Hampstead Music Tutors and Hampstead 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:
Friendly and informal, I tailor tutoring to individual needs. I am married with a young family and enjoy the flexibility that tutoring gives me with my business hours. I see tutoring as a valuable resource for the student who can gain great insight in a one to one session

Teaching Experience:
I have been a personal tutor for over 12 years, helping many students with maths and sciences, mostly at GCSE level. In addition I have experience as a Lecturer at The University of Huddersfield and at Wakefield District College. Where I taught computer science and I.T.

Since 2000 I have been looking to focus more on music and to develop this as my specialism. I can assist with Music theory up to around Grade 5 and Piano and Keyboards from beginner to intermediate level.

Tutoring Approach:
Individually tailored to the student. I prefer a sytematic approach, followed up by individual study by the student. I regularly assess student progress to ensure full understanding and encourage background reading for breadth of knowledge.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Emme offers private flute and music theory tuition.

Emme began her musical studies at the age of nine, receiving music scholarships at both her Prep school and the prestigious Oxford High School for Girls up until she left. She made her Concerto debut at the age of seventeen, playing Mouquet's La Flute de Pan Concerto, and successfully gained both the DipABRSM and LRSM in performance before moving to Manchester in 2005 to study at the Royal Northern College of Music. At the RNCM Emmeline studied with Richard Davis, Linda Verrier, Michael Cox, and Laura Jellicoe culminating in a final recital in 2009 that included works by Messiaen, Liebermann and George Crumb. Since graduating in 2009 she has continued to learn, play and teach the flute as well as the recorder and music theory.

As an orchestral flute player, Emme has performed in orchestras conducted by Hansjorg Schellenbeger, Sir Mark Elder, Gianndrea Noseda and Jacques Van Steen, just to name a few. She has performed across England as well as travelling to Italy to work under Noseda in his Stresa Festival and to Spain as part of the Word Orchestra. During 2008 and 2009, Emme successfully competed to become the only chosen flute player to take part in The BBC Philharmonics Professional Experience Scheme, and since then she regularly performs and records with the Orchestra in and around Manchester. She has also played with the Bampton Classical Opera, the London-Irish Symphony Orchestra, the Oxford Concerto Orchestra, and Stockport Symphony Orchestra and has featured as principal flautist on a number of recordings, notably for the soundtrack to the film Tortoise in Love, and on recordings for Polyphonic Records. She is currently performing in the touring hit musical Phantom of the Opera, as well as taking part in sessions for shows and TV in the UK.

Outside of orchestral playing Emme also performs chamber music and solo works. She is one of the founding members of Northern Quarter Ensemble, a flexible chamber group providing bespoke musicians for special events; most recently performing for royality at the Paris Opera Garnier. She often gives solo recitals and performs at weddings in Manchester, Oxford and Cheltenham. Her last concerto performance was just last year where she performed the Ibert Concerto with Oxford Studio Orchestra.

Outside of playing Emme enjoys teaching. During her time in Manchester she has taught privately, as well as for Lancashire, the Wirral and Bolton Music Services. She is also involved the BBC Philharmonic's outreach schemes, most recently being appointed the wind coach for the Family Orchestra projects in the North-West of England.

She has now moved to Oxfordshire and London and teaches at Preparatory Schools in both areas.

Teaching Experience:
Emme has over 10 years teaching experience, teaching both privately and for Lancashire and Bolton Music Services. She currently teaches at Rendcomb College, St Hughs, Ferndale Prep and Bruern Abbey. Over this time she has acquired a 100% pass rate for pupils taking exams.

If you would be interested in learning with Emme, then please get in contact to enquire about lessons!

Tutoring Approach:
She is happy to teach those who want to learn purely for enjoyment but is also experienced in preparing students for ABRSM Graded exams. She teaches all abilities; from complete beginner to advanced players.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I'm 43 years old and live near Bordon, Hampshire. I have been speaking French and Italian for about 20 years. My degree and my Masters degree are in History with Italian and Museum Studies with History respectively and I am very passionate about all of these subjects.

Teaching Experience:
I used to teach English as a Foreign Language in Italy both to large classes and giving one to one tuition and have also reached A-Level and Degree level in both French and Italian. I also taught English in Spain. I have around ten years' experience of one to one tuition at my home in this country and can also travel to the student's home if they live locally.

I have prepared students for their exams in English as a Foreign Language, such as the Cambridge First Certificate in English and the Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English and am also happy to assist both children and adults with either casual learning or preparation for GCSE/A-Level

I also assist in my local primary school and am a school governor and am familiar with the National Curriculum and can tutor in maths and literacy for Key Stage 1 and 2.

Tutoring Approach:
The above subjects are things which I am passionate about and hopefully that comes across in my teaching methods. I am very flexible and can respond to the needs of the particular student

Subjects

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.

Subjects

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

Subjects

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

Subjects

Personal Description:
Ben has been described by a current student as "a brilliant teacher who has helped me with whatever styles of music I have wanted to play". I've been a profession teacher for over 10 years and am well established in the local area. I teach from my home or yours and even offer on-line lessons using Skype.
I have a fully modern studio, and am able to create custom backing tracks for you at no extra cost. Please do not hesitate to contact me at any time for more details.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching privately for over ten years and have got many students to pass their guitar and theory grades

Tutoring Approach:
I have an informal approach, trying to make lessons as enjoyable as I can and still achieve the best possible results.

Subjects

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

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

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

Subjects

Personal Description:
A fixture in the London underground DJ community for over 10 years, I recently completed a BA in Music Production at BIMM London (1st degree honours awarded) whilst also holding a MLT in Teaching and Training.

I currently tutor at CM Sounds and Core Arts, both based in east London. Production projects have been varied and exciting with remixes and artist albums released on the original rave era label Kniteforce, and sync remix commissions for UMPG (Universal Music).

Past achievements include gaining a BTec level 3 in Music Technology, Designing and growing a successful underground music website (now officially an archive only), and co founding and running Graffiti Breakz (2007-2010), a successful club event which incorporated DJ's, Live Music and Live art.

Teaching Experience:
I am a qualified teacher at City & Guilds level 3 (2015). I recently completed my BA Hons in Music production (2013/2016), I plan to take a year out to gain teaching experience before moving onto to a PGCE in Music Technology for the Lifelong Learning sector at UCL (2017/2018). I already Hold BTec level 3 Diploma in Music technology (2006).

Tutoring Approach:
No matter what your current skill level or preferred style of music, I will be able to help you improve and enhance your skills or GCSE/A-level/Degree course work.

I am also a native english speaker and have a keen interest in academic writing and the english language.

I am willing to travel to a students home, however if the tuition is music based, I would recommend coming to my home studio, which is fully equipped with industry standard equipment and software. This environment will help your skills and knowledge elevate rapidly to the next level. (equipment list found at the foot of this section).

Having studied at Degree level, I am well suited to help you with course work for GSCE/A-level and Degree. Your course work will benefit considerably from the insights gained from my guidance.

However if you have left formal education and require assistance with a music project from the angle of enhanced production and arrangement techniques, I am also glad to be of assistance.

I have extensive experience in the areas of Music Production, Remixing, Studio Recording, Song Writing and Arranging.


Studio Equipment

iMac i7 2013
Logic X / Logic 9
Ableton Live
Pro Tools
Native Instruments Komplete
Spectrasonics Omnisphere
ReFX Nexus 2
FabFilter Collection
Izotope Collection
Waves pack
Vocal recording with multiple mic options
Full length 7 octave midi keyboard
Roland FX units
Rokit 8 Studio monitors
Midi controllers

Subjects

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.

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:
Concert pianist and Oxford graduate with 6 years teaching experience giving music tuition in Manchester.

At the age of sixteen I began studying piano with Sam Armstrong at the Junior Department of the Trinity Laban Conservatoire and have since enjoyed increasing success and recognition. I have performed with the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain as orchestral pianist at the Sage Gateshead and the Royal Festival Hall, including a live broadcast on BBC Radio 3. In 2015 I made my London concerto debut with Saint-Saëns' Piano Concerto No 2. The following year I sat the LRSM examination, and passed with distinction.

I graduated from Oxford University in 2018 with first class honours in Music. I am grateful to have been recognized with the Anjool Maldé Scholarship from St Peter's College in 2016. Currently I am studying for a Master's in piano performance from the Royal Northern College of Music, where my studies are supported by an Oglesby Charitable Trust scholarship, as well as postgraduate awards from Help Musicians UK and the Countess of Munster Musical Trust. Alongside solo recital engagements, I maintain a busy schedule of collaborative projects with singers and instrumentalists throughout the UK.

Teaching Experience:
I've been teaching piano and music theory and history to students of all ages and levels for six years. Students have passed grade 8 piano and grade 5 theory exams with distinction - no student of mine has yet got less than merit in ABRSM exams. I myself receive first class honours from Oxford University and am an active concert pianist.

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching style is flexible according to the needs, ambitions and level of my students. In tutorials we will work together through problems to ensure students are comfortable with the hows and whys of music. I am a patient, articulate and conscientious tutor.

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:
*Update March 2023, teaching online and in person drum lessons during all school holidays* £30/h


Hi, i'm Olie, I have studied drum kit grades and to university level at LCCM in London. I now teach mon - fri term time in schools in London and perform in bands and orchestras.

During holidays (half terms, Christmas, Easter and Summer), I am available for online and in person lessons.

I have loads of experience teaching kids and young adults, as well as older students.

My lessons are fun and tailored to the individual. If you have a specific song/technique you would like to study, or are just looking for a great way to let of some steam, get in touch!

I use Rockschool, Trinity Classical & Jazz and Trinity Rock & Pop and have passed students in all syllabuses.

I also have my own library of song charts for beginner to advanced players and am welcome to suggestions from you of what songs you would like to learn!

I look forward to hearing from you!

Teaching Experience:
My teaching has reading and listening at it's heart. The best thing I have done since coming to London is open my ears to all the styles I didn't like, listen over and over, until they started to grow on me! Music is a cultural and historical lesson as well, it's interesting to see where the popular styles of today came from! Reading will just make you more employable as all the session, musical theatre and holiday camp drummers will tell you! I use software such as Noteflight which allows me to playback scores, making sight reading an easier and more enjoyable process, and meaning I can share scores with students via email. Each student is also given a video recording of what we studied in the lesson, which is a very valuable resource, something they can take away from each lesson, and makes remembering what we learned much easier!

Tutoring Approach:
I come from a family where music is extremely important. At school, my first band was a rock covers band where my brother played bass. We played regularly in pubs in Dorset, (you may have heard of the Teddy Rocks festival, we played in the very first festival and have played with my band Last Resort ever since). My first teacher was keen for me to learn how to read music, meaning I could play in school orchestras for musicals. I have 2 Grade 8 distinctions, one from Rockshool and one from Trinity Guildhall, I did the rockschool one first and then thought it best to add the Trinity one! The rock band i was in still plays, we have an EP online and continue to write original music.
Having just finished uni, I am keen to start my musical career ASAP, I want to stay in London, because it has the best music scene in Europe!!

Subjects

Personal Description:
Experienced and creative piano teacher. Every day as a tutor I learn from my students how to teach them best and to maximise their own potential.
I am passionate about teaching and learning. I also value traditional methods and welcome new strategies for learning in our current days.

Teaching Experience:
- 20 years as a piano teacher working in conservatoires, academies and colleges in London and in South America.
- 5 years of teaching experience in the FE sector as a Music Technology Lecturer
- 12 year on going career as a self-employed music teacher (Piano, Music Theory, GCSE Music)

Tutoring Approach:
Piano lessons aim to build up confidence at the piano.
With 25 year of teaching experience, I use creative methods based on your personal abilities and potential. You will learn something new every session no matter what.
Of course, practice is required depending on your own long-terms goals.

Some of the most popular areas I cover in my lessons are:
- Classical technique
- Exam requirements (for ABRSM, Trinity College, GCSE Music)
- Performance skills
- Improvisation
- Modern styles and techniques
- Composition

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a professional singer, a music and singing teacher. I have conducted masterclasses and I won several singing competitions in Italy.
I have phoniatric experience which enables me to recognise voice issues and to keep my voice and my students' voices healthy. This phoniatric experience enabled me to gain a deep knowledge of voice anatomy and physiology, to ensure a healthy voice emission and to work on voice education.

Teaching Experience:
I worked as a music and singing teacher for several music academies, middle schools and high schools to A level exam syllabus. The main subjects I held: general music, modern and opera singing, Body awareness, history of music, chamber music, solfeggio and rhythm.
I am now working as a musical director for a theatre company.
I am now also holding on line vocal coaching lessons.

Tutoring Approach:
I am a very passionate and enthusiastic tutor. My teaching method is tailored to my students, which means that it varies according to my students' needs.
I differentiate instructions based on my students' musical ability and interest in order to encourage and motivate their participation in the lesson.
I gained good communication skills through my experience as a teacher. In fact working with both children and adults, some of whom with special needs, gave me the opportunity to develop team spirit, friendliness, confidence interacting, empathy and open-mindedness.

A vocal coaching lesson includes:
- Vocal technique in several singing styles
- Body awareness
- Breathing exercises
- Repertoire approach and analysis
- Score analysis
- Musical expression
- According to the student's needs it might include Theory, Rhythm and intonation

Subjects

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

I completed my GCSEs, AS and A Levels at the UK's 'Number 1 Ranking' Grammar School - Queen Elizabeth's School for Boys.

I got the highest grades possible for Maths (grade 9 at GCSE and A* at A Level)
Achieved A* at A Level Further Mathematics.
Achieved 9 in Music at GCSE Level. Grade 8 in clarinet, saxophone and piano, and ARSM diploma in clarinet.

Teaching Experience:
Queen Elizabeth's School:

GCSEs - 7 x 9s, 4 x 8s
AS - 4 x A
A2 - 2 x A*, 1 x A (Maths, Further Maths, Physics)

King's College, University of London:
Maths with Statistics MSci graduate

Private music tuition:
Student results: Distinctions x 5, Merit x 3, Pass x 0, Fail x 0.

Tutoring Approach:
In my experience, I have learned that the majority of tutors just 'turn-up-and-teach' without actually preparing. 'Understanding' is the most important thing when it comes to learning, not 'regurgitating information'. As a tutor, I only get ONE CHANCE to impart 'understanding' in a way that not only clear, but coherent. Not preparing only means the student will only get more confused. But this won't happen with me!!

In my years as a student, I remember my tutors either setting no homework at all, or random questions from some textbook they've just picked out. Pick me as your tutor, and be confident each homework has been uniquely written by myself to complement the lesson that I've taught, which contains routine practice questions, as well as a couple of more challenging ones, designed to encouraging them to 'think' outside the box.

Closer to the exams, I go through years and years of past papers, and pick out the most appropriate previous exam questions - but not too early! It's important my students have developed that deep understanding of the syllabus first. Yes - yet again, my experience has made me realise that too many tutors are using these exam past papers and 'teaching' their students with them, instead of going through the basics first.

Is it a good idea to give a bunch of papers to a student and hope they'll get on with it? Especially when the student isn't ready, perhaps hasn't learned all of the content inside out, and hasn't been walked through a single practice question, let alone an entire paper before? I focus on exam practice, but only at the right time.

Subjects