Dagenham Music Tutors and Dagenham Music Tuition

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:
Iain was born in 1986 in Dundee, Scotland into a large musical family, so unsurprisingly making music was all that he wanted to do from an early age. He first began to learn the trumpet in school aged seven, before joining his local brass band Dundee Instrumental on cornet at the age of ten. By the age of twelve, Iain had been promoted to principal cornet, a position he later went on to hold with several of Scotland's top bands, also including the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland. Many solo competitions were won along the way - including the junior section at the British Open Solo Championships at age eleven. Having gained two Trinity College diplomas before the age of eighteen, Iain took the advice of teacher David James and moved south to study music at the University of Salford, where his playing really began to blossom. Since then Iain has held positions as principal cornet with many of the UK's leading brass bands including his current seat with the world renowned Leyland Band. He has enjoyed many successful contest and concert performances, and is fast establishing a reputation as one of the finest cornet soloists of his generation, performing, adjudicating and giving master-classes as far afield as the USA, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Japan. In 2009 Iain was the recipient of a prestigious Dewar Arts award, awarded for performance in trumpet. This award allowed him to complete his postgraduate studies at Salford, graduating with an MA in Music (performance) in 2010. Iain is now a cornet tutor at the University of Salford where he is also undertaking researchinto focal dystonia in musicians, working towards a PhD. Iain recorded and released his first solo CD entitled "Vanguard" in August 2012, a release which has been met with great critical acclaim and has fast proven popular.

Iain is also an experienced guitarist and teacher of electric and acoustic guitar as well as the bass guitar.

Teaching Experience:
Salford University, Sefton Music Service, Love Music Trust, numerous private students, masterclasses and private teaching all over the UK as well as in the Netherlands, Denmark, USA, Japan, to name but a few.

Tutoring Approach:
Specialise in advanced students, performance, performance psychology, embochure related problems, and treatment of focal dystonia as well as other performance related problems.

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Personal Description:
music industry vocal coach for 20nyears have worked with various stars nelton, George Michael , queen, lisa stansfield etc

Teaching Experience:
many years spent coaching vocal arranging and refining stage and studio technique for beginners to advanced

Tutoring Approach:
patient friendly and puts student at ease. lesson does not end till student has accomplished goal but my teaching methods ensure that the student absorbs learns and retains

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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:
Hi, My name is Xiaolin, I am a friendly and very patient Mandarin native speaker and I'm very experienced in teaching. I used to work for a Primary school as a music teacher in China. In addition, I have been tutoring Mandarin Chinese since 2010 in London, until now I have had over 10 years of teaching experiences.


I really proud of working as a teacher, I like to be a private tutor as well. I have got many private students mostly are kids from 6-15 years old. From beginner to advanced level. I love all of my students, and they all like me and enjoy their lesson with me. Therefore, I have been working in a Mandarin school as a Chinese teacher since 2010, started to teach Mandarin GCSE class three years ago. I am very proud that my students have achieved good results in GCSE exam since in 2016, they all passed the exam. Nearly ninety five percent of the students got A* , five percent got A.

I am very good at helping students to prepare for Mandarin GCSE exams, also YCT, IGCSE, IB, SAT, HSK, etc. I enjoy working with highly motivated students!

There are certain few certificates was awarded, for example, Mandarin spoken Level One, Education Theory, Education Psychology. And I have CRB check as well. If you are interested in Chinese culture and want to find a responsible and patient teacher to guide your learning to pass your GCSE Chinese exam, please contact with me without the least hesitation.

Great news! My students achieved great results Chinese Mandarin GCSE exam in 2019, they are 14 students got 9(A*), one student got 8(A*), one student got 7(A).

Teaching Experience:
1. From September 2021 to present: Highgate School as a Chinese Speaking teacher, responsibilities include correct Pronunciation and Grammar, help students improve speaking and listening, help students to get GCSE Oral exam skills.
2. From September 2015 to present: London Mandarin school as a Chinese GCSE teacher, responsibilities include correct Pronunciation and Grammar, help students improve the writing, reading, speaking and listening, help students to get GCSE exam skills. (I go to this school as a voluntary social worker for every Sunday)
3. From May 2010 to present: Private Mandarin tutor, Responsibilities includes: teach students how to reading, speaking, listening, writing and singing Chinese songs.
4. From Sep 2014 to 2016: Sinclair House School as a Music and Mandarin teacher. Responsibility includes teaching students singing a Chinese song, music rhythm with musical instruments and teaching speaking Mandarin as well.
5. From Dec 2012 to 2016: Chinese learning center as a private tutor and Chinese teacher. Responsibility includes: teaching students how to reading, speaking, listening, writing and singing Chinese songs.
6. From Sep 2012 to July 2013: Katherine & King`s College of London as a Mandarin teacher, responsibilities include pronunciation, conversations, grammar, reading, culture, and simplified Chinese character writing. (worked in every Monday evening)
7. From Sep 2011 to 2015: London Mandarin School as a year 2 Mandarin teacher, responsibilities include: correct Pronunciation and Grammar, help student improve them speaking, listening and self-confidence. (I go to this school as a voluntary social worker for every Sunday)
8. From Dec 2010 to July 2011: London Mandarin School as a teaching assistant, responsibilities include: help raise educational standards in the classroom, getting things ready for lessons, to sometimes working with individual children. (I go to this school as a voluntary social worker for every Sunday)
9. Beiling of Primary School in Zhuhai of China as a music teacher in the 2005 year to 2008, Responsibilities includes: Music Course of instruction, Teaching students to read musical notation, singing, dancing.

Tutoring Approach:
I am very proud that my students have achieved good results from 2016 until now in GCSE exam. They all passed the exam. Nearly 90 percent of the students get9 and 5 percent get 8.

I was named the outstanding Chinese teachers in the UK Association for the Promotion of Chinese Education 2014

I can play the piano, so sometimes I like teaching them Chinese songs in my lesson. and I also teach them Chinese traditional culture as " paper-cut" which is to improve my lesson more interesting.

My aim is to get the kids happy and like learning the Mandarin language!

My lessons depend on the individual needs of the students whether it is for preparation for an exam, for tourists, for business travelers or for those wanting to learn for their pleasure.
My tutoring covers pronunciation, conversations, grammar, reading, culture, and simplified Chinese character writing.

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Personal Description:
I am a professional piano player with a degree in Music and Music Technology from Keele University. My work includes session playing, touring theatre shows, accompanying and teaching piano, keyboard or music theory lessons.

Teaching Experience:
I have previously worked as a piano/keyboard/music theory for Telford Music School (Jan 2010 - June 2011), teaching all ages and abilities, and I have spent the summers of 2011 and 2012 as the Theatre Assistant/Musical Director for Chateaugay Summer Camp in America. I currently offer private tutoring at pupils homes to fit in with my other professional work.

Tutoring Approach:
Every student is different and requires a different approach. I try hard to adapt for each pupil but my main concern is that they enjoy what they are playing/learning. I like to let people discover their own musical tastes and preferences while still exploring and understanding a whole range of music.

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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.

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Personal Description:
Hello, I am 21, live in Hull and have been playing the drums for around 5 years. I am currently studying Music Performance at university and have just finished my first year in Bristol. I have lots of experience playing live with various artists and bands. I play many styles and appreciate all music as an art. I mainly play pop, rock and metal but am well grounded in jazz, latin, reggae, drum and bass, blues, hip hop and funk.

Teaching Experience:
I have experience teaching; I started off doing it voluntarily to assist friends but the interest grew and I began getting more and more into it teaching from my home on my acoustic kit. I keep growing as a player and as a teacher.

Tutoring Approach:
I am very passionate about teaching as I believe a good player doesn't make a good teacher. I believe in breaking things down to the simplest level to give the student the best foundation possible. I teach everything from beginner to advanced, all in accordance to want the student wants mostly, then I will create an appropriate plan for he/she. Many students (myself included) have been left disappointed by the lack of passion shown by teachers in whatever subject, which is why I wanted to start teaching in the first place

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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:
Professional music producer & DJ. qualified to degree level (BSc)

Teaching Experience:
Mentoring Students.

Tutoring Approach:
Ready to answer any questions and give good tips/advice on the chosen subject

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Personal Description:
Susannah is a Master's graduate from Trinity Laban Conservatoire, London, where she was supported by the Dame Felicity Lott Bursary and The Seary Trust.

Susannah is a member of the Aureus Trio, exploring works for flute, cello and piano.

Whilst at Trinity, Susannah was chosen to participate in the conservatoire's side-by-side orchestral project scheme, performing alongside professional flautists from the Philharmonia Orchestra and Welsh National Opera Orchestra. With numerous ensembles, Susannah has played at Blackheath Halls, St. James Piccadilly, Institute of Contemporary Arts and St John's Smith Square, among other venues.

Susannah is a keen chamber musician, and has played with a wide variety of instrumentalists and singers, and has participated in the British Isles Music Festival for several years.

Susannah is pursuing a freelance performing career; working with various ensembles as well as playing in chamber music recitals. A 2019 highlight was performing as the Aureus Trio on a cruise around the Indian Ocean.

Teaching Experience:
Flute and Music Theory: I have over 4 years of teaching experience. I have taught absolute beginners up to Grade 8 flute and advanced. I teach up to Grade 5 theory. I have a 100% pass rate for my students' exams- many usually achieving merit or distinction. I can teach both ABRSM and Trinity College London exam boards

Having studied music up to Masters level, I can also prepare students for their GCSE and/or A-level courses: both performance elements and written exams.

Tutoring Approach:
I'm a friendly and supportive teacher. I give lots of time to each of my students.

I can be flexible with lesson times.

I want my students to play the best they can by encouragement, and I do not put undue pressure on them.

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

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

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

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Personal Description:
Fluent French, English.
Drum, singing, music and French teacher based near Kiltarlity, Inverness in the Highlands.
I have lived for 2 years in France and Belgium.

I teach beginner to advanced level students and all grades from 1-8 in Drums, Vocals and Music Theory and beginner to intermediate levels in bass guitar and up to GCSE level in French.

I am happy to travel to students and teach on their own kit or in a setup and enviroment they are familiar with -
Areas I cover are around Inverness, Beauly and Dingwall.

All ages and levels welcome. I can also offer advice on recording, gigging, music equipment and music theory.
Experienced working to clicks/sequencing/recording.
Tracks can be heard on


Drums: Currently play Pearl/Meinl Soundcaster Fusion/Paiste Alpha Cymbals/Roland TD-30

CRB/DBS Enhanced Checked and Update Service.

**Last updated 29 Aug 2018**

Teaching Experience:
10 years teaching experience in private tutoring. During that time I have had student progress from just starting to Grade 8 in 2 years.

Tutoring Approach:
Different people learn best in different ways - either by showing, doing or letting them do more self-study and allowing longer to absorb new information with tasks and goals - I adapt my teaching to how students learn best.

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Personal Description:
I am an English native speaker and I have a degree in French and English, a Masters degree and a PhD. I have taught in primary and secondary schools and I am now a university professor specializing in teaching the French language, literature and culture.

I offer in-person or online 1-1 tuition in French and English for primary and secondary, including GCSE and A level for AQA and Edexcel.

I also offer tutoring for learners of English as a second language, native speakers who need additional support for school, and adult learners.

I offer primary Maths tuition to support children to be confident in their Maths skills and find enjoyment in the subject.

I am also a competent musician with Grade 8 in three instruments and have experience of teaching children and adults to read music and play the violin, recorders and oboe.

"Charlotte has been a fantastic tutor for our son. He has gained a lot of confidence, consolidating his knowledge and understanding. Charlotte has helped him moving from someone who hasn't particularly enjoyed French and had grade 6-7 in that subject to someone who eventually achieved a grade 9 (dropping only 11 points out of 280) in his French GCSE and became really enthusiastic in learning the language. We fully recommend Charlotte and will always value her contribution".

"Thank you for being such an inspiring English tutor and keeping me focused and on task for my GCSE. I always felt I could ask if I didn't understand and your explanations and examples were brilliant!".

Teaching Experience:
I have been a language tutor for 20 years and I have experience of teaching French and English to people of all ages and abilities.

I have taught in schools, tutored primary and secondary English and French for GCSE and A level, teach French at university level, and have taught adult learners at all levels for different purposes.

I also have experience of tutoring primary Maths, and music at all levels.

I tailor materials to each student's individual needs and these are all included.

References can be provided from current and past students.

Tutoring Approach:
I am friendly, patient and encouraging. I tailor my tuition to the needs of each individual student and provide regular progress updates.

I teach from my home in Forton, Lancashire or I may be able to travel to you.

I am also available to teach online on Zoom or Teams.

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Personal Description:
Hello! I am a highly experienced primary school teacher and tutor with a passion for teaching and education. In my free time, I love dog walks, reading and playing or listening to music. If you need support in Maths or English, or any primary subject, I would love to help!

Teaching Experience:
I am a primary teacher with 11 years experience teaching and tutoring across Ireland and England. I graduated with a B.Ed in 2011 and I recently completed a Masters in Education in school leadership. I have taught and tutored all year groups of primary age. In the past, I have worked as the Reading and Phonics leader across Early Years and KS1. I love to support students on their journey learning to read. I get the best from my students with a relaxed, engaging and creative approach. Good working relationships are important to me, and I like to get to know my students and parents well. Teaching remotely during lockdown has equipped me with excellent experience teaching online and I have much experience tutoring students of all ages.

Tutoring Approach:
I am a suitable tutor as I have ample teaching experience working with children not just in the classroom, but in learning support. I have worked with pupils to implement interventions in literacy and maths, in order to help them better access the curriculum. I like to stretch and challenge my students, while also providing opportunities for success on their learning journey. I make learning fun through an interactive and captivating approach to lessons. I have experience and have completed courses in teaching through White Rose Maths, Read Write Inc and Jolly Phonics. Before a lesson, I will thoroughly assess the student's abilities to enable me to adapt my lessons to suit their needs. I will always feedback to parents after each lesson and set homework if requested.

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Personal Description:
Graduated from HKAPA with Dip. and Advanced Dip. Worked with professional orchestras like HK Philharmonic, HK Sinfonietta, City Chamber of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Strings and HK Chinese Orchestra.

Teaching Experience:
Been teaching cello/bass for more than 20 years privately and in different famous schools in Hong Kong like Diocesan Boys' School, La Salle College, Belilios Public School, Wah Yan Primary School, Help Yunn Primary School and CCC Keiwan Primary School.

Tutoring Approach:
Humorous, experienced, patience, flexible to use different methods. face to face or online coaching.

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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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