Castlederg Music Tutors and Castlederg Music Tuition

Personal Description:
I am an experienced music postgraduate and now work as a composer and tutor.

Teaching Experience:
Over 10 years experience, teaching a wide range of ages from 5 up to adult. All abilities taught from beginner to degree level.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach is always to be flexible and to tailor tutoring to the needs and abilities of the individual student

Subjects

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.

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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:
I have been teaching for 12 years in a range of schools across Teesside. I will support children to achieve their best no matter what ability they are. I will work alongside and their current school to support what they find difficult. I use a range of strategies and resources to engage and enthuse my students so that they can achieve their potential. I provide a fun and friendly atmosphere in order for my students to achieve. Being a Primary Teacher I have taught all Primary subjects but my strengths are in Maths, English, ICT, Science and Music. Some of my parents said about me: "You have been such a positive influence on our daughter and she has loved having you as her teacher". "You are an exceptional tutor and I feel that the loss of your ability and personality will significantly reduce the fabric of the school". "Thank you for all that you have done for our son during Year 3. He has enjoyed everyday of school and I believe that is down to you".

Teaching Experience:
I have taught in a range of schools across Teesside but have always upheld the same vision. My vision for education is one where every child is both different and special. Although each child may learn in different ways I believe that, if they are to learn to their full potential they need to be exposed to a well balanced, broad and meaningful curriculum. It is important that they are provided with a learning environment that not only facilitates their learning by different strategies but one in which the children want to learn and have fun. I believe that an atmosphere where the children are not afraid to make mistakes, where what they are learning is relevant and one in which they are treated fairly, irrespective of their social background, colour or gender, will help them to become independent learners. I believe that children have a right to their own opinions and must be encouraged to respect the opinions of others when differing from their own. They also have a right not to be bullied, ridiculed or intimidated.

Tutoring Approach:
I have tutored on a 1:1 basis during my time in school, helping one child get from L3 to L4 in maths in Year 6. My approach was to reinforce what the child needed and to always put their needs first. I would use anything that I felt appropriate that would engage and get the best out of my students. I am an energetic, hardworking person who is fully committed to raising standards. I provide a friendly and fun learning environment with excellent management skills whilst having high expectations from the children. I am not afraid to take risks that challenge the children and to introduce new methods in my teaching in order to get the best out of my students, myself and that make my lessons fun and exciting. The student is the priority in the lesson and I am prepared to make sure that they succeed in what they are trying to achieve no matter what stage the child is at.

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Personal Description:
I have an LLB in English and a diplome in French law. I have worked in 2 different Swiss banks as a lawyer, in Geneva and in London before starting a family. I currently work as a French and Spanish teacher at a local private school in Esher and I also teach French, Italian and Portuguese to adults and children in their homes. For the last 8 years I have helped children of all ages improve their maths and english work.
I speak 5 languages; English, French, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese.

I have an Italian father and a Brasilian mother who has lived in France for more then 20 years.

Seeing my nephews and own kids grow up with 2 different languages has given me the opportunity to help them with their english and with any other subject they have fallen behind in due to the language barrier.

Teaching Experience:
I have key stages 1,2 and 3 teaching experience in all subjects.

I currently teach French and Spanish at a local private school in Esher and I also tutor English, maths, French and Portuguese to adults and children in their homes. I have been tutoring for 10 years now.

Being multilingual and raising bilingual kids, I feel it is important to teach children from an early age the basics in maths and english in a fun and structured way either in their mother tongue language or in english, depending on the preference of the parents.

Tutoring Approach:
I like teaching younger children in a fun and structured way, so I use a variety of props, music, colourful stories and scenarios, all this to keep them interested and entertained.

Older children and adults I teach in a structured and varied way where my aim is for them to learn and absorb the passion I have for the subject. Each have their own lesson plan and I check their development through quizzes and tests.

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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:
I have been playing guitar from the age of 14, firstly teaching myself and then learning from teachers such as Gypie Mayo (Dr Feelgood). I formed my first band at 15 and have been teaching, playing and song-writing in bands ever since, playing in venues such as Ronnie Scott's, Dingwalls, The Marquee, Chinnery's, 100 club, playing alongside artists such as Finley Quaye, Boy George and the Brand New Heavies. My band Sentivo was on Long Lost Brother Records (Jamiroquai, SIA) making recordings for producers such as Mickey Most, Joey Negro and Mark Knight. I studied Music/Guitar Theory at a college in London where I gained my Music Diploma. I am now currently teaching guitar part time at a college in Southend and teaching private and one to one guitar lessons whilst playing, singing and writing music & lyrics for my new band

Teaching Experience:
I am an experienced and qualified Guitar tutor having achieved a Diploma in Music/Music Technology and have also completed a level 4 PTLLS teaching qualification. I am currently working at a college as a Guitar Tutor which I thoroughly enjoy and has given me great teaching experience and teacher training especially in teaching in groups and also one to one. In the last 17 years I have been tutoring and teaching privately which has given me great confidence and experience in teaching on a one to one basis. I also hold a current DBS certificate. I teach a number of different styles ranging from blues, rock'n'roll to rock, funk, jazz and soul Please give me a call or email to book a lesson whether you are an absolute beginner or want to improve or build on the level you already are.

Tutoring Approach:
I like to keep teaching relaxed and fun and like to get the student up and playing straight away, especially if you're a beginner as it's important to come away with something gained to boost the confidence and enthusiasm so you feel like you have achieved something solid and want to carry on playing. If you're already playing then I like to build on your skills and strengths and also focus on any weak areas to make you the best player you can possibly be. It is your lesson so you choose what you want to learn whether it is chords/progressions, melodies, scales/modes or songs or maybe tools to improve your own compositions and song writing. I can teach from my home and have a dedicated music room which is specially set up in a relaxed and musical environment to inspire the creative musician.

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Personal Description:
I have years of experience teaching piano and can also teach guitar to beginners level.
Flexible on musical styles and student's requirements, whether it is to be put in to a graded exam or just being helped with their repertoire.
Cromer and surrounding areas.
1 to 1 lessons preferably at pupil's address but can arrange to teach at home or even online.

Teaching Experience:
Years of piano teaching.
Some experience teaching guitar.
Years of English teaching to Spaniards.
Some experience teaching Spanish.

Tutoring Approach:
Flexible on students needs.

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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'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

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Personal Description:
I have been studying music, in particular, playing the flute since I was 6 (7 years of music school, 4 years of college, 3 years of university and a year at the conservatory.
I have experience to play a classical music as solo as in orchestras, ensembles. Also worked in India with a solo show.

Teaching Experience:
Teaching experience from 2013
Tutoring experience from 2014
Pedagogical activity since the age of 18, both in music schools and private classes at home, online.

Tutoring Approach:
I try to always listen to the wishes of the student, carefully approach the issue of psychological attitude, so that the student does not have complexes and any barriers to successful learning.

I give lessons with both children and adults.
For each student I find an individual approach.

I use various teaching methods, both traditional and new.

Assistance in the implementation of homework.

The main priority is to make the classes enjoyable and interesting to the student.

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

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

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

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Personal Description:
Hey! I'm Simone and I'm a professional drummer with over 15 years of experience. During the years I gained experience playing around Europe. I used to play different genres that range from rock, blues, pop, electronic to funk, jazz, fusion, Latin, etc.

Graduated in BMus Popular Music Performance at The Institute of Contemporary Music Performance in London, having grown up in a family of musicians with a zest for creating and discovering original music. Ever since my first live show when I was 9 years old, I have developed a strong interest in music. This passion resulted in obtaining the Bachelor of Music at one of the top-tier music institutes in London. This journey enriched my portfolio in playing different genres whether this be live or in studios.

Lessons can be 1-2-1, in a group, or online. People of all ages and levels can attend.

Lessons can be taken at your house or convenient location; in my equipped drums studio situated in Manor House, North London; or online by webcam.

A bit about me:

I co-worked with various bands all around Italy and the United Kingdom.
I had the opportunity to play with a lot of different musicians and different genres of music, which has contributed to my personal development as a musician.
I currently play as a session musician around the UK and Italy and I'm the drummer for Harry Mold.

In 2016 I decided to devote myself to the study of music in a professional way and made a new significant step: I enrolled in the BMUS Popular Music Performance course at the music university "The Institute of Contemporary Music Performance" (ICMP) in London. I have been coached by eminent professors such as Gabor Dornyei, Richard Spaven, Darren Ashford, Ferguson Gerrard, Audrey Riley, Xantoné Blacq and Jon Harris.

I'm officially an endorser of the drumstick's brand Collision Drumsticks.

Teaching Experience:
I'm Simone and I'm a professional drummer with over 15 years of experience. During the years I gained experience playing around Europe. I used to play different genres that range from rock, blues, pop, electronic till funk, jazz, fusion, Latin, etc.

Tutoring Approach:
Lessons have to be different for each student because everyone needs to follow a specific and suited study. In the case that the student does not request a specific tuition, the subjects are subdivided into three sections: Lecture, Stylistic Techniques, and Performance. These are needed in order to build the character of the perfect drummer. It's also important for me during the lessons to be able to create a peaceful and relaxing environment, so that the student is able to focus on the study with serenity. In the case of teaching kids, it is important to create a situation of game/study to extend and keep the interest in the study of the instrument, avoiding making the lessons become boring.

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Personal Description:
I very much enjoy working with other people and passing on what I have learnt. I find it wonderful seeing people with that lightbulb moment when everything just clicks into place. I work in my local area of Plymouth and online. I use Skype and gmail classroom but can download other software if required I also use an interactive whiteboard and two monitors to help facilitate a good working environment.

Teaching Experience:
I have over ten year's main stream teaching experience in a classroom environment and eight years as a tutor/specialist. I've taught Music, English, Science, Maths, Art and Primary (KS 1 - 5). I`ve run my own department. As I'm also a musician I've taught guitar, cello, violin, keyboards and music theory. I use many different approaches to encourage development. When you see someone understand, learn and expand it is (in my opinion) fantastic.
I'm experienced in working with SEN. I`ve achieved excellent results with pupils with specific learning difficulties and behavioural problems. My experiences in this area are in Down syndrome, dyslexia dyspraxia, ADHD, Asperger's, ASD, verbal dyspraxia and sensory processing disorder. I've also taught pupils with cerebral palsy, deafness and visual acuity problems. I`ve completed a basic sign language course & RPM for ASD. I did this so I could communicate with pupils, without relying on a teaching assistant to translate for them/me.
Apart from classroom teaching and tutoring I've also been a curriculum coordinator for people with ASD. I specialize in helping clients with learning difficulties and disabilities (ASD, ADHD, Asperses, & dyslexia/dyspraxia). This role involved designing a unique syllabus/curriculum and managed a group of educators.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe it`s very important to understand how people approach learning. Everyone learns differently. I like to understand a pupils strengths through looking at how they learn (Visual, Auditory and Kinaesthetic (VAK)). I take the information I learn and find the best way to adapt teaching/learning. I like to use a holistic approach.

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Personal Description:
Robert is a Film/TV Composer, Music Producer and Songwriter from Hertfordshire England.

Robert is a graduate of the prestigious (SMPTV) Screen Scoring Masters program at USC (Thornton school of music). He was mentored by renowned film composers including; Bruce Broughton, Christopher Young & Patrick Kirst. At USC he was awarded the 'Nordstrom Family Scholarship'. At this time Robert was also welcomed into the British Academy of Film and Television Arts family after becoming the recipient of the 'BAFTA LA Access for all Scholarship'.
In 2019 his ongoing relationship with BAFTA continued as he was invited onto the BAFTA LA Newcomers program.

In 2015 Robert Graduated from Leeds Conservatoire of Music with a 2:1 in Music Production and Music Composition. During his time there he studied under the tutorship of Brian Morrell, Alex Halliday and Jiannis Pavlidis.

Over the years, Robert has worked as a private tutor for GCSE, BTEC and A-level students and as a guitar instructor.
He has worked with a U.K. based classical choir as their music producer and arranger, and also as an artist in residence in various schools in England, where he offered advice to young musicians. Robert is also currently working in the music industry as a Songwriter and Producer alongside several British artists and has previously worked in studios across London and Los Angeles such as Abbey Road and Capitol Records.


As a film composer, Robert has worked with composers such as Kevin Kiner (Lucasfilm 'Star Wars: the Clone Wars' | Warner Brothers/DC 'Doom Patrol') & Layla Minoui (ABC 'Castle' | Disney 'Vampirina'). As well as continuing to work on a wide variety of film & visual media projects as a freelance composer.
He has scored the music to a number of short and independent films which have been nominated & screened at various European & U.S film festivals. Robert has also written music for a variety of other visual media projects. Including commercials, video games and more recently for programs airing on National Geographic.

Teaching Experience:
7+ Years of Private tuition.
(Guitar, Music performance skills, composition, GCSE BTEC & A-Level)

Tutoring Approach:
I am very personable and have an easy going personality. I often like to let my students direct the flow of sessions, in line with their academic needs.
Every student learns in a different way and at a different pace. I always make sure I cater for my students preferred way of learning by employing a wide range of teaching methods.
I'm able to relate to the younger generation when teaching and I can often use modern examples to explain older musical techniques and rules. This helps my students engage with the curriculum on a personal level and deepen their understanding of music. I also have experience working with people who have learning difficulties such as dyslexia and dyspraxia.

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Personal Description:
Hello, my name is Graham.

I started playing drums at age 11 and was a full-time professional by the time I was 18, and remained so for 33 years.

If you are looking to improve your drumming skills no matter what your present level, then I am the tutor for you.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching privately, in schools, and in colleges for well over 25 years with many of my students going on to become professional drummers.

Tutoring Approach:
My Mission Statement:

Your Greatest Possible Improvement in the Shortest Possible Time

My goal as a teacher/instructor/mentor/coach, whatever term you wish to use, is very, very simple.

I will do everything I possibly can, pass on every tip I know, and give every piece of advice that I've learned over the many years I've been playing and teaching to help you become the best player that you can possibly be.

My aim is to provide the ultimate value to you.

For the vast majority of us, the two most valuable, precious, and finite resources are:

Time and money

Even the richest people in the world only have the same amount of time given to them.

So my guarantee is that I'm not going to waste either of them for you.

With my guidance, you will, without any shadow of a doubt, make the greatest possible improvements in the shortest possible time.

That's what my teaching is all about.

Everything is relevant.

Everything is worthwhile.

Everything will develop your skills.

Everything will make you become the best player that you can be.

There is no padding, no half measures, just pure progress.

I will include EVERYTHING I know and have used successfully countless times over many years to help guide you to achieve your goals.

You've probably heard of the 80/20 rule, the theory being that you achieve 80% of your results from only 20% of your efforts. Well, with drumming, you could refine that to the 90/10 rule, or even the 97/3 rule.

The fact is that you can learn 97% of your technical, rhythmical, coordination, and timekeeping abilities with about only 3% of the tens of thousands of possible patterns, exercises, and rhythms that are out there. It's simply a case of knowing which 3%... and that's where I come in.

Every single lesson will be of immediate and invaluable use to you.

In short...

Every lesson will help you make the greatest possible progress in the shortest possible time.

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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.

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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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