junior Department of the Guildhall School of Music & Drama. My private teaching practice comprises students of all ages and complements my professional activities as conductor, bassoonist, organist, and arts administrator.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching privately since 2006, and also have several years' experience of school-teaching (secondary). I am experienced in giving workshops (singing, conducting, performance technique, chamber music etc.). I also lecture for the Music Faculty at the University of Cambridge as well as supervising undergraduates and graduates for papers in Harmony & Counterpoint, Music & Science, Psychology, and practical skills (including jazz improvisation).

I hold a deputy professorship at the Junior Department of the Guildhall School of Music & Drama and also tutor for the Royal College of Organists; I am hugely experienced in preparing students for interviews and auditions, as well as in examination preparation and revision/study skills and techniques.

Tutoring Approach:
I always strive to inspire my tutees with the confidence to push themselves to achieve their full potential, while being aware that outside the lessons they also have other commitments. I am experienced in teaching students with learning difficulties and am happy to be flexible in my teaching style depending on the needs of the individual student.

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Personal Description:
About me-

Based in Manchester, Gauri is a dedicated music educator and composer. She loves meeting new people from around the world-the UK, US, Asia-whom she would have never met without online lessons.Gauri earned a Bachelor of Music from the University of Huddersfield, studying piano performance under concert pianist Jonathan Fisher, applied music research under Dr. Daniel White, and music composition under Dr. Geoff Cox.

She also participated in masterclasses with Karl Lutchmayer, Gabriele Baldocci, Douglas Finch, and Sally Ann MacLeod. Gauri completed her music diploma with distinction from KM Music Conservatory, A. R. Rahman's music school in Chennai, India, where she was the lead pianist of the KM Piano Ensemble and performed at Alliance Française of Madras.

To excel as a music educator, Gauri studied music education and community under Dr. Adam Grieg and attended teaching seminars by Trinity Laban Conservatoire with Tim Palmer. She has performed at prestigious venues in the UK and India, including St. Paul's Hall, The Stein Auditorium, Sai Auditorium, and Siri Fort Auditorium.

Grateful for her opportunities and committed to giving back to society, Gauri has actively engaged with community-focused music projects. She has worked with the Sunshine Orchestra in Chennai, an initiative founded by A. R. Rahman to provide free music education to underprivileged children. In this role, she mentored young musicians, helping them develop their skills and fostering their love for music.

Additionally, Gauri has been involved with Music and the Deaf in the UK, an organization dedicated to providing musical opportunities for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. Through workshops and performances, she has contributed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can experience the joy of music.

Teaching Experience:
Teaching for over 6 years, I'm currently working at several music schools in Manchester!

Tutoring Approach:
About the lesson-

The internet is full of many many talented piano teachers, who are doing amazing work with their students. However, I feel that there are some musical topics that remain untalked about because of how challenging it might be to talk about them, topics such as ear training, improvisation and music theory.

Through this class, I help students in developing these essential skills of ear training, improvisation and music theory. I also help them discover their own unique voice through composition.

Yes, we'll learn how to play your favourite songs/ pieces on the piano. We'll prepare for Trinity grades, if you like. But this class is especially for you, if you'd like to get truly educated in music. These are the topics that I typically cover in my lessons-

1)Play songs that you love

2)Build skills such as improvisation and ear training (that will last you a lifetime)

3)Understand the theory behind music

4)Appear for Trinity/ ABRSM exams

I have a unique approach of teaching piano through Music Theory. This not only results in a good practical understanding but also helps the student understand the in's and out's of how music works.

So, whether you'd like to learn to play your favourite songs or compose your own songs, this is the right class for you!

*Please only apply if you're serious about learning piano*

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