Swanley Music Tutors and Swanley Music Tuition

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:
PSYCHOLOGY
I have a BSc (First Class Honours) in Psychology from Brunel University (2007), and a PhD in Psychology from the University of Cambridge (2011). I have worked as a research fellow and subsequently as a psychology lecturer at various universities in the U.K. My research is mainly in social, health and cognitive psychology, but I also teach research methods (both quantitative and qualitative methodologies), statistics and SPSS, as well as effective academic writing, including dissertations and research projects. In addition, I have sufficient competence in personality (i.e., individual differences) and clinical psychology to be able to teach these at undergraduate level. I have published over a dozen peer-reviewed articles, including some in world-leading journals, and have over 1300 academic citations of my research. Some of my research interests are: The attitude-behaviour relationship, behavioural interventions, motivation, cognition, and emotion, dual-process models of cognition, cognitive dissonance, self-affirmation, and information processing, emotional intelligence, mindfulness, health psychology, meta-cognition and self-knowledge, persuasion and social influence, intelligence and problem-solving, psychology of music, and psychology of religion.

PHILOSOPHY/CRITICAL THINKING/RELIGIOUS STUDIES
In my own research in psychology, I have drawn on several philosophical ideas, and have integrated different philosophical perspectives into my work. In addition to critical thinking, I am able to teach humanistic philosophy, social cognition, epistemology, existentialism, and related areas. I also teach how to build philosophical arguments for academic and commercial purposes. In terms of religious studies, I have a particular interest in the Abrahamic faiths, as well as Hinduism, Buddhism, and related philosophies.

MUSIC
I am a performer and teacher of Indian classical music (Northern style), and teach the instruments of dilruba, esraj, taus, taar shehnai and a bit of sarangi. I have been learning for 18 years, and been performing for the last 10 years. I teach beginners and intermediate students in basic and advanced raagas (from Yaman to Darbari) and taalas. I also teach vocal and harmonium.

ENGLISH LITERATURE
I specialise in creative writing, particularly short stories, and can teach students techniques in textual analysis and interpretation, especially using the hermeneutic method. I am also interested in how characters in stories (all genres) are given psychological depth, as well as how story structure and character development go hand-in-hand.

URDU
Urdu is my mother tongue, and is one of four languages that I speak fluently. I can teach beginners and intermediate students in grammar, reading and writing, as well as conversations. And I also teach advanced students in conversation. My particular interests in Urdu literature are 18th and 19th century poetry, especially ghazals.

DANISH
I am a native speaker of Danish, and spent the first 22 years of my life there. I can teach all levels of the language and its literature. Some of the key authors that I have an interest in are Søren Kierkegaard, Karen Blixen, H C Anderson, and we can also discuss Danish film, cinema, and culture. Danish is very similar to Swedish and Norwegian so by learning Danish you will be able to read those languages quite well, and you might be able to understand speech in those languages to some extend. There is also some overlap between Danish and German, though not as much.

Teaching Experience:
I taught psychology to undergraduates at the University of Cambridge from 2008-2011. I then taught at King's College London from 2011-2014, followed by the University of Bath from 2014-2017 and then Bath Spa University from 2017-2022. I also supervise BSc, MSc, and doctoral students. I'm currently lecturing at the University of Hertfordshire.

Tutoring Approach:
I aim to use an interactive approach that encourages active involvement of the tutee. My main goal during tuition sessions is to stimulate an interest in the subject and facilitate independent and critical thinking. This, I believe, allows the tutee to become an independent thinker and to enjoy the learning process, which is rewarding for both parties.

Subjects

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

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

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

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have been privately teaching music theory and instrumental based music around the midlands area for the last 4 years. I have experience teaching all age ranges and abilities including children with learning difficulties.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught with in schools "Blakedown C of E Primary School" "Sutton Park Primary School" Music academies "Sounds Electric Music academy" and i also teach privately at home.

Tutoring Approach:
I use a taylor made course to suit the individuals needs so they can control what areas they would like to focus on most. i am friendly and will always try my best to aid the pupils so they get the most from there tuition.

Subjects

Personal Description:
In the ten years I've studied bass I've gained a B-Tec National Diploma in music and music tech from Tauntons College and a Higher Diploma in music performance from the Academy of Contemporary Music in Guildford where I am also studying for a Degree in music performance. This education fuels my passion for my instrument, and with such a huge variety of influences to choose from I couldn't see myself doing anything else.

Teaching Experience:
As a new tutor i have limited teaching experience however; during the course of my studies for my degree i have on many occasions had the opportunity to take on the role of the musical director of a performance. As a musical director i have had to think of different ways of explaining a task to my peers and have gained relevant teaching experience in the process.

Tutoring Approach:
I have found the best way to tech someone a new subject is to try and relate the subject to something the student has an understanding of or an interest in.

Subjects

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.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am an avid musician and educationalist, with a passion for sharing my interests in music and learning with children and young adults. As a parent and trained Teacher, I can see from different perspectives the different aspects of learning in life, and am keen to foster a love of learning whenever I am involved with a child or young person. I am also a qualified Music Therapist, and run my own music therapy service which you are welcome to enquire about.

Teaching Experience:
I have 7 years experience working in a Special Needs school working across the 11-19 age range primarily, with much crossover into Primary and Early Years. When my children were at nursery I worked closely with the team to develop their behaviour management and early communication skills, giving me a different range of experiences to call upon. I have also taught private music lessons with great client satisfaction for almost 20 years.

Tutoring Approach:
I am experienced in adapting my approach to delivery depending on context, having worked in classrooms, with learner orchestras, and in 1:1 settings. Fun and enjoyment should be central to a successful learning experience, and I try to ensure a relaxed approach in sessions facilitates this.

Subjects

Personal Description:
My name is Michael and I teach private one to one drum kit lessons to people of all ages, in and around the Yorkshire area. I have been playing the drum kit for over 20 years and started playing at the early age of 11. Since then I have been in many bands and performed in many venues in and around the Yorkshire area.
After studying music at school in Scotland and forming my first band I soon found myself addicted to the drum kit. I decided I wanted to further my skills by getting private drum kit lessons which helped me gain my Standard Grade/GCSE and Higher Grade/A-Level in Music. I then furthered this by studying a BTEC in Popular Music at Huddersfield Technical College and a BA (Hons) in Popular Music at the University of Sheffield. I have also recently completed my PGCE in Life Long Learning at the University of Huddersfield and hold QTLS with IfL.

Teaching Experience:
I had my first teaching experience when I was 16 years old at a music workshop during the summer holidays where I was involved in teaching groups of people how to play the drum kit within a band setting. At the end of the workshops each group that had formed had to perform their songs to the public.

Since then I always had a desire to pursue my teaching and in 2006 I started teaching at Rhythm Inc Music Tuition in Barnsley. Initially, I only had a couple of students that I would teach in my spare time between my job and other commitments. However, more students started coming and having only started with a couple I soon had enough to become self-employed and put my all into my teaching.

In 2007 I started teaching at Take 2 Music Academy in Birdwell, Barnsley and at Rockem Music in Rotherham. I have taught at other private music schools and in local schools in the Yorkshire area. I also have experience delivering group workshops within both private and local schools.

Currently, in 2012 I opened my own teaching studio based in Wakefield, and continue to teach at Rhythm Inc Music Tuition in Barnsley, Take 2 Music Academy in Birdwell, Barnsley and at Rockem Music in Rotherham. I have recently completed a Post-Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in Lifelong Learning and hold QTLS with IfL (Institute for Learning)

I am fully CRB and DBS checked and currently have a 100% pass rate for students sitting their graded exams.

Tutoring Approach:
Lessons are taught on a one to one basis using two drum kits, one for the student and one for myself. Choice of electric of acoustic drum kits. Lessons are taught at the students own pace and involves practical work.

GROOVES
Learn all styles of drumming such as Rock, Blues, Latin, Metal, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Funk, etc.
Learn drum grooves from songs including your own favourite songs.
Learn how to improvise on the drum kit to backing tracks including soloing.
Learn all grades from the Rockschool or Trinity Guildhall syllabus.
and more…

TECHNIQUE / TECHNICAL
Learn hand and foot techniques
Learn all 40 Rudiments and how to apply them to the drum kit
Learn syncopation and independence studies including Accented Studies
Learn Time Keeping exercises
and more…

GENERAL MUSICIANSHIP SKILLS / THEORY / AURAL SKILLS
Learn how to hold the drum sticks correctly
Learn how to read drum notation including sight reading
Learn the drum kit voices
Understand note values and rhythms
Learn how to play a drum part from Ear and identify rhythms
and more…

SONGS
Learn songs from the graded syllabus
Learn songs of own choice
Learn recommended songs
and more…

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 primary teacher with many years experience teaching in a wide variety of primary school settings. I feel that learning is really important at all ages and am continually expanding my knowledge using online courses.

Teaching Experience:
As a qualified primary teacher I have over 10 years experience working in schools as a classroom teacher and PPA teacher. I have a strong knowledge of the national curriculum and regularly keep up to date with any changes to education. I work well as a team and am very organised. I have also lead choirs and directed many shows within primary schools.

Tutoring Approach:
I am friendly and approachable. My lessons are fun and informative and I adapt my teaching style to the needs of the pupil. I am passionate about teaching and am keen to share my knowledge with others. I have some experience of teaching SEN children within a mainstream setting and have recently completed an online diploma in SEND.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a singer/composer/producer and songwriter. I've worked mainly in the advertising world, composing and producing for television.

In terms of teaching, I have helped people with regards to Vocal Coaching, Singing, Songwriting Techniques, Music Production and Relaxation, all under the bracket of music and performing.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught privately for 4 years. I have helped people develop their songwriting craft and assisted them in developing their songs and finding their own uniqueness. I also assist in recording sessions/rehearsals, focusing on making sure the vocalist is in a good emotional space and we can also look at technique and diction and the emotion behind the song.

In terms of production, I tend to work with Logic Pro, but the principles of production are to do with sound selection and arrangement. I help students hear which sound choices work, and hear the finer details in well crafted and produced songs. Once the principles are understood, this allows them to apply them to their own work.

Tutoring Approach:
I have a relaxed yet very focused approach to tutoring. First we'll identify the student's goals and intentions, whether it's purely singing based, or involves aspects of songwriting and performing or production. We then set some targets and work together to achieve them.

In terms of vocal technique, I have studied and integrated elements of 'Bel Canto', Speech level style singing, and more contemporary forms of vocal development. I also explain what each vocal exercise is designed to do, so we know why we're doing certain exercises.

Relaxation techniques are a big part of my work. This allows us to breathe more freely, and helps free us of any tensions which may stand in our way.

The confidence of technique and precise execution that becomes second nature is the key to successful musical delivery. I help develop those techniques that can be relied upon to deliver the true emotion and intention behind your of your work.

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:
I am a full-time tutor of Russian, a native Russian speaker and have a Master's degree in Russian language and literature.
I also teach piano Levels 1-8 and music theory Levels 1-5

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching Russian as a foreign and native language in London since 2010. This includes teaching absolute beginners, coaching for GCSE and A-level examinations and consulting school teachers of Russian and students of Russian at the degree level.
I have a Music College diploma as a teacher of piano and have been teaching Level 1-8 piano in London since 2012, mainly preparing pupils for examinations with ABRSM.

Tutoring Approach:
"Result" is my motto. I take pride in my pupils' high achievements that have never been below grade A since 2010. I am a demanding teacher who will never leave a pupil without homework. However, those young and grown-up people I teach are motivated by my passion for the Russian language and literature. My profound knowledge of linguistics and Russian history simulates their curiosity.

I have a relaxed fun personality, I like to laugh and use my sense of humour to make a lesson run as a conversation when I teach both, an adult and a child. This is because my subjects are also a part of my world.

My approach to teaching is also result-oriented. I aim to enable my pupils to progress independently even at the beginner level. My original method of teaching demonstrates how similar the English and Russian languages are. This technique combined with the individualised approach gives a lot of confidence to learners and has been proving efficient: absolute beginners achieve A and A* grades at GCSE Russian in only one year on a reoccurring basis.

As a piano teacher, I am not afraid to give and take the challenge of coaching my pupils at a higher level should their potential exceed their current grade. I organise annual concerts to enhance the students' performance confidence.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am currently studying at ICMP (2nd year university, BMus Guitar). I studied with top UK teachers such as Martin Gouldin (Head of Jamtrack Central), Nate Williams (Jamiroquai's pianist and bassist) and Audrey Riley (Cellist of Coldplay and Foo Fighters) and top Italian guitarists such as Osvaldo Lo Iacono (Amii stewart's guitarist). I play any genre: Jazz,Rock,Metal,Reggae,Blues,Latin,Pop and so on. I play Drums, Bass but my main instrument is Guitar.
After only 1 year of playing I was already showing incredible progress by playing technically challenging songs as Technical difficulties by Paul Gilbert and so on(videos on socials). I used to and currently play from 6 to 9 hours every single day, Metronome, technique and theory lover. I have been always studying music at very high level. My favourite artists are Bach,Chopin, Debussy, Charlie Parker, Guthrie govan,Andy timmons,Gary moore,George benson,Steve ray vaughan, John petrucci, Marco sfogli, Greg howe, , Albert king, Mike stern, Joe pass,Clifford Brown, Pat Metheny, Pat Martino, Bireli Lagrene, Art blakey, Michaael Brecker, Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran and many more.

I'm kind, passionate and available all the time. Teaching is my biggest passion.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching to any age for 5+ years. I have been studying with teachers for over 8 years. I learnt how to teach by taking countless hours of lessons with great teachers. I taught to classes of 30 and individuals of any age

Tutoring Approach:
I divide big tasks into smaller ones making the experience of learning not frustrating but very rewarding. When I teach, I try to make the person use his or her logic to learn faster. I have been teaching music for lots of years and I developped a way to understand the person in front of me and understand what the student needs to learn first. Teaching music is what I want to do in life so I take it with the most commitment I can. I study and I studied a lot. My motto is never stop learning because the more you know,the less you think you know
What I like is to give lessons about all you have to know: posture, approach, mentality, method,theory, practice, mindset,short and long term goals, covers, improvisation, rhythm and lead playing,music genres, music history,technique, how to listen to music and so on. Setting goals and finding a way to reach them the fastest way possible is also a technique I adopt with students.

Subjects

Personal Description:
A Master's graduate of The Institute of Contemporary Music, I have a wealth of experience performing throughout the UK and Europe with many different artists, including James Woodrow (BBC singers), Harry Marshall, Lisa Canny, Db Clifford, Joe Slater, The Fizz (formerly Bucks Fizz) and many more. I have also played at many of Europe's most highly regarded venues and festivals such as Isle of Wight Festival, Jazz in the Park (Romania), Rhythms of The World and the O2 Academy Brixton, whilst featuring on many radio and magazine shows, such as BBC Radio 1, BBC Introducing, Kerrang! Magazine and many more. I love to get involved in as many genres as possible, and my CV includes an exploration of an array of styles such as jazz, jazz-fusion, blues, funk, rock, progressive, pop, traditional and contemporary Irish music, traditional and contemporary Syrian music, soul, hip- hop and grime.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching part time for around five years now, students ranging from 6-80 years old. I have been lucky enough to guest lecture on occasion, as well as tutoring privately and for agencies across London, the South East and online.

Tutoring Approach:
Instrument:
Electric Bass (fretted and fretless)
Guitar

A student's personal goals are always at the centre of their development and I like to approach tutoring on an individual basis, as, particularly with music, every student learns in a way unique to them. The first lesson is generally spent getting to know students (and vice versa), understanding the approaches that work best for them and building a much needed rapport. I feel strongly that students must feel at ease and thus able to express themselves freely in lessons, as this will transfer in their music.

Areas covered will include the student's chosen instrument (can be more than one), music theory, harmony, technique, timing, technology (using DAWs or Sibelius), working within band/ensemble contexts (both musically and socially) and self-development, which includes the study of practice methods, mentality and motivation. Lessons are typically taught in an informal environment, enabling for the freedom of expression and thought. Lessons are generally encouraged to be an hour in length, but other options are very much available.

Lessons are taught predominantly online, from my home (Oxted, Surrey), or on occasion at a student's location. Please note that the latter will require an extra fee (to cover travel expenses and time).

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have been playing the drums for over twenty years, and teaching them for over ten. I have been regularly performing live, recording, and touring since 2001. I am comfortable and experienced in many genres: rock, pop, hip-hop, metal, blues, and jazz.
My career highlights include:
- playing sold-out shows in Paris, Madrid, and Krakow
- writing and performing backing music for a theatre production in London
- writing and performing a library record of drum beats and original compositions for the King Underground record label.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching the drums since 2011, from children as young as 4 to adults as old as 64. I have received consistently positive feedback from students and students' parents, and teaching is something that I find tremendously rewarding. I have taught theory, sight reading, and have helped students prepare for the Trinity graded exams.

Tutoring Approach:
I learned very early on in my teaching career that there is no 'one size fits all' formula for helping people to learn an instrument. Some people benefit from the structure provided by working towards music exams, while others simply want to jam and play their favourite songs. I tailor my approach based on the needs and goals of each student, so that their sessions with me are both fun and challenging.

Subjects

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.

Subjects