Ryde Music Tutors and Ryde Music Tuition

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Personal Description:
I am a friendly and easy going person who believes that everyone has the ability to learn. I am passionate about the outdoors and through teaching in schools I have often used the outdoors as a learning environment.

I have a degree in music and my PGCE primary is a mathematics specialism, although I am happy to home tutor in all areas of the primary curriculum.

Teaching Experience:
I am a qualified primary school teacher with 15 years experience working in two contrasting primary schools and a secondary school. I have taught all subject areas in Key stage 1 & 2 and through my secondary experience I have worked with lower ability students to boost their levels and supporting them to reach their full potential in English and Maths. I have also worked alongside students from year 9 to 11 to support them gaining a grade 4 (formally a C grade) in GCSE Foundation maths.

I have a current DBS and am a member of the General Teaching Council.

Tutoring Approach:
My primary approach to teaching is that if children are enjoying what they are learning then the information is more likely to be retained. I believe that it is important for a child to be involved in their own learning, encouraging the children to identify the areas that they are weaker in also enables the children to learn. I aim to both challenge the students and encourage them to achieve their goals.

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Personal Description:
I was born and raised in Barcelona by a Spanish father and a French mother. I developed a strong interest in languages from a very young age as I learnt three languages as a child; Spanish, French, and Catalan at school. My mother who is a French teacher inspired me with her passion for teaching to further my studies to become a language teacher.

I am a patient and encouraging teacher.

I obtained a Certificate of Teaching Languages to Adults at Goldsmiths University in London and completed a teaching placement at the Instituto Cervantes in London.

I combine language teaching with my other passion, music. I regularly perform at events with a Swing and Latin Jazz band.

Teaching Experience:
I began tutoring for Uk tutors in 2013 and enhanced my knowledge of the Spanish and French GCSE and A-levels exam board requirements and methodology.

I have been tutoring full time since 2016 and have taught a number of Spanish and French GCSE and
A-level students who have subsequently successfully achieved top grades in their language exams.

I am currently preparing several students for AQA, Edexcel, IGCSE Cambridge boards and teach Spanish A-level lessons at Southover Partnership, a leading special needs school in London.

Tutoring Approach:
Spanish/French GCSE and A-level: My lessons involve analysing the exam topics and reinforcing all the essential aspects of the language; Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing. I use up-to-date language resources to meet the different exam board requirements and language objectives.

Spanish/French adult learning: My lessons are tailored to suit individual student's needs. My objective is to help my students to achieve their personal goals for learning a language.


I will help you to develop your conversational skills and reinforce the grammar and vocabulary to converse in any setting. I offer general Spanish lessons and business lessons.

I also offer online lessons via Skype. These one-to-one video lessons are
dynamic and highly beneficial for students who need flexibility within their schedule and/ or who live outside my one-to-one teaching area.

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Personal Description:
I am a kind person with a passion for music. I have many interests such as playing in bands, writing my own music, and music technology.

Teaching Experience:
I have experience of teaching all age groups from adults to young primary school children. I took a teaching module as part of my undergraduate music degree at trinity college of music. I am familiar with teaching one-to-one and groups.

Tutoring Approach:
I find everyone's brain absorbs information differently so I find it best to incorporate visual and aural exercises. I like to tailor what I teach to each individual for their own strengths and weaknesses to improve.

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Personal Description:
I'm an internationally award-winning composer, creative director and producer, hand in hand with work as lecturer, teacher and researcher. I regularly teach piano, composition, theory, aural, history, orchestration, GCSE, A-level and undergraduate/postgraduate courses/modules. My work crosses the divide from experimental concert music, electronics and installations to fashion, film and new technology, concept and artistic direction, regularly collaborating with fashion designers, filmmakers, architects, artists and dancers; such as the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, BBC Singers, Philharmonia Orchestra, London Sinfonietta, Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, Arditti String Quartet, Nash Ensemble, Schubert Ensemble, and the likes of Beardyman, Luke Vibert, Mayumi Miyata, Viktor & Rolf, and Chanel.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught for the last 24 years, privately as a piano, theory, composition, orchestration, history and musicianship/aural tutor with fellowships/posts at the Royal College of Music, London College of Fashion, London College of Communication, and the University of the Arts London. I have taught children from the age of 4+ up to adults (70+).

Tutoring Approach:
I teach and guide each student differently, dependent on their experience, commitment and what they wish to achieve - from relaxed music making, casual lessons, or rigorous work for exams, GCSE, A-level, degrees, entry exams, concerts or competitions. I currently teach in London and tutor online.

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

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

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

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Personal Description:
Hi there! I`m a young professional drummer based in London. I am an enthusiastic and down to earth educator and have been providing drum tutoring for a number of years to all ages and abilities. I cover a wide range of styles and techniques, providing my students with the best tools to achieve their full potential.

I am happily married to my wife Ruth and love music, motor racing, films and good coffee! Thank you very much for your time.

Teaching Experience:
I received private drum tuition myself for a number of years from an excellent educator. I have been teaching drums to young children, teenagers and adults for over 4 years. I have taught classes at professional music schools, and provided one to one tuition as well. I have lots of experience reading and writing drum music, have been a professional musician for 10 years, and love it!

Tutoring Approach:
I have a thorough and practical approach to teaching. I believe in my students setting their own goals (with some suggestions from me), whilst encouraging and equipping them to achieve their best. I use a very down to earth and open approach to education. I hope to develop an excellent rapport with any student, so they can share their own goals and musical aspirations, so we can work together to achieve them. I am keen for my students to pursue practice in their own time, and provide them with the encouragement and inspiration to make that happen. I aim to build my students confidence greatly on the instrument, and give them a sense of real accomplishment in music.

I recently passed a DBS check for work within a school. I`ve been a member of the musicians union for many years, and can offer a great insight into the world of music through a professional`s eyes.

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Personal Description:
My Name is Rachel and I have finished my final year at the University of Glasgow, where I studied a Bachelor of Music with Honours. I am a very positive, hardworking person. I am a singer and also have many years of experience working with the Kodaly method of music education. I have achieved ABRSM Grade 5 Theory, The National Youth Choir of Scotland's Go For Gold Certificate (which is accredited to Grade 5 Theory) and have also achieved Grade 8 in Voice and Grade 7 in Oboe through the ABRSM. I am a first study singer, and have several years teaching and assisting in teaching theory.

Teaching Experience:
I have worked with the National Youth Choir of Scotland for 2 years and have been doing music workshops in schools with Primary 3 and 4. I also teach in one of NYCoS's Area Choirs teaching young people from the age of 8-18. Before I became an employee of NYCoS I had volunteered with them as an assistent music instructor. I have the Go For Bronze/Silver/Gold teaching qualifications, with Go For Gold now being accredited to ABRSM Grade 5 Theory.

Tutoring Approach:
I am a very patient teacher and try my best to find a way which makes learning fun and easy for each individual.
I was taught using a course designed by NYCoS that is based on the work of the Hungarian composer Zoltan Kodaly. He believed that music education should be fun and inclusive and this is something I strive to bring to my lessons.

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Personal Description:
I'm a local musician playing piano and violin to a high level and want to continue to pass on my experience of playing an instrument to as many people as possible of all ages. There is no buzz like performing a piece of music in front of an audience however small and seeing how much they appreciate it at the end. This doesn't need to be a concert type performance, it can simply be for pleasure in front of family and friends.

If you want help preparing for an exam, whether it be ABRSM practical, GCSE, A Level or diploma then give me a call, I can help. If you want music theory tuition then give me a call, I can help.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught privately alongside my day job since leaving university, as well as being musical director of New Mills Art Theatre for 5 years, and producing several church musicals but I'm now looking to expand this into a full time teaching roll in Rochdale

Tutoring Approach:
We can learn to play in many ways. If you simply want to be able to play a couple of tunes then we can learn parrot fashion in a relaxed and laid back way. If you want to learn to read music and work towards exams then we can take a more formal and traditional approach. I would encourage those who haven't played for some time to take a refresher course, and those with a long held desire to play an instrument to give me a call and see what we can do. Whichever way we learn or whatever your experience I take your progress very seriously, and I'm committed to seeing you improve over time.
I'm also running a series of group music tuition/ workshops in Rochdale

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Personal Description:
I first began to take interest in education in late 2016 during my second year of studies at Falmouth University, after undertaking 'skills for music leaders' module, where I studied different approaches to formal and non-formal music education. In September 2017, I have taken my ambitions to teach guitar further and fully dedicated my third year of studies to learn about ethics in music education, and began work experience with Cornwall Music Service Trust. I have shadowed 3 guitar teachers as well as 1 violin teacher and learned how to work with children aged between 6-16. I have actively engaged during the lessons, and helped as much as it was possible. I observed their teaching style and studied how to apply it into my own practice, gaining very good references

Teaching Experience:
I have completed 'skills for music leaders' during my second year studies and dedicated the rest of my time researching ethics and practical teaching strategies in music education. I have completed a year of work experience with Cornwall music service trust shadowing their teachers and learning their teaching styles. I am currently doing more work experience at Penair School learning about classroom teaching. Soon I will be looking to apply for Teacher training

Tutoring Approach:
I structure my lessons to each student individually

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

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

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

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

A bit about me:

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

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

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

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

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

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Personal Description:
Ciao! I'm Esmond. I'm a writer, composer, director and artist, and prizewinning History finalist at the University of Oxford, with experience of a broad range of learning environments and teaching styles, and substantial industry experience in music and the creative arts. Deeply passionate about my subjects, I'm dedicated to each of my students and enthusiastic about sharing the joy of learning with them. I tutor History, Music, History of Art and Latin to A-Level, IB and equivalent, and English, Design and Technology (Graphic Design route) and Maths to GCSE/IGCSE. I also provide mentoring, including guidance on personal statements, submitted work, admissions tests and interviews, for students applying to study History and related subjects at both Oxbridge and other universities. More broadly, I work with students at all levels to develop essay writing, research, problem-solving and study skills.

Currently a final-year historian at the University of Oxford, I hold both academic and music scholarships. I attained a Distinction in the First Public Examination, ranking equal fourth across the University. Besides history, my degree has also involved considerable interdisciplinary work in the visual arts, literature, music and folklore, and substantial language work in Latin, French, Italian and Middle English, in which I have research-level proficiency. I have A-Levels in Music, Latin and History (all above 90%), an AS-Level in Maths (A), and 11 A*s at IGCSE and GCSE. I have extensive knowledge of a broad range of history, music, art and literature, with particular expertise in the medieval, Renaissance and early Modern periods, the eighteenth century, the European folk revival, and - in music - post-tonal and contemporary composition, although I also teach more broadly, including on modern topics. I share details of and blog about medieval and Renaissance Italian art, drawing on my own photography and travels in Italy, at Treasures of Renaissance Italy.

My teaching in Music and Design and Technology is further underpinned by extensive industry experience in music (as a composer, director, producer and singer), graphic design and the creative arts more broadly. I produced and artistically directed my first opera production, Monteverdi's L'Orfeo, in 2016, with an international cast of singers from several leading British and European conservatoires, and I'm currently Artistic Director and co-Musical Director of the semi-professional early music and early opera ensemble, Theatron Oneiron, which I founded as a first-year undergraduate. As a freelance composer, my compositions have won competitions at a national level and been performed by such artists as the BBC Singers. I'm also a classically trained, semi-professional singer, currently a Choral Exhibitioner in the Choir of The Queen's College, Oxford, and formerly a Choral Scholar at Guildford Cathedral and Exeter College, Oxford, and member of the Iken Scholars among many other ensembles; and I frequently perform as a recitalist and as a soloist in oratorios and opera productions. I previously studied both piano and violin. In art and design, my experience encompasses both artistic and technical drawing, product design, poster design, and production design for the stage, and my work includes an award-winning scaled model and card model kit of Guildford Cathedral.

Teaching Experience:
I have substantial experience of a range of learning environments and teaching styles, including home education, project- and inquiry-based learning, the Oxbridge tutorial format, and classroom-style teaching in both the private and the state sectors.

I worked as a Teaching Assistant at Chelsea Academy, London, in 2013-14, as part of RGS Guildford's Outreach Scheme there. I have led and assisted classes for year groups and ability levels from Year 7 to GCSE and top to bottom sets, and previously provided mentoring to Oxbridge applicants. More recently, my experience includes one-to-one tutoring in humanities subjects, English as a Second Language, and Music Theory. I have further developed creative and effective coaching and teaching methods in the course of work as both a musical director and stage director, and clear and engaging communication of content and ideas through seminar talks and presentations in the course of my own studies.

Tutoring Approach:
My own teaching style is greatly influenced by my own fruitful experiences of home education (to age eleven) and the Oxbridge tutorial format. I prioritise the greater scope for intellectual flexibility and curiosity, intrinsically-motivated learning, and heightened freedom to range across subjects and pursue individual topics in greater depth according to each student's interests characteristic of both of these learning environments. I combine these foci with rigorous, comprehensive attention to exam syllabi to ensure that teaching and learning remain carefully targeted towards my students' desired grades in any traditional summative assessments such as school entrance exams, GCSEs or A-Levels.

All my tutoring is student-centred, guiding and facilitating my students in their own learning, in contrast to traditional teacher-centred instruction. I work with each student to tailor lessons to their individual learning style and priorities (whether understanding subject material, exam content, or honing particular skills such as analysis or argument). I place particular emphasis on developing a deep-seated passion for learning in my students and on encouraging them to think independently, critically and originally. I am, moreover, dedicated to seeing tangible improvement in each and every one of my students and will always put in extra effort to achieve this end.

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

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

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

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Personal Description:
I am an honours graduate in Music from Oxford University. I also studied at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama before university and at Cambridge University as a postgraduate. I can give lessons in music reading and theory and in the guitar (twenty years playing experience). I am DBS checked.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught music both privately and at university level for several years.

Tutoring Approach:
I am interested in helping students towards a really thorough understanding of the topic they are studying, including the fundamental aspects that are often skipped over. In my opinion, subjects are often taught with a view to results or getting the right answer, but without really understanding why it is the right answer.

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Personal Description:
I'm an experienced tutor currently working as a Lecturer and Supervisor at the University of Cambridge. Besides this I have several years' school-teaching experience as well as with individual tutees.

I studied at the University of Cambridge and at the Royal Academy of Music throughout my teenage years.

In addition to my work In Cambridge I hold a Deputy Professorship at the Junior Department of the Guildhall School of Music & Drama. My private teaching practice comprises students of all ages and complements my professional activities as conductor, bassoonist, organist, and arts administrator.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching privately since 2006, and also have several years' experience of school-teaching (secondary). I am experienced in giving workshops (singing, conducting, performance technique, chamber music etc.). I also lecture for the Music Faculty at the University of Cambridge as well as supervising undergraduates and graduates for papers in Harmony & Counterpoint, Music & Science, Psychology, and practical skills (including jazz improvisation).

I hold a deputy professorship at the Junior Department of the Guildhall School of Music & Drama and also tutor for the Royal College of Organists; I am hugely experienced in preparing students for interviews and auditions, as well as in examination preparation and revision/study skills and techniques.

Tutoring Approach:
I always strive to inspire my tutees with the confidence to push themselves to achieve their full potential, while being aware that outside the lessons they also have other commitments. I am experienced in teaching students with learning difficulties and am happy to be flexible in my teaching style depending on the needs of the individual student.

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Personal Description:
I have over 20 years of teaching experience and have achieved a fellowship from the Victoria College of music in London for classical guitar playing and is a graduate Open university with a BA(Hons) first in humanities with music and history. Lessons are very supportive, friendly and interactive, using teaching files and mp3 examples to hear and perform the music. I aim to extend my lifelong passion and enthusiasm for music to everyone I teach. My instruments include guitar, ukulele, mandolin, banjo and bass guitar

Teaching Experience:
∙ Diploma in Classical Guitar Playing (AVCM) - Victoria College of Music
∙ BA (Hons) Humanities with Music - Open University
∙ Grades 5-8 (distinction) in classical guitar - Victoria College of Music
∙ Grade 3 (merit) grade 4-5 (distinction) - music theory Victoria College of Music
∙ Over 15 years of teaching experience on a wide range of instruments

Tutoring Approach:
My approach is to provide a fun, friendly and relaxed environment for teaching that will both support and motivate the student in their musical journey. To achieve this utilise a wide range of teaching materials and multimedia outlets, such as apps, CDs, books, etc to maximise the learning potential of the student. This also includes MP3's provided after the lesson to aid practice and reinforce timing, rhythm and phrasing. I have a 100% pass rate for pupils taking practical and music theory exams.

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Personal Description:
I am a self-taught guitarist of over 20 years and am technically proficient to an advanced level, there are very few guitar techniques that I'm unfamiliar with and I am continually learning more. I've performed in a variety of venues/situations, whether as a solo performer, in a band or as part of the accompaniment for musicals, each of which require different approaches and disciplines. I've also done plenty of recorded performances which also requires a host of different skills.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching guitar for over 10 years on an ad hoc basis with private students. I also currently work at Coleg Y Cymoedd, teaching live performance and music rehearsal skills for the last 2 years. I have helped students of all ages over the years go from complete beginners to accomplished players, as well as taking intermediate players and help them to learn more advanced techniques.

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching method involves the same method by which I teach myself - focused practice and repetition. A lot of people try to run before they can walk, spending a couple of days learning chords then trying to play complicated lead parts. What you will work on with me, is having a solid foundation on which to build. We will work together to make sure that when you learn techniques, you learn them the right way first time. We'll do things slowly and smoothly, because slow and smooth equals fast in the long run.
Fundamentally though, we will go at your pace. Everyone learns different skills at different speeds, so there is no pressure to learn anything in a particular time frame, the key is for there to be progress little by little. Equally we will tailor lessons to your wants/needs as much as possible and so you're learning the type of guitar playing that most appeals to you.
A lot of tutors take an approach of getting you to go through guitar grades and whilst that is something we can look into if it appeals to you, I personally have never found grades to be worth anything and certainly not an accurate measurement of someone's ability/talent, so with that in mind, going through grades is not something I will be pushing you to do.
I advise for the first lesson (which is free) to be 1 hour so we can get to know each other and put together a bit of a plan for you. After that I recommend lessons be 30 minutes per lesson per week, as the main goal of lessons is for you to show me what you've practiced in the previous week and for me to then advise you on what can be improved etc., or if it's time for you to start working on something else. In my experience 30 minutes is more than sufficient to achieve this but if you feel you'd like more tuition then of course we can explore that.

Please note the rate shown is an hourly rate. 30 minute lessons will be £15 in person or £12.50 online.

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