Castlederg Music Tutors and Castlederg Music Tuition

Personal Description:
A Royal Academy of Music graduate, I have taught piano privately for over 20 years. As well as children and adults from the ages of 4 to 84, I have tutored and mentored high profile rock musicians, film composers and producers.

I taught composition in the music technology department at London College of Music (Junior College) for twelve years where I became department head from 2004--2012. I was mentor on the MA course in music production at Leeds College of Music from 2006-2009, and have guest lectured at The Academy of Contemporary Music and West Thames College.

As a composer and producer I have two decades of experience writing for theatre, TV, film and the concert hall. I have written scores for theatre companies including Hampstead Theatre, The National Youth Theatre, EmpathEyes Theatre and Baraka Theatre, and my music has been synced to many television productions and documentaries including BBC Horizon, BBC Natural World, Top Gear, Sky Box Office, Ghost Whisperer and America's Most Wanted. In addition to this I have worked for the music production house 'Soundtree' on various projects most notably as assistant to Peter Raeburn on his score for the 2018 feature film Nancy.

My concert works have been performed at concert platforms including the Huddersfield Festival; The South Bank Centre; De Doelen, Rotterdam and Kunstmuseum, Liechtenstein, with commercial recordings and broadcasts across Europe.

I have written string arrangements for bands and worked as session pianist for several artists including Cathal Smyth (Chas Smash from the ska band, Madness). 

Teaching Experience:
1997 - present: Private tutor (piano, music theory, music technology, composition)
1997 - 2010: London College Of Music (junior college) - composition and music technology teacher.
1999 - West Thames College - guest lecturer
2004 - 2010: London College Of Music (junior college) - music technology department head.
2003 - Academy Of Contemporary Music - guest lecturer
2006 - 2009: Leeds College Of Music - mentor on MA Music Production course.

Tutoring Approach:
Piano (all levels/styles) - I have a 100% pass rate for students entering the ABRSM exams (grades 1-8). Students who do not wish to take the classical route can learn using my method for playing by ear. As well as teaching classical, I specialise in teaching jazz piano and theory.

I also offer tuition in Composition, Orchestration, Theory, Logic, Sibelius.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Professional Guitar Tutor with over 30 years playing experience, Available in Motherwell, Bellshill, Hamilton, Airdrie, Coatbridge, Wishaw, Lanark and all the surrounding areas.All styles (although I play mainly Pop/Rock), all ages and ability levels taught. Examination preparation and coaching for RGT/Rockschool available.Member of the Musicians Union.
For Info re. RGT National Authority on Guitar Examinations and Playing simply click on the RGT Logo top right on this page.I also offer SQA help for Scottish Standard Grade Music Exams.

I teach both Electric & Acoustic Guitar(similar) .I can also teach Alto Sax at beginner level. Bass Guitar Lessons also offered.I can also bring along spare guitars for lessons.Bariton Ukulele also taught.

All Mel Bay books taught.Book 1 shown opposite right hand side on this page.I teach upto and including Mel Bay Book 7.All RGT & Rock School Course Books also taught.

Teaching Experience:
Over 30 years playing and teaching experience of both alto sax and guitar

Tutoring Approach:
Mel Bay, Rockschool & RGT .Use of backing tracks.
For Sax James Aebersold courses & Complete Sax Player books.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Dan is a composer, pianist and music tutor based in Tonteg near Pontypridd, South Wales. Dan has a Post Graduate Diploma in Composition from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama as well as a BA (Hons) Degree in Music from Bath Spa University College.

Teaching Experience:
Dan has over 10 years experience in music tuition, specialising in Piano, Theory and Composition. He had a teaching position at Forte School of Music for 3 years before deciding to commit to freelance music tutoring.

Tutoring Approach:
Dan offers enthusiastic and fun piano lessons for children and adults of all ages and abilities.

Face to face and/or online lessons are available (all popular online platforms are offered, including Zoom, Skype, FaceTime and WhatsApp etc.)

Often praised for his friendly and encouraging approach to teaching, Dan specialises in Piano, Music Theory (up to Grade 5) and Composition and delivers over 1,000 individual music lessons per year. Workshops and masterclasses are also provided. You can either learn for fun or work towards music exams. Dan has a full and up to date DBS certificate and Public Liability Insurance.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Andreas Papapetrou was born in Nicosia, Cyprus in 1984. He began his music studies at an early age at the ARTE Music Academy (formerly Hellenic College of Music) from where he graduated in 2001 with a Degree in Piano with distinction. He continued his studies in Greece, at the State Conservatory of Thessaloniki, from where he got his Diploma in Piano with distinction in 2008, and at the Department of Music Studies of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, from where he graduated with a Degree in Composition with distinction in 2009. After this he moved to London where he studied composition at Trinity College of Music, acquiring his MMus in Composition with distinction in 2011. He is now a PhD candidate at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance.

He has studied composition with Michalis Lapidakis, Panayiotis Kokoras, Errolyn Wallen and Stephen Montague, piano with Elena Sophocleous, Emilia Tzima and Douglas Finch, accordion with Irinoula Constantinidou, and jazz song with with Yula Michail.

He has composed music for various ensembles, as well as works of electroacoustic and electronic music. His music has been performed in Cyprus, Greece, the United Kingdom and France. Works of his have been performed by the Trinity College of Music Student's Symphony Orchestra, the DissonArt Ensemble (Thessaloniki), the Contemporary Music Ensemble (Athens), the COMA Voices London choir, the TCM Harp Trio, the Solstice String Quartet, violinist Darragh Morgan a.o.

He is also an active music performer and focuses mainly on works of contemporary music and improvisation. He has performed debut performances of contemporary music works for piano or chamber music ensemble, in Thessaloniki and in London.

Besides music, his artistic interests include visual and performing arts. He collaborates with choreographers Stavri Kalopetridou and Elisabeth Schilling. He is a member of FIBRE Performing Arts Company, the contemporary music group Other People's Mail and the improvisation group 6daEXIt.

Teaching Experience:
I work as a freelance composer, performer and music teacher. As a music teacher I teach piano, accordion, music theory and
music composition, both for beginners and advanced students. I have been teaching music for the last 5 years. I have taught
people of all ages, from children to adults. I am currently a PhD candidate specialising in composition at Trinity College of Music.

I have taught piano at the State Conservatory of Thessaloniki, from 2006 to 2009, specialising on beginners and intermediate level students. I have been teaching piano, accordion, theory and composition privately since I came to London in 2009, to both children and adults.

In piano playing and teaching I specialise on classical music but I am also open to other styles, including popular music.
In accordion playing and teaching I specialise in classical music and Greek folk music.
In composition teaching, I prefer to let the student choose their preferred style. I do, however, specialise in contemporary classical music, ranging from acoustic to purely electronic music.

Tutoring Approach:
I feel that I have a good way to communicate with children and I am a very patient person. I am very receptive to my student's needs and I am willing to help and guide them into solving any problems related to music they might have. I always try to find the simplest way to communicate my ideas or what a music piece requires. I will always bear in mind what my student's opinions and needs are and try to adjust my teaching around these.

Subjects

Personal Description:
In July 2013, I graduated from Royal Holloway, University of London, undertaking a BMus (Hons) Music degree (2.1) with a principle study in singing (1st). I took two gap years before going to university to gain experience in the music and drama fields. I have studied modules at university ranging from Bach to Beethoven and Sibelius to Weill.

Teaching Experience:
In my two gap years I was a gap student at Bedales Schools for a term and then was invited back to cover a member of music staff. Responsibilities included teaching 8-13 year old mixed pupils classroom music as well as supervising music practices. I also tutored pupils through grade 5 theory achieving merit and distinction grades.

Tutoring Approach:
I have a very laid-back attitude to teaching and will teach you in similar ways that I have been taught. I understand totally that some pupils need several ways of explaining things so bring a variety of teaching methods to my lessons. I make teaching interesting and engaging and always try to relate the subject to the pupil. I have been very fortunate to learn under some inspirational teachers and would love to be able to carry on their enthusiasm to other students.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hi, my name's Chris and I provide a guitar tuition service in and around Worcester. I offer both acoustic and electric guitar lessons for beginner and intermediate students of all ages. I teach a variety of styles and can tailor lessons to your own musical interests so that you're not only learning the music you love, but developing other essential skills in a relevant musical context.

Teaching Experience:
I have 12 years experience playing guitar and hold a joint-honours degree in music.

Tutoring Approach:
In addition to teaching you how to play the guitar, I can offer expertise in other areas of music. Having spent three years studying music at university, and being a writer myself, I can assist you with your own compositions, arrangements and songs. Likewise I can help with the sometimes precarious art of accompanying yourself as a singer! The focus of lessons is up to you, though equally if you're unsure of exactly what you'd like to learn I can offer plenty of options. As a patient and considerate individual my lessons tend to be relaxed but highly productive.

Guitar lessons can be arranged at times to suit. I'm generally available on weekday afternoons and evenings but feel free to contact me to check my current availability. I teach at my family home in the Barbourne area of central Worcester but I am also willing to travel within Worcester and to nearby surrounding areas of Worcestershire. For this service I charge an additional fee to cover the cost of transport and travel time, this is £5 within Worcester and £10 for Droitwich and Malvern.

My rate is £15 per half hour, however longer lessons are perfectly possible. For more information, or to arrange a lesson please feel free to contact me.

Subjects

Personal Description:
A highly dedicated Music and Language Tutor with more than 25 years teaching experience who is committed to delivering high quality tuition in order that candidates can obtain excellent examination results and business candidates can meet their business objectives. The

Teaching Experience:
Primary, Srcondary and FE Colleges

Tutoring Approach:
The following is a brief resumé of my services:
Music Tuition:
• Highly qualified Music Professional who teaches singing, piano/keyboard skills and music theory to children and adults of varying abilities.
• Has taught music and musical theatre in primary and secondary schools and colleges of further education.
• Conduct choirs in various musical styles and in a number of languages.
• Teach musical theatre, opera and contemporary styles of singing.
• Prepare students for ABRSM examinations - all grades.
• Prepare students for entrance exams to Chetham's School of Music.
• Prepare candidates for auditions such as X Factor or Britain's Got Talent.

Russian/Ukrainian Language Tuition:
• As a native Russian/Ukrainian speaker, I provide beginner's, intermediate and advanced level Russian and Ukrainian language tuition to children and adults on an individual or group basis using techniques that help improve listening, speaking, reading and writing skills and keep students motivated in order to gain GCSE and A-levels qualifications.
• Individual learning plans are designed specifically to ensure that each tutee meets his/her objectives in full.
• I have inspected oral examination candidates at GCSE and advanced level at MMU in the Russian language.
• I have provided Russian language tuition at such corporate customers as Gazprom.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Robin MMus, BMus (hons.), ATCL (dip.), MISM teacher Singing, Piano, Guitar, Bass, Drums and Composition (including Theory).

Teaching Experience:
I began teaching group lessons in school. After leaving school, I began training for the classroom, but I did not feel I could impact the individual in such a large group environment. While maintaining strong links with school curriculum, I began to pursue my career in individual instruction. My home based tuition serves approximately sixty five pupils at a time and my online lessons support many more, depending on the time zone. I have taught students in Australia, the Middle East, France, Russia and a variety of locations around the British Isles. With such a large cohort of students I offer a variety of syllabuses and qualifications. These are embarked upon at the student's request. Lessons are Student-Centred, so the Teaching Method fits the Student.

Tutoring Approach:
I started teaching in 1993 and have been offering a pupil centred approach to happy and successful students ever since. I teach classically, although not necessarily Classical. Whatever your style, you will learn how music works. This helps you to develop your musical skills.

I have a Teaching Diploma which guides my principles and practise in teaching, a BMus which covers general history and performance - I have also have performing experience with a high point of 144 concerts in 2007. My MMus underpins analysis.

Subjects

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.

Subjects

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.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I'm a local musician playing piano and violin to a high level and want to continue to pass on my experience of playing an instrument to as many people as possible of all ages. There is no buzz like performing a piece of music in front of an audience however small and seeing how much they appreciate it at the end. This doesn't need to be a concert type performance, it can simply be for pleasure in front of family and friends.

If you want help preparing for an exam, whether it be ABRSM practical, GCSE, A Level or diploma then give me a call, I can help. If you want music theory tuition then give me a call, I can help.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught privately alongside my day job since leaving university, as well as being musical director of New Mills Art Theatre for 5 years, and producing several church musicals but I'm now looking to expand this into a full time teaching roll in Rochdale

Tutoring Approach:
We can learn to play in many ways. If you simply want to be able to play a couple of tunes then we can learn parrot fashion in a relaxed and laid back way. If you want to learn to read music and work towards exams then we can take a more formal and traditional approach. I would encourage those who haven't played for some time to take a refresher course, and those with a long held desire to play an instrument to give me a call and see what we can do. Whichever way we learn or whatever your experience I take your progress very seriously, and I'm committed to seeing you improve over time.
I'm also running a series of group music tuition/ workshops in Rochdale

Subjects

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.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hello my name is Rebekah, I've been teaching the piano for 10 years now, with 100% pass rate for exams.

I've been playing the piano for 20 years and enjoy teaching very much!

Online lessons are available, which means I can teach anyone anywhere! By using zoom conferencing or facetime or whatever your preference, all you need is a keyboard or piano.

Teaching Experience:
Playing for 20 years
Teaching for 10 years
Have entered many students for exams all passed!
Achieved to grade 7
Teach up to grade 5

Tutoring Approach:
Fun fun fun!

You only enjoy learning if it's fun so I always make sure of that. But I also make sure that you are getting the most out of the lesson by giving tips for practising at home etc and giving little homework projects to do.

Lessons are half an hour for £15

Please note, lessons are conducted online until further notice.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Singer, songwriter and professional vocal coach. I've been singing and teaching professionally for 7 years now. All the lessons are done in a professional studio free of charge with a variety of equipment.

Teaching Experience:
I finished one of the most prestigious private schools for vocal technique in Eastern Europe and I want to share my learnings with new upcoming singers. In my years of training I've covered a lot of styles and learned how to approach all of them in a effective and healthy way.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach in life is to know your craft close to perfection and to never give up on your goals. I'm trained in Popular Music Performance but I can help with your Classical technique also. I will teach you how to handle sets of 45 min of singing up to 2-3 hours without hurting your vocal chords.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am as second year primary education student at Liverpool Hope university with a specialism in special educational needs and disabilities with a passion for helping everyone find their place. Having spent much of my training during the COVID pandemic, I am well versed with teaching online as well as face to face, and I am willing to adapt to suit the needs of individual learners.

Teaching Experience:
Prior to attending university, I lived in Australia for five months, volunteering in a school as a sports assistant, where my role was to assist the full time teachers and cover the primary PE classes when the teacher was not available. Further teaching has included block placements in both the early years foundation stage and lower key stage two, teaching a range of subjects that are not limited to maths and English, providing me with a range of experience across the primary school years.

Tutoring Approach:
As a tutor, I will help identify each individual's needs and work with them to find the best solution to support them and help them achieve what they need through a variety of engaging activities. I will always attempt to provide a fun approach to learning whilst remaining approachable and professional.

Subjects

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.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Experienced tutor, Maths with Statistics MSci graduate - King's College, University of London.

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.

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:
Maths with Statistics MSci graduate

Private music tuition:
Student results: Distinctions x 5, Merit x 3, 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.

Subjects

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*

Subjects