Caerphilly Music Tutors and Caerphilly Music Tuition

Personal Description:
I am a self-taught guitarist of over 20 years and am technically proficient to an advanced level, there are very few guitar techniques that I'm unfamiliar with and I am continually learning more. I've performed in a variety of venues/situations, whether as a solo performer, in a band or as part of the accompaniment for musicals, each of which require different approaches and disciplines. I've also done plenty of recorded performances which also requires a host of different skills.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching guitar for over 10 years on an ad hoc basis with private students. I also currently work at Coleg Y Cymoedd, teaching live performance and music rehearsal skills for the last 2 years. I have helped students of all ages over the years go from complete beginners to accomplished players, as well as taking intermediate players and help them to learn more advanced techniques.

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching method involves the same method by which I teach myself - focused practice and repetition. A lot of people try to run before they can walk, spending a couple of days learning chords then trying to play complicated lead parts. What you will work on with me, is having a solid foundation on which to build. We will work together to make sure that when you learn techniques, you learn them the right way first time. We'll do things slowly and smoothly, because slow and smooth equals fast in the long run.
Fundamentally though, we will go at your pace. Everyone learns different skills at different speeds, so there is no pressure to learn anything in a particular time frame, the key is for there to be progress little by little. Equally we will tailor lessons to your wants/needs as much as possible and so you're learning the type of guitar playing that most appeals to you.
A lot of tutors take an approach of getting you to go through guitar grades and whilst that is something we can look into if it appeals to you, I personally have never found grades to be worth anything and certainly not an accurate measurement of someone's ability/talent, so with that in mind, going through grades is not something I will be pushing you to do.
I advise for the first lesson (which is free) to be 1 hour so we can get to know each other and put together a bit of a plan for you. After that I recommend lessons be 30 minutes per lesson per week, as the main goal of lessons is for you to show me what you've practiced in the previous week and for me to then advise you on what can be improved etc., or if it's time for you to start working on something else. In my experience 30 minutes is more than sufficient to achieve this but if you feel you'd like more tuition then of course we can explore that.

Please note the rate shown is an hourly rate. 30 minute lessons will be £15 in person or £12.50 online.

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Personal Description:
I am a professional freelance trumpet player. I have performed with many well-established artists and ensembles, including Kenny Wheeler, Alex Wilson, Dave Hassell, Pete Long, the Ronnie Scott's Big Band, the Glenn Miller Orchestra UK, the James Taylor Quartet, the BBC Big Band, the Ronnie Scott's Vanguard Big Band, and the live jazz orchestra for the 2009 X Factor Big Band Special. I have also performed at various festivals, including London Jazz Festival, IAJE conferences in Los Angeles, New York and Toronto, Lugano Estival Jazz in Switzerland, Derby Jazz Festival and Newark Jazz Festival. As well as this, I have a jazz quartet that I regularly compose original music for, which is currently performing throughout London.

Teaching Experience:
Since 2008 I have been teaching privately throughout London. I teach trumpet, jazz improvisation, jazz harmony and general music theory. I am also committed workshop leader and have already had considerable experience on a number of summer schools and jazz courses in the Midlands.

Tutoring Approach:
I immediately try to find out the musical background of a student, and what they hope to achieve from the lessons. I'm enthusiastic and I aim to pass my passion for music onto the student.

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Personal Description:
Professionally qualified (DfES number RP 04/31188).

I am a musician, qualified primary teacher (QTS) with a Master's degree in Education, Pets As Therapy volunteer, founder and facilitator at Meta for learning CIC.

My interests in education are in Open Learning, Outdoor Learning, Animal Assisted interventions, Blended learning and helping learners build international links.


As part of a distance-learning Masters degree in association with FUNIBER and the Universidad de León, I carried out an ethnographic action research project using a democratic approach called Community Language Learning. In this approach there is no syllabus or textbook to follow. It is the learners themselves who determine the content by means of meaningful conversations.
It incorporates translation, transcription and recording techniques.

When I am not working I love volunteering, practising ice skating or track cycling with my daughter and also growing an edible garden !

Teaching Experience:
I was born in Madrid where I trained as a primary teacher and classical musician (cello and chamber music).

I worked in Escuelas de Musica in the outskirts of Madrid which are inclusive socially-minded music schools where I taught cello lessons and support the development of the String Department by assisting during orchestra rehearsals. Both adults and children of all ages are welcome to take lessons.

Shortly after moving to the UK I started a part time job teaching Music to 5-7 yo children at the Rowans Prep school in Wimbledon alongside studying a Mater's and working in Adult education- I carried out a 2-year ethnographic action research project at St Luke's centre in Islinghton.

I then applied to a position in Esadst London and started working for Children's language services teaching at several primary schools in Tower Hamlets. My roles were to deliver the MFL primary curriculum; coordinate the implementation of new initiatives in schools ie use of the European Portfolio for language Learning which was being developed between the Council and universities, provide class teachers with CPD training; undertake tasks such as EAL First Language assessments.

After taking maternative leave I trained to become an online tutor and worked part- time for Own Tutors, Clapham.

In 2019 I founded a learning community Metaforlearning Cic where I run Self-Manage Learning programmes for young people.

In my tutoring work I am reliable, flexible and experienced. I have been working in the UK, Ireland and Spain and have experience in exam preparation for the Spanish internationally recognised DELE junior and DELE for adults; Spanish GCSE, IGCSE, Spanish A-LEVELS with AQA, OCR and EDEXCEL exam boards; and IB ab initio and Language B international qualifications. In the past I have prepared young cellists for 1-8 ABRSM performance grades.

Tutoring Approach:
Students set their own learning goals and I assist them in order to map the neccesary learning to achieve them and also by working at the level that they feel comfortable with at each stage of the process.

With young learners I make use of VR, AR and gamification for enhancing engagement in language learning.

If your enquiry is regarding learning for either improving wellbeing, traveling or living in a Spanish speaking country then we will be looking at different learning objetives and skills than for example an enquiry regarding accessing an university of your choice.

I have wide experience supporting international students in understanding and preparing to access Universities in the UK.

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Personal Description:
I have been a practicing musician for over 19 years and have a broad experience in performance, composition, songwriting, production, recording, music theory and music technology. My primary instrument is guitar in a range of styles, including electric, acoustic and classical. I also teach bass guitar to an intermidiate level.
In 2004 I complete a degree in music where I was awarded a First Class an award for outstanding achievment in my final year, finishing top of my year group.
I currently write and perform with a garage-rock group as guitarist and lead vocalist while teaching guitar privately and in schools.

Teaching Experience:
7 years instrumental teaching experience in students homes and in schools.
Theory and technology tuition also available.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe in developing and expanding every aspect of a student's musical knowledge and awareness through their instrument, starting immediately with practical play and gradually leading onto music theory and reading. I aim to inspire students and help them to develop their natural interest and excitment for the instrument so they look forward to playing, at any level, and look forward to lessons.

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Personal Description:
My name is Kay and I have 21 years' experience as a tutor in all of the following subjects and levels:

1) English at Primary level (Years 1 to 6), KS3 , GCSE (Language & Literature) and A level Literature.
2) Maths at Primary level (Years 1 to 6).
3) 7+, 11+ , 13+ entrance exams.
4) History at KS3 and GCSE level.
5) Piano - from Grades 1 to 5 , as well as learning for pleasure
6) Singing -from Grades 1 to 5., as well as learning for pleasure
7) Guitar- from Grades 1 to 3, as well as learning for pleasure.
8) Music Theory- from Grades 1 to 5.

I am now offering tuition on Zoom/Skype during the Lockdown.

I also have 26 written references from parents, for students of various abilities, across all these subjects and levels.
I have an English-related degree (in History- which included some English modules within the degree), and I have a Level 1 City & Guilds Teaching Certificate in English.

I also have a proven track record of improving student's grades, regularly improving them by 1 to 2 grades, often in less than 1 year's tuition. For example, in English, I recently tutored a student at GCSE level- he had been predicted C grades in both Language & Literature, but after just 8 months' tuition with me, he achieved an A in his GCSE English Language exam and an A* in his English Literature exam. This is typical of my success over the years as a tutor.

I use National Curriculum Resources for all tuitions. Furthermore, I have great experience tutoring all abilities from the gifted and talented to those with Learning Disabilities (I have regularly taught students with Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and Asberges).

I can either travel to the student's home or they can come to me. I am available to tutor on all evenings of the week, Monday to Friday, as well as in the daytime.I tutor through most of the School holidays, providing the opportunity for students to put in extra revision during these periods.

Teaching Experience:
As a full-time tutor, I have built up an extensive knowledge of the National Curriculum and the various exam boards.
I have also built up a wealth of National Curriculum Resources for English, Maths and History : my 3 main subjects.

For English, I have resources covering the following: Spelling, Punctuation, Grammar , Phonics, Vocabulary, Sentence structure, Comprehension and Creative Writing.

For Maths, I have resources from the very basics: Number Bonds and Counting up and down at KS1, to the 4 operations & main topics : for example Fractions , Decimals and Percentages at KS2 . Also, I have books for Gifted and Talented Maths students at the top of KS2 level.In addition, I have an extensive resource base of past exam papers in all subjects and levels.

For History, I have National Curriculum Resources for the various exam boards and plenty of past papers.

Tutoring Approach:
I am a firm believer in making students feel at ease in the lessons, and in offering plenty of encouragement during the tuitions to build the student's confidence in the subject I am teaching.

I generally teach a topic to a student , and then set practice questions for the student to attempt based on my teaching.I am open to setting homework for the students, but always liaise with the parents as to whether they want their child to have any and if so how much.

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Personal Description:
Enthusiastic Music Tutor (ABRSM friendly)

My music studies began at the age of 9 with classical piano.
Since 1990 I began studying and playing as a keyboards and bass player in many different music's styles bands.

During my music studies I also had the chance to attend several masterclasses in improvisation, music harmony and theory with important musicians as: George Garzone, Bob Brookmeyer, Ayn Inserto, Scott Henderson, Gary Willis, John Stowell, Bob Mintzer, Dave Holland, Kurt Rosenwinkel and more.

Teaching Experience:
Since 1997 I'm teaching in several schools and as a private tutor piano, keyboards, guitar and drums for beginners. Bass guitar and Music Theory for all levels.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is based on analyzing and listening with deep attention at
students' needs and requests, being patient while motivating with positive and neutral critic.

I also responsibly acquire an appropriate teaching material and resources relating to individual students' needs ensuring an up-to-date knowledge and a critical awareness about
their level.

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Personal Description:
I am a music graduate, with aims to go into music lecturing. I am about to start an MA in Applied Musicology at Utrecht University. I decided to start Skype tuition because it`s an incredibly effective medium for teaching, and also because I don`t stay in one place for longer than a year at the moment due to being a student.

Teaching Experience:
I have been playing guitar since I was 8 years old, so for over 14 years now. I studied at Leeds College of Music for 2 years, and have recently graduated from Anglia Ruskin University with a BA(Hons) degree in Popular Music. I have played a range of styles, but find my favourite, and most developed, styles are funk and blues.

Tutoring Approach:
The teaching will be focussed around where YOU want to go. What type of guitar do you want to play? You tell me, and I'll tailor the path we take in order to both develop you as a musician and play the music you love!
I specialise in funk, blues, and rhythm guitar.
There are some core books I recommend you have access to before we begin, but aren't obligatory. They are: 'A Guide to Chords, Scales, & Arpeggios' by Al Di Meola, and 'Basix Scales & Modes for Guitar' by Steve Hall and Rom Manus.
I use these books for warm up exercises, which I value greatly, as it prevents damage to your hands, and means you learn and maintain the level of professionalism expected of every good musician.

My aims as a teacher are to get you to where you want to be with the guidance I can offer, and at the same time giving you the skills required to develop even further in your own independent practice.

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Personal Description:
I am a self-employed music teacher who has been working in numerous schools across north-east England for over 10 years. Currently, I work alongside two music companies delivering music workshops in primary and secondary schools, and as of the 2023-2024 school calendar I deliver lessons to 10 schools on a weekly basis.

My main passion is delivering instrumental tuition on a number of instruments which include; electric guitar, acoustic guitar, keyboard, piano, ukulele, and music theory. Outside of the school day I have a wealth of private students whom I visit on a weekly basis to deliver hourly or half-hourly lessons. The majority of these students are between the ages of 5-18 however I do have a number of adult students who I personally love to see get involved in music. Age should never be a deterrent to learning an instrument.

Teaching Experience:
15 years as a private music tutor (Piano, guitar, music theory, and ukulele)
13 years as an ensemble leader The School of Rock & Pop in 5 centres
7 years as a peripatetic teacher for Musicworks in 10 schools per week

Tutoring Approach:
Teaching should always be fun and engaging. I cater each lesson to the interests of the student and teach the key elements of music through songs and practical exercises aimed at the music they enjoy.

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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:
I have a Bachelor degree in Music. I finished university 2 years ago (The Sage Gateshead). My majors were music production, composition and vocal.
My journey with music started when I was 7 years old. I was in a music school for almost 10 years, learning piano, vocal, music theory, harmony and having choir classes. The same age I started singing and playing piano at my local church.

Teaching Experience:
Teaching children from age 6 to 14 for almost three years. I gave group and private classes teaching not only English, piano and vocal but also music theory and harmony.

The last year I was working in a language School teaching english and in a kindergarden teaching english and Music.

Tutoring Approach:
Private, online classes.
I always prepare the classes depending on your level and your needs.

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Personal Description:
Concert pianist and Oxford graduate with 6 years teaching experience giving music tuition in Manchester.

At the age of sixteen I began studying piano with Sam Armstrong at the Junior Department of the Trinity Laban Conservatoire and have since enjoyed increasing success and recognition. I have performed with the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain as orchestral pianist at the Sage Gateshead and the Royal Festival Hall, including a live broadcast on BBC Radio 3. In 2015 I made my London concerto debut with Saint-Saëns' Piano Concerto No 2. The following year I sat the LRSM examination, and passed with distinction.

I graduated from Oxford University in 2018 with first class honours in Music. I am grateful to have been recognized with the Anjool Maldé Scholarship from St Peter's College in 2016. Currently I am studying for a Master's in piano performance from the Royal Northern College of Music, where my studies are supported by an Oglesby Charitable Trust scholarship, as well as postgraduate awards from Help Musicians UK and the Countess of Munster Musical Trust. Alongside solo recital engagements, I maintain a busy schedule of collaborative projects with singers and instrumentalists throughout the UK.

Teaching Experience:
I've been teaching piano and music theory and history to students of all ages and levels for six years. Students have passed grade 8 piano and grade 5 theory exams with distinction - no student of mine has yet got less than merit in ABRSM exams. I myself receive first class honours from Oxford University and am an active concert pianist.

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching style is flexible according to the needs, ambitions and level of my students. In tutorials we will work together through problems to ensure students are comfortable with the hows and whys of music. I am a patient, articulate and conscientious tutor.

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Personal Description:
I specialize in Piano lessons for children and adults, from beginners to advanced level of performance.
I teach piano, music theory and music history both privately and in school. I have a Post Graduate from Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London and Masters Degree in piano and teaching. I am a fully qualified teacher with QTS and DBS.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching piano for 15 years.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that all pupils - including kids, teens, and adults of any age - can successfully and joyfully learn the piano, regardless of their talent. I can help students achieve a high level of skill, but I also want them to feel joy in their learning journey.

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Personal Description:
Ciao! I'm Esmond. I'm a writer, composer, director and artist, and prizewinning History finalist at the University of Oxford, with experience of a broad range of learning environments and teaching styles, and substantial industry experience in music and the creative arts. Deeply passionate about my subjects, I'm dedicated to each of my students and enthusiastic about sharing the joy of learning with them. I tutor History, Music, History of Art and Latin to A-Level, IB and equivalent, and English, Design and Technology (Graphic Design route) and Maths to GCSE/IGCSE. I also provide mentoring, including guidance on personal statements, submitted work, admissions tests and interviews, for students applying to study History and related subjects at both Oxbridge and other universities. More broadly, I work with students at all levels to develop essay writing, research, problem-solving and study skills.

Currently a final-year historian at the University of Oxford, I hold both academic and music scholarships. I attained a Distinction in the First Public Examination, ranking equal fourth across the University. Besides history, my degree has also involved considerable interdisciplinary work in the visual arts, literature, music and folklore, and substantial language work in Latin, French, Italian and Middle English, in which I have research-level proficiency. I have A-Levels in Music, Latin and History (all above 90%), an AS-Level in Maths (A), and 11 A*s at IGCSE and GCSE. I have extensive knowledge of a broad range of history, music, art and literature, with particular expertise in the medieval, Renaissance and early Modern periods, the eighteenth century, the European folk revival, and - in music - post-tonal and contemporary composition, although I also teach more broadly, including on modern topics. I share details of and blog about medieval and Renaissance Italian art, drawing on my own photography and travels in Italy, at Treasures of Renaissance Italy.

My teaching in Music and Design and Technology is further underpinned by extensive industry experience in music (as a composer, director, producer and singer), graphic design and the creative arts more broadly. I produced and artistically directed my first opera production, Monteverdi's L'Orfeo, in 2016, with an international cast of singers from several leading British and European conservatoires, and I'm currently Artistic Director and co-Musical Director of the semi-professional early music and early opera ensemble, Theatron Oneiron, which I founded as a first-year undergraduate. As a freelance composer, my compositions have won competitions at a national level and been performed by such artists as the BBC Singers. I'm also a classically trained, semi-professional singer, currently a Choral Exhibitioner in the Choir of The Queen's College, Oxford, and formerly a Choral Scholar at Guildford Cathedral and Exeter College, Oxford, and member of the Iken Scholars among many other ensembles; and I frequently perform as a recitalist and as a soloist in oratorios and opera productions. I previously studied both piano and violin. In art and design, my experience encompasses both artistic and technical drawing, product design, poster design, and production design for the stage, and my work includes an award-winning scaled model and card model kit of Guildford Cathedral.

Teaching Experience:
I have substantial experience of a range of learning environments and teaching styles, including home education, project- and inquiry-based learning, the Oxbridge tutorial format, and classroom-style teaching in both the private and the state sectors.

I worked as a Teaching Assistant at Chelsea Academy, London, in 2013-14, as part of RGS Guildford's Outreach Scheme there. I have led and assisted classes for year groups and ability levels from Year 7 to GCSE and top to bottom sets, and previously provided mentoring to Oxbridge applicants. More recently, my experience includes one-to-one tutoring in humanities subjects, English as a Second Language, and Music Theory. I have further developed creative and effective coaching and teaching methods in the course of work as both a musical director and stage director, and clear and engaging communication of content and ideas through seminar talks and presentations in the course of my own studies.

Tutoring Approach:
My own teaching style is greatly influenced by my own fruitful experiences of home education (to age eleven) and the Oxbridge tutorial format. I prioritise the greater scope for intellectual flexibility and curiosity, intrinsically-motivated learning, and heightened freedom to range across subjects and pursue individual topics in greater depth according to each student's interests characteristic of both of these learning environments. I combine these foci with rigorous, comprehensive attention to exam syllabi to ensure that teaching and learning remain carefully targeted towards my students' desired grades in any traditional summative assessments such as school entrance exams, GCSEs or A-Levels.

All my tutoring is student-centred, guiding and facilitating my students in their own learning, in contrast to traditional teacher-centred instruction. I work with each student to tailor lessons to their individual learning style and priorities (whether understanding subject material, exam content, or honing particular skills such as analysis or argument). I place particular emphasis on developing a deep-seated passion for learning in my students and on encouraging them to think independently, critically and originally. I am, moreover, dedicated to seeing tangible improvement in each and every one of my students and will always put in extra effort to achieve this end.

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Personal Description:
I have been playing guitar for 20 years and teaching music for 7 years. I have been involved in a variety of different bands and ensembles within that time. My main focus throughout this time has been all kinds of rock music but I also have lots of experience in metal and acoustic singer/songwriter styles. I qualified from Leeds College of Music, gaining a 2:1 degree in Music Production and Performance, and possess a passion for all genres of music and teaching. I completed a Post Graduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) in Higher Education Music at Edge Hill University in 2020, achieving a Distinction in the process.

Teaching Experience:
As stated above I have been tutoring in music, guitar, bass and piano for around 7 years totally around 1000 individual hours. I have experience working in colleges at BTEC level having completed a PGCE placement at Access To Music Manchester.

Tutoring Approach:
I take a professional approach to teaching and I usually like to start the student off with a song to allow them to enjoy playing their instrument immediately. No matter what their ability, I find a student is always able to learn a song they know and by adopting this approach I find they progress much faster. I can take you all the way from a very beginner through to advanced levels. I take a practical and direct approach to teaching and would expect the student to be involved from the very beginning.

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Personal Description:
Hello. We've taken the traditional guitar class and turned it on its head with a range of lessons, courses, jams and events that have entertained and developed thousands of guitar players, just like you.

We aren't just about scales, theory and solitary practice (although we do encourage all of those things) We're about the magic that happens when musicians meet.

Everything we do is done from our bar/music venue. We also stream all of our classes so that people all over the world can still take part.

All our learners get to know each other. Our purpose-built venue in East London is our hub where we host classes, run events, serve food and drinks and make musical connections.

See you in a session soon.

Teaching Experience:
Thomas has over a decade of experience teaching guitar to a range of learners - from experienced musicians looking to fine-tune their skills, to visually impaired individuals, to students just taking their first steps on their guitar journey. He has taught in schools, prisons, on boats and in the street. Thomas has delivered over 7,000 hours of classes to over 2,000 people.

Tutoring Approach:
Learning through the music that you love. A focus on theory and the more academic side of things, as well as on confidence in performing, writing your own music, playing with others, and harnessing the joy of making music. We run a range of courses and one-off teaching events - we can help you find one that is perfect for your level and interests.

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Personal Description:
Hi, I'm Charlie. I'm a 25 year old Musician and Graduate from the Academy Of Contemporary Music in Guildford.

I specialise in guitar, production and guidance through GCSE and A level work. I have been playing guitar since Junior school, whilst also singing and developing into a songwriter. I have vast experiences of being graded on my performances, my songwriting and production work.

Teaching Experience:
I spent my work experience in my secondary school as a teachers assistant, supporting in year 7-10 music lessons (aged 11-16). Throughout this I helped out with organising lesson plans, whilst also advising and guiding students during their work periods.

Alongside this, I also have experience running workshops with younger primary school students (6-8 years old) these were more lighthearted, friendly introductions into music as a subject.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is relaxed, supportive, and tailored to each individual. I start by getting to know where you're at, what you'd like to achieve, and how you learn best. Whether you're aiming to master Grade 5 theory, improve your GCSE or A-Level coursework, develop your guitar playing, or dive into music production with Ableton or Logic Pro, I'll help break things down into manageable steps that suit your pace and style. The goal is to build confidence, keep things engaging, and make sure you're always moving forward toward your musical goals.

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Personal Description:
Experienced tutor, current Maths with Statistics MSci student at King's College, University of London, who is specific to the student!

I completed my GCSEs, AS and A Levels at the UK's 'Number 1 Ranking' Grammar School - Queen Elizabeth's School for Boys.

I got the highest grades possible for Maths (grade 9 at GCSE and A* at A Level)
Achieved A* at A Level Further Mathematics.
Achieved 9 in Music at GCSE Level. Grade 8 in clarinet, saxophone and piano, and ARSM diploma in clarinet.

I have been tutoring children aged 10-18, including GCSE and A level focus, for the last four years.

Teaching Experience:
Queen Elizabeth's School:

GCSEs - 7 x 9s, 4 x 8s
AS - 4 x A
A2 - 2 x A*, 1 x A (Maths, Further Maths, Physics)

King's College, University of London:

Completed one year foundation in Computer Science
Currently on my second year, studying Mathematics with Statistics (Integrated Masters MSci course)

Private music tuition:
Student results: Distinctions x 5, Merit x 2, Pass x 0, Fail x 0.

Tutoring Approach:
In my experience, I have learned that the majority of tutors just 'turn-up-and-teach' without actually preparing. 'Understanding' is the most important thing when it comes to learning, not 'regurgitating information'. As a tutor, I only get ONE CHANCE to impart 'understanding' in a way that not only clear, but coherent. Not preparing only means the student will only get more confused. But this won't happen with me!!

In my years as a student, I remember my tutors either setting no homework at all, or random questions from some textbook they've just picked out. Pick me as your tutor, and be confident each homework has been uniquely written by myself to complement the lesson that I've taught, which contains routine practice questions, as well as a couple of more challenging ones, designed to encouraging them to 'think' outside the box.

Closer to the exams, I go through years and years of past papers, and pick out the most appropriate previous exam questions - but not too early! It's important my students have developed that deep understanding of the syllabus first. Yes - yet again, my experience has made me realise that too many tutors are using these exam past papers and 'teaching' their students with them, instead of going through the basics first.
Is it a good idea to give a bunch of papers to a student and hope they'll get on with it? Especially when the student isn't ready, perhaps hasn't learned all of the content inside out, and hasn't been walked through a single practice question, let alone an entire paper before? I focus on exam practice, but only at the right time.

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Personal Description:
I am a self-taught guitarist of over 20 years and am technically proficient to an advanced level, there are very few guitar techniques that I'm unfamiliar with and I am continually learning more. I've performed in a variety of venues/situations, whether as a solo performer, in a band or as part of the accompaniment for musicals, each of which require different approaches and disciplines. I've also done plenty of recorded performances which also requires a host of different skills.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching guitar for over 10 years on an ad hoc basis with private students. I also currently work at Coleg Y Cymoedd, teaching live performance and music rehearsal skills for the last 2 years. I have helped students of all ages over the years go from complete beginners to accomplished players, as well as taking intermediate players and help them to learn more advanced techniques.

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching method involves the same method by which I teach myself - focused practice and repetition. A lot of people try to run before they can walk, spending a couple of days learning chords then trying to play complicated lead parts. What you will work on with me, is having a solid foundation on which to build. We will work together to make sure that when you learn techniques, you learn them the right way first time. We'll do things slowly and smoothly, because slow and smooth equals fast in the long run.
Fundamentally though, we will go at your pace. Everyone learns different skills at different speeds, so there is no pressure to learn anything in a particular time frame, the key is for there to be progress little by little. Equally we will tailor lessons to your wants/needs as much as possible and so you're learning the type of guitar playing that most appeals to you.
A lot of tutors take an approach of getting you to go through guitar grades and whilst that is something we can look into if it appeals to you, I personally have never found grades to be worth anything and certainly not an accurate measurement of someone's ability/talent, so with that in mind, going through grades is not something I will be pushing you to do.
I advise for the first lesson (which is free) to be 1 hour so we can get to know each other and put together a bit of a plan for you. After that I recommend lessons be 30 minutes per lesson per week, as the main goal of lessons is for you to show me what you've practiced in the previous week and for me to then advise you on what can be improved etc., or if it's time for you to start working on something else. In my experience 30 minutes is more than sufficient to achieve this but if you feel you'd like more tuition then of course we can explore that.

Please note the rate shown is an hourly rate. 30 minute lessons will be £15 in person or £12.50 online.

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