Downpatrick Music Tutors and Downpatrick Music Tuition

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Subjects

Personal Description:
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.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Based in Wantage (Oxfordshire) Jim has been providing drum tuition to players of all ages and level of ability since 2003.

He has been teaching private drum tuition for 7 years from his home studio. Many of his students have been with him for a long time. His teaching is based largely on the Gigajam syllabus and he likes to think that he brings the syllabus to life and makes it interesting and relevant for his students.

Teaching Experience:
He always make sure that he tailors his teaching to suit each student as an individual and that he treats them as such. Regardless of their age or ability he gives them all the same amount of attention and always does his utmost to support and motivate them.

He has been a gigging drummer since the age of 14 and has played in numerous bands at numerous gigs and events. He draws upon his own experiences (good and bad) to empathise with his students and to help and assist where he can, be it with a tuning issue, a drum repair or upgrade or helping them to stay focused while learning a new and sometimes difficult technique.

Tutoring Approach:
He is a well motivated, outgoing and cheerful person and that comes across in his lessons. He likes to keep things upbeat (no pun intended) and fun, as he believes that music should be something that is enjoyable and pleasurable and not a chore.

Subjects

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

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

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

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a native Chinese speaker and can speak fluent Cantonese and Mandarin.
I also teach Piano, Trombone, Double Bass and Music Theory up to Grade 8 and Jazz Piano up to Grade 5 as I have all the qualifications in those instruments.
Piano lesson starting from £40 per hours depends on level.

Teaching Experience:
I have 16 years of teaching experience of Music, Maths and Chinese.

Tutoring Approach:
I am patient in teaching and would like to work together with student step by step until they understand all the things.

Subjects

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.

Subjects

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

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

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

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

Subjects

Personal Description:
***Although my location is listed as Todmorden, I also teach from Hebden Bridge and Leeds!***

I am a professional drummer with a wealth of experience playing, from touring internationally to studying at Leeds College of Music. My teaching is flexible and focused on you as an individual, creating a friendly environment to learn the genres that you're interested in. I hold a BA (Hons) in Popular Music Performance, with a focus on pop drumming. My specialism lies in pop and rock drums, and I can teach all styles up to an intermediate level (and pop/rock well beyond!).

I understand that drumming can be particularly intimidating to take up, especially as a beginner. My focus is on teaching in a no-pressure, friendly environment to ensure that you learn the best you can. After all, if it's not fun, it's not going to stick!

Please note, I operate a cancellation policy. Lessons cancelled within 24 hours of the scheduled time will incur the full cost of the lesson.

I also offer lessons on a sliding scale for those on low/no income. There are limited slots available on a sliding scale; please get in touch for more info.

My pronouns are they/them/theirs.

Teaching Experience:
I have experience teaching a variety of subjects and age ranges, from English to drums, group lessons to individual tuition, and 5-year-olds to adults, so I understand that everyone learns differently and has different interests and preferences. Each lesson is tailored to your interests, whilst ensuring you learn (or refresh) the basics you need to play any music. I also hold a full enhanced DBS certificate.

For experienced students, lessons focusing on a specific aspects of playing are available, from Moeller technique to independence & co-ordination, groove, odd time signatures - the list goes on! I also work with students to create practice plans, developing techniques to get the most out of practice time.

Tutoring Approach:
My goal is to get more people, and more diversity, into drumming. As a transgender musician, I am keenly aware of how intimidating it can be to step into this world. My lessons are focused around each student's individual needs, with a mind to increasing confidence and getting more people into this wonderful art form!

My approach is to make learning drums accessible to anyone who has the itch. We all learn differently, and we all bring our own experiences to the drums; it is my role to enable this the best I can!

Subjects

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

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

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

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

Tutoring Approach:
Fun fun fun!

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

Lessons are half an hour for £15

Please note, lessons are conducted online until further notice.

Subjects

Personal Description:
A qualified, enthusiastic, hard-working, focused teacher who is committed to his students' well-being and
education. Able to teach composition, singing, guitar (classical, electric, acoustic), piano, musical theory and aural training (in English or Spanish). Rodrigo is passionate about education and enjoys working in a busy, challenging
environment. He is able to establish a supportive relationship with his students. He is a team player and is always engaged in continuous learning in order to broaden his knowledge and experience. He is used to working with children as well as with adults. He has excellent communication and organizational skills, and computer software knowledge. He is eager to take up a job which would contribute to his growth as a professional and challenge him.

Teaching Experience:
College / University teaching professional (2015-2018)

His last job was as a Teacher of Aural Training (Intermediate and Advanced level) at the National University of Arts (Buenos Aires, Argentina) where he was responsible for:

- Monitoring and assessing students' progress.
- Creating lessons plans and developing educational programs.
- Collaborating with other teachers.
- Participating in and contributing to staff meetings.
- Involved in curriculum review and development.
- Ensuring the correct use and care of equipment and resources is maintained.
- Creating an appropriate environment for students to be able to learn.
- Preparing appropriate and suitable teaching materials.
- Preparing and correcting exams.

He also worked at a Private Study of Musical Arts (2015-2018) as a teacher of guitar, singing, piano, and musical theory

Tutoring Approach:
"¿What do you want to learn?" Whether it is a guitar, singing, piano or theory class, I argue that the most important thing is to take into account from the beginning what the student's goals are, so as to be able to personalize the class with a professional or recreational approach, taking into account the musical styles to work.

The first class works as a kind of interview in which the teacher can identify the level from which they begin to work and also the student can begin to relate and feel comfortable.

With that information, it is possible to develop a study program that adapts to the convenience with technical and theoretical tools to achieve the objectives set by the teacher and the student.

It is always important to develop classes that try to maintain enthusiasm and support students the way they need.

Teaching attributes:

- Responding appropriately to the student's needs and requirements.
- Able to interact and form relationships with students.
- Able to develop educational programs, creating personalized lessons and exams.
- Patience and tact.
- Supportive with students with emotional or behavioral problems and help develop their social skills.
- Providing regular feedback regarding student's progress.

Subjects

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.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hello!

I'm looking to take on 1 or 2 tutees in the field of music technology for a 1-hour lesson per week (per student). If your child is aged 13-18, likes to create their own music, or is interested in sound engineering or music production, then this could be perfect for them. Lessons will be delivered online via Zoom.

Please feel free to reach out if you would like to have a chat.

Teaching Experience:
I have 3 years of experience teaching A-Level Music Technology and Rock School Grades 6-8, at a private boarding school in North Oxford, where I am currently employed.

In addition, I have had industry experience in recording studios, working at Abbey Road Studios, where I helped record some of the biggest albums of 2017, including Ed Sheeran's Divide and the film score for Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them.

I am a graduate of the prestigious Tonmeister course at the University of Surrey, which focuses on sound engineering, electronics, acoustics, and computing in the context of music production.

Tutoring Approach:
I have a traditional approach to teaching, having worked alongside teachers with decades of experience at St Edward's Oxford. Initially, we will set out goals depending on the skill level and experience of your child, and I will design planned lessons based on those goals.

My area of expertise is in the technical aspects of music production - for example, acoustics or digital theory - but I am equally able to advise students creatively on their own compositions and mixing techniques. My current students enjoy this double-sided approach of both the technical and creative aspects.

Finally, I am able to advise your child on their career choices, if they are considering music technology as a career path, having graduated from one of the top University courses in the country, and worked in the industry.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I knew early on, that I wanted to teach.

I have committed the last twenty years of my life to education working as a private teacher in a variety of schools and colleges - teaching an eclectic range of pupils; from special needs students to scholars to adults. I am particularly committed to building confidence and skills in pupils whom may not feel they fit the typical mould.
I am humbled and honoured to be listed as a "distinguished former pupil" of Carlos Bonell, Senior at The Royal College Of Music

Teaching Experience:
I'm current a Licensed teacher with Bexley Music Service and have taught at a variety of schools over a period of twenty years including; Eltham College, Bexley Grammar School and a variety of secondary and primary schools.

Tutoring Approach:
Lessons are relaxed, good humoured, but also highly informative with attention to detail, with each pupil's specific needs catered for.

Subjects

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

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

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

Subjects

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

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

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

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

See you in a session soon.

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

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

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a 21-year-old musician who is dedicated to giving the best tutoring experience possible. I have studied music at Leeds Conservatoire for a year specialising in Classical Trumpet. I tutor mainly in music theory, preparing students for music grades upto grade 5 and any beginners, no matter the age, who want a basic understanding and knowledge of music notation. I do all fo this at the student's pace and in a way that is tailored to the student.

Teaching Experience:
I have informally tutored many fellow students throughout my own education in secondary and higher education.

Tutoring Approach:
I tutor mainly in music theory, preparing students for music grades upto grade 5 and any beginners, no matter the age, who want a basic understanding and knowledge of music notation. I do all fo this at the student's pace and in a way that is tailored to the student.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I'm a French student living in Edinburgh. I just graduated 2 licences, one in Film Studies and on in English literature. I also just finished 3 years of prep school. During those years, I was prepared to go into the highest French literature school. I specialised my studies into cinema during those 3 years. Therefore, I can teach everything related to art, literature and subjects that are close to it.

I'm really kind and like to know the people I'm teaching to. I like sports (Handball mostly), music (did 10 years of music school), reading and going to movies.

Teaching Experience:
I already teach music to younger students in my music school (4 years).
I used to tutor students thanks to a tutoring program in my prep school. (3 years)
I coached younger players during my latest handball years. (2 years)

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring depends on the age of the student. For example, for my youngest students, I like to play games to make them learn.
I don't mind repeating myself and know how to explain things in different ways.
My approach is to make increase skills by yourself by unlocking or deblocking things you thought you didn't understand.
I also give advices on how to review your course and learn your lesson. I'm great at giving advises for essays as I had to wrote one every week during 6h, during my prep school.
For every language's subject, I favour speaking and listening to oral comprehension in order to increase your skills.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I'm a professional guitarist and experienced guitar & music tutor with over 20 years' teaching experience, offering one-to-one guitar lessons and full-spectrum music tuition for all ages and abilities. I've taught hundreds of students over the years, from complete beginners and adult returners, to GCSE/A-Level students, Grade learners, gig artists and advanced learners preparing for performances or music grades.

As a session-trained musician and long-time performer, I've played to audiences of over 40,000, but my real passion lies in one-to-one teaching: helping people fall in love with music, build their confidence, and develop solid skills they can carry for life.

I teach from my dedicated home studio in Kings Langley (Hertfordshire), or online via Zoom / other platforms. I also offer in-person visits depending on location and availability - please note this is quoted on a bespoke basis, depending on travel.

Teaching Experience:
I've run my own private guitar tuition practice for over two decades, having taught 300+ pupils across all ages (4+), styles and learning needs. I've also taught many pupils remotely, for example one being in The Bahamas! Many of my students stay with me for years, and I've supported people through all stages of their musical development - including school performances, first gigs, grade exams, worship songs for their church attendance, and even songwriting and composition.

Alongside children and teens, I regularly work with adult learners, professionals, and those looking for a creative outlet or confidence boost. I also have extensive experience working with SEN children, neurodivergent adults, stroke survivors, and elderly learners, with an emotionally intelligent, calm and encouraging approach.

I'm DBS-checked, insured, and trained in both practical and theoretical music education.

Tutoring Approach:
I don't believe in a one-size-fits-all method. Every student is different, so I tailor each lesson to the individual, blending technical skill-building with musicality, theory, rhythm, and creative expression.

Whether you want to learn acoustic or electric guitar, improve your rhythm, read sheet music, play your favourite songs, or work on improvisation and confidence, we can shape a path that fits your goals and learning style.

I'm friendly, supportive, and committed to helping you enjoy the process as much as the progress. My job is to make learning music feel exciting, achievable, and something you look forward to each week.

For online lessons, the rate listed applies. If you'd like me to travel to your home for lessons, I'm happy to do so depending on your location - in this case, a bespoke rate will apply. You're also very welcome to come to my home studio in Kings Langley, where I teach most of my in-person sessions.

Subjects