Castlederg Music Tutors and Castlederg Music Tuition

Personal Description:
As a graduate of The Musashino Academy of Music in Japan, I have extensive experience in performing as a concert pianist in Japan and accompanist for Violinist and Vocalist for their concerts.
I accompanied on a Japanese Canzone CD which was released in 2005 and I used to make music for TV commercials. I'm not only limited to classical music, I also have experience and understanding of many types of composition, from ethnic forms right through to modern, contemporary, techno and electro. I am well traveled and have an understanding of many different cultures.
I am an outgoing, fun person and although I think this shows through to pupils, my lessons are strict and I prefer only to take on serious students who are determined to achieve their goals.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching for 13 years in Japan, 1 year in the USA and 20 years in the UK. I can train you to all levels, for all English or Japanese piano grade exams or for entrance to music schools, GCSE / A level Music, universities and all levels above.

Tutoring Approach:
Students who want to improve your skills & pass exams, I am confident that you will see improvement from the very first lesson.
I feel that music is not just about learning the notes & playing them in the right order - like people, every piece has it's own character, emotion & depth. I think it is just as important to get the student to recognise & express this, as it is for them to learn the correct technique.

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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.

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Personal Description:
I am a composer /teacher of over 28 yrs experience with many major international musical venue performances, author of books in music, and many years experience of teaching at universities, music conservatories and privately from the age of 14 to adults.

Teaching Experience:
Many years experience as a teacher of flute, harmony and counterpoint, composition, theory, Music history and form, ear training, song writing, arrangements, orchestration and music technology in Music Schools, collages, academies and universities .
All genres of music taught, from classical to rock. Crash courses given in rhythm, music theory and ear training. All levels catered for from beginners to advanced. GCSE, A level, BA and all levels of further education.

Tutoring Approach:
I teach a sound technique which helps the student reach higher levels of appreciation, creativity and ability, building at the same time a confidence in expression and understanding. Single students as well as small groups are welcome! Consultation lesson is free and there is a reduced rate for termly bookings.

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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:
Cliché: music is my passion. I am an experienced musician who gigs regularly around the North East, South West/East and South Wales. I have played in many bands over the years on saxophone, piano/keyboard and clarinet ranging from traditional, classical orchestras to jazz big bands and funk bands. I am versatile in many genres frequently gigging with my own band, a jazz sextet as well as open nights and headlining bands as the lead player. My main performance work includes (but is not limited to) recording, touring and gigging with London based rock and roll group Hannah Rickard and the Relatives. Other works include composition for film and theatre as well as several music qualifications up to degree level, having graduated from The Univeristy of Sunderland with a BMus Honours degree in Jazz, popular and commercial music in 2013.

Teaching Experience:
I gained the majority of my experience in tuition teaching beginners before I moved to the North East. This was on saxophone, clarinet and piano with all students having great success in both ABRSM grade exams and in pubic performances.

Tutoring Approach:
I am a very laid back person but push people to be the best they can be. I am free to travel to most areas of the North East and surrounding areas and do not directly require the student to come to me - this can change week to week as necessary. All student preferences are catered to with the student guiding the musical material for the lessons with structured input.

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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.

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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:
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:
I am a 21 year old Accounting graduate from the University of Worcesfer. I achieved a very high A* at GCSE Maths and C at A-Level Maths. I am friendly and approachable and have a passion from problem solving at any level of Maths.

Teaching Experience:
I have had plenty of experience teaching children in many times of my life. From coaching cricket to teaching English and Maths in Madagascar! Last year I also tutored Maths to my 10 year old step sister when she moved schools as she was finding it very difficult to adjust to teachings at her new school.

Tutoring Approach:
As Maths comes very naturally to me, my approach to tutoring has always been calm and friendly, as I am always very patient with each tutee. One of my best skills is being able to find different solutions to problems, and finding the best way for each individual person to learn a new skill that he/she might be struggling with. I can also adapt to any role, whether it is helping a person to keep up with class or homework studies, or to help them advance to the next level.

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Personal Description:
I am an Italian tenor and pianist. I started my vocal training with renowned bass Alfredo Mariotti and later studied with Claude Thiolas. I graduated in Piano in 2008 at the Conservatorio "Frescobaldi" in Ferrara and in Singing in 2009 at the Conservatorio "Tomadini" in Udine.
I won two editions of the Concorso Cameristico C.A.Seghizzi in Gorizia: in 2005 in the Sacred Music category, and in 2007 in Chamber Singing category (in duo with Alessandro Sica, with whom I attended a masterclass with soprano Catherine Dubosc).
As an opera singer I have performed the following roles: Alfredo (Traviata, Verdi), Count Almaviva (Barbiere di Siviglia, Rossini) Ernesto (Don Pasquale, Donizetti), Nemorino (Elisir d'Amore, Donizetti), Pinkerton (Madama Butterfly, Puccini), Pong (Turandot, Puccini), Jacopo Foscari (I due Foscari, Verdi), Edgardo (Lucia di Lammermoor, Donizetti), Hoffmann (Les Contes d'Hoffmann, Offenbach). I took part in the Rai Italian Television productions of Rigoletto (2010) conducted by Zubin Mehta with Placido Domingo in the title-role and Cenerentola (2012), conducted by Gianluigi Gelmetti.
As a chamber music singer, I performed several times Schubert`s and Schumann`s most important Lieder cycles, besides works by composers like Haydn, Beethoven, Brahms, Liszt, Mahler, Strauss, Berg, Fauré, Duparc, Ravel, Poulenc, Rachmaninov, Britten, Copland… in duo with pianists Alberto Miodini, Michele Bravin, David Giovanni Leonardi, Federico Lovato and with Trio di Parma.
As a concert singer I performed the solo roles in Requiem by Mozart (with Orchestra Filarmonica della Fenice, Venice, conducted by Enrico Bronzi), Liszt (with Chorus and Orchestra of Teatro Verdi, Trieste, conducted by Armando Tasso), Dvořak and Verdi, in Haydn`s Missa in Tempore Belli (conducted by Antonio Ballista), Rossini`s Petite Messe Solennelle and in Orff`s Carmina Burana in many Italian houses and halls (such as Teatro Comunale di Bologna Teatro Civico di Castello in Cagliari), in Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic and Russia.
I recorded for Tactus records some composition for tenor and organ by Marco Enrico Bossi with organist Andrea Macinanti.

Teaching Experience:
I have worked for eleven years in Italy teaching Piano, Singing, Music Theory and Music History, preparing students also for Conservatory exams, before coming to the UK in 2017.
For three years I have directed the Choir of "Associazione Culturale Insieme per la Musica".
In 2012 and 2014 he gave two cycles of lectures open to the general public: the first one about opera history and the second about vocal chamber music history.

Tutoring Approach:
I think music is an important part of our life and I like to help people to know it better and enjoy it!
No matter your age or if you want to become a professional performer or just enjoy playing or singing under the shower, my aim is to find the best way for you to achieve your purpose.

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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:
Degree in Physics.
MSc in AI.
I have worked in Digital Media - a cross between IT and Publishing for 20 years so have a lot of Commercial work experience which enbables me to teach from a much broader perspective..
I am also a Classical Singer.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching privately for the last four years, mainly Maths GCSE but also A Level and Physics GCSE / A Level, and have helped a number of students obtain the grades they required.
I have experience of teaching OCR, AQA or Edexcel syllabuses.

Tutoring Approach:
I'm exam focussed, as most pupils have been taught the syllabus but need help applying that knowledge to answer exam questions.
I initially work through an Exam paper or two with the student to identify any topics that require more in depth tuition. I will then focus on that topic for a lesson making sure the pupil understands the basics then build their confidence up applying that knowledge to answering questions, easy ones initially then building up to the required grade.

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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:
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.

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Personal Description:
I am a Musician and Music Performer that has been teaching for 7 years as instrumental tutor as well as delivering sessions for primary classroom. The instruments I teach are clarinet, recorder, saxophone, piano. As well as offering tuition in ABRSM Music Theory up to Grade 5. I teach all ages 5 to 99 it is never too late to start learning! I also happily teach those who haven't played in a long time and are looking to get back into their instrument and enjoying playing again.

As a freelance musician I enjoy orchestral, chamber and pit work, whilst also exploring solo repertoire for clarinet and recorders. I am an enthusiastic educator and participates in outreach projects in schools and elderly settings.

Charlotte holds an M. Perf and M. Mus in Orchestral Artistry with Distinction and a First Class B.Mus (Hons) Classical Clarinet and Recorders awarded by The Guildhall School of Music and Drama (GSMD). She is also the recipient of the Chairman's Prize for 2019.

Teaching Experience:
I have been privately teaching music since 2013 in one on one lessons and small groups. Since 2014 I have worked with Newham Music Hub as a Woodwind Specialist Teacher (Clarinet, Recorder, Saxophone, Flute) and Piano teacher. I deliver these sessions one to one, small group and in whole class settings with students aged 5 - 20. I also deliver General Musicianship Classes and Early Years Sessions to students both in and out of school. I also have experience with SEN/D students and have worked with them to enjoy and access music in a way that suits them.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that music should first and foremost be enjoyed. I work with the student to ensure they are getting the most out of lessons in a manor that suits them and their learning styles. Learning an instrument should be grounded in good technique and I ensure that my students are comfortable with all techniques appropriate to their level.
I also prepare students for exams if requested as it is a great goal and point of reference for where they are in their progression and gives a wonderful sense of achievement.

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Personal Description:
Paolo is an Italian songwriter, composer, and stage director based in London.

He has independently composed, produced, and released solo albums, as well as soundtracks for theatre productions and songs for other artists. Beginning his music career in 1992, Paolo is also an accomplished singer and guitarist who has performed across Europe and collaborated with numerous international artists.

His unique writing style has evolved over years of traveling, literary studies, and ongoing poetic exploration, which earned him first prize in poetry at the Pirandello Stable Festival in 2012.

Paolo's theatre and cinema career began in 1998. Alongside intensive drama school training, he spent seven years honing his acting and directing skills at the Teatro Regio di Torino, working under renowned directors Franco Zeffirelli, José Carlos Plaza, Ugo De Ana, Giuseppe Patroni Griffi, and John Cox.

Since 2002, he has written and directed numerous plays, including The Bald Soprano by Ionesco, The Trojan Women by Euripides, and A Doll's House by Ibsen, staged in various UK venues.

Throughout his career, Paolo has taught Italian Literature, Humanities, Music, and Geography in primary and secondary schools and academies. He holds an MA in Humanities and Arts from the University of Turin, a Diploma in Classical Guitar from Trinity College London, an MA in Archaeology from UCL, and is currently pursuing PhD research at Cardiff University.

He is the founder of a website dedicated to his archaeological research, and, a video-audio production company.

Paolo recently published the book for beginner guitarist and a collection of his poems; both books are available on Amazon.

Teaching Experience:
I qualified to teach:

- Italian Language and Literature, Archaeology, and Humanities (Geography, History, and Religious Studies up to GCSE Level).
- Classical, Acoustic and Electric guitar lessons up to Grade 8 and DIplomas (Trinity College, ABRSM, RockSchool).
- Piano, Bass guitar and Singing lessons up to Grade 6 (Trinity College and ABRSM).
- Music technology, sound design and audio editing tuitions and workshop on Cubase (v. 7 to 11) and Logic Pro X .
- Music theory, songwriting classes, and private tutoring for GCSE students who need extra help are also available.
- Adobe Premiere and Photoshop for video and photo editing (beginner and intermediate).
- Italian grammar and literature up to A-Level and for adult learner.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe anyone can achieve excellence with the right motivation. While exam success is important, I emphasize the joy of learning itself, sparking curiosity and passion in my students. My teaching approach blends exam preparation with fostering creativity and confidence in a supportive environment, where students feel free to explore and grow.

Since starting my teaching journey in 1998, I've taught Literature, Humanities, Music, and Drama in Italy, and since 2015, I've been teaching music in UK schools. I offer personalized lessons in guitar (up to Grade 8 and Diplomas), piano, bass, singing (up to Grade 6), and music technology, including Cubase and Logic Pro. Whether it`s music theory, songwriting, or GCSE/A-Level tutoring, I tailor my teaching to each student`s unique style, always ensuring a fun and engaging atmosphere for optimal learning.

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Personal Description:
Hi, I am a 2nd year medical student at the University of Manchester. I have a range of interests, of course including sciences and medicine, but also in music and history. I achieved top A level and GCSE results, and am passionate about passing my learning onto others. I am looking for students aged 11+ and have evening and weekend availability.

Teaching Experience:
I have extensive experience leading groups of a range of ages in a school environment as well as working with individuals to help them achieve their goals and further their skills in their area of interest. I have been tutoring for two years now, having started in my gap year, and I have thoroughly enjoyed helping pupils significantly increase their grades. My most recent GCSE students increased their science grades from 4s to 8s in around a year of tutoring. I also volunteer at a secondary school orchestra, working with players who are struggling, which often involves explaining concepts and recommending the most efficient practice methods, in a very similar way to when helping in an academic situation.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is tailored around the goals of each individual, which I will assess in the first session. For GCSE and A level students I commonly use exam questions to work on exam technique and assess the student's understanding of a subject area. For all levels I will explain any challenging topics and provide activities to consolidate this learning, should that be required. I can also help students go over worksheets completed in class or as homework to ensure they have the maximum understanding of the current topic.

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Personal Description:
I am a student at Bangor University with a passion for music that I would love to share. I teach beginner and intermediate violin, as well as beginner singing.

Teaching Experience:
I have been playing violin for 9 years and singing in choirs for 10, with 2 years' experience leading an orchestra as concertmaster.

Tutoring Approach:
I'm happy to teach in any style or format you might be interested in, including electric and acoustic violin! I have the most experience in Classical and American Folk music but am interested in all genres. I will help you achieve any goals you might have in music; exams and qualifications or just learning for fun.

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