Thetford Music Tutors and Thetford Music Tuition

Personal Description:
As a graduate of The Musashino Academy of Music in Japan, I have extensive experience in performing as a concert pianist in Japan and accompanist for Violinist and Vocalist for their concerts.
I accompanied on a Japanese Canzone CD which was released in 2005 and I used to make music for TV commercials. I'm not only limited to classical music, I also have experience and understanding of many types of composition, from ethnic forms right through to modern, contemporary, techno and electro. I am well traveled and have an understanding of many different cultures.
I am an outgoing, fun person and although I think this shows through to pupils, my lessons are strict and I prefer only to take on serious students who are determined to achieve their goals.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching for 13 years in Japan, 1 year in the USA and 20 years in the UK. I can train you to all levels, for all English or Japanese piano grade exams or for entrance to music schools, GCSE / A level Music, universities and all levels above.

Tutoring Approach:
Students who want to improve your skills & pass exams, I am confident that you will see improvement from the very first lesson.
I feel that music is not just about learning the notes & playing them in the right order - like people, every piece has it's own character, emotion & depth. I think it is just as important to get the student to recognise & express this, as it is for them to learn the correct technique.

Subjects

Personal Description:
COVID-19 notice
I'm currently only giving online lessons via Skype, Zoom, or similar.
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Online or face-to-face (Cheltenham area) Maths, woodwind and EFL/EAP tutor. I give lessons in my home and online via Skype, Zoom or similar.

DBS available (Glocuester Rowing Club - Club Captain Sept 2017-Sept 2019), and coach.

I've lived in the UK, US and the Netherlands. I relocated to Gloucestershire in 2008 with my husband, two children and dog (very used to children).

Teaching Experience:
Subjects:
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Maths (KS3-KS5: 11+, GCSE, A level, IB)
Music (Flute, Saxophone, Recorder, Theory, and curriculum (to A-Level))
English as a Foreign Language (EFL) - General and Business English including IELTS
English for Academic Purposes (EAP)


Qualifications
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MA (Ed) Applied Linguistics
BA (Maths and Music)
CELTA
DipABRSM (flute teaching)
PTLLS
UKCC Level 2 Rowing Coach

Availability
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Monday to Saturday

Tutoring Approach:
All students receive a free consultation. This gives the student the opportunity to assess me. It also allows me to assess the student's level of ability, confidence, enthusiasm, commitment and learning style.

I like to provide friendly lessons tailored for the individual or group.

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

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

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

Subjects

Personal Description:
Andreas Papapetrou was born in Nicosia, Cyprus in 1984. He began his music studies at an early age at the ARTE Music Academy (formerly Hellenic College of Music) from where he graduated in 2001 with a Degree in Piano with distinction. He continued his studies in Greece, at the State Conservatory of Thessaloniki, from where he got his Diploma in Piano with distinction in 2008, and at the Department of Music Studies of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, from where he graduated with a Degree in Composition with distinction in 2009. After this he moved to London where he studied composition at Trinity College of Music, acquiring his MMus in Composition with distinction in 2011. He is now a PhD candidate at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance.

He has studied composition with Michalis Lapidakis, Panayiotis Kokoras, Errolyn Wallen and Stephen Montague, piano with Elena Sophocleous, Emilia Tzima and Douglas Finch, accordion with Irinoula Constantinidou, and jazz song with with Yula Michail.

He has composed music for various ensembles, as well as works of electroacoustic and electronic music. His music has been performed in Cyprus, Greece, the United Kingdom and France. Works of his have been performed by the Trinity College of Music Student's Symphony Orchestra, the DissonArt Ensemble (Thessaloniki), the Contemporary Music Ensemble (Athens), the COMA Voices London choir, the TCM Harp Trio, the Solstice String Quartet, violinist Darragh Morgan a.o.

He is also an active music performer and focuses mainly on works of contemporary music and improvisation. He has performed debut performances of contemporary music works for piano or chamber music ensemble, in Thessaloniki and in London.

Besides music, his artistic interests include visual and performing arts. He collaborates with choreographers Stavri Kalopetridou and Elisabeth Schilling. He is a member of FIBRE Performing Arts Company, the contemporary music group Other People's Mail and the improvisation group 6daEXIt.

Teaching Experience:
I work as a freelance composer, performer and music teacher. As a music teacher I teach piano, accordion, music theory and
music composition, both for beginners and advanced students. I have been teaching music for the last 5 years. I have taught
people of all ages, from children to adults. I am currently a PhD candidate specialising in composition at Trinity College of Music.

I have taught piano at the State Conservatory of Thessaloniki, from 2006 to 2009, specialising on beginners and intermediate level students. I have been teaching piano, accordion, theory and composition privately since I came to London in 2009, to both children and adults.

In piano playing and teaching I specialise on classical music but I am also open to other styles, including popular music.
In accordion playing and teaching I specialise in classical music and Greek folk music.
In composition teaching, I prefer to let the student choose their preferred style. I do, however, specialise in contemporary classical music, ranging from acoustic to purely electronic music.

Tutoring Approach:
I feel that I have a good way to communicate with children and I am a very patient person. I am very receptive to my student's needs and I am willing to help and guide them into solving any problems related to music they might have. I always try to find the simplest way to communicate my ideas or what a music piece requires. I will always bear in mind what my student's opinions and needs are and try to adjust my teaching around these.

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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.

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Personal Description:
I am a graduate of the Newcastle University BMus (Hons) Folk and Traditional Music where I specialised in Scottish traditional fiddle music. I am both an experienced teacher and performer, having performed at various festivals throughout the country. I am comfortable playing in a variety of musical styles and I am happy to tailor lessons to the interests of each individual pupil.

Teaching Experience:
During the past five years I have taught a range of age groups from young school pupils to adults in both one to one lessons and group settings. I have also had a great deal of experience teaching beginners, most recently the Bellingham Middle School Ceilidh Band. During my later years of school I assisted with a young children's string orchestra and also an intermediate traditional music group. As part of my degree I have studied different techniques of teaching traditional music within the community.

Tutoring Approach:
The initial lesson provides an opportunity for both myself and the pupil to discuss any past musical experiences and also understand what they wish to gain from future lessons. I plan my lessons around the interests of the pupil which in return allows them to get the most out of their lessons. Whilst I strongly believe that there are benefits to reading notation, I also teach by ear and am happy to focus on this if a pupil so wishes. I encourage my pupils to bring along any music they wish to learn in addition to their set pieces.

I offer hour long lessons, suggesting a starting point of half an hour for beginners. Groups lessons are possible.

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Personal Description:
Mireia is a bass player based in London since 2013, she graduated as a bass player at Escola Superior de Música de Catalunya (Barcelona, Spain) on 2010 and she moved to Netherlands.

Since 2002 she's been working as a music tutor till nowadays and she performed with several bands in Spain, Netherlands and UK.

Throughout her career Mireia worked as a bass player in a dance orchestra, musical theater, circus company and she played with jazz, funk pop and world music bands.

She studied with bass players as Jordi Ruiz, Ignasi Zamora, Gary Willis, Josep Pérez Cucurella; the piano player Ignasi Terraza and did a mentoring program with drummer Lucas van Merwijk.

Teaching Experience:
I have more than 8 years of experience as a music teacher (all ages) in private music schools from Spain (Barcelona), I've worked with early years kids (from 3 to 5 years old) ,I've worked as a self-employed music tutor in Netherlands during 2 years and I'm working as music teacher at Norwood Green Junior School and private music tutor .

Tutoring Approach:
I like to adapt the lessons to student needs in order to improve their level and help them to enjoy their learning process. I teach bass guitar for beginners, intermediate and advanced level, and guitar for beginners. I also offer music theory lessons for everyone who has interest to understand the music language, learn to read scores or create its own songs.

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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.

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Personal Description:
I`m a professional singer and guitarist graduated in modern singing (BAhonsConservatory of Music) drama (Acting Diploma) and performance technique ( Tech Music School Diploma) With over 10 years experience as a coach, mainly working with children and young people.
I`m currently on stage in the West End and I dedicate my time off to one of my biggest passions, which is teaching. I'm a native Italian though I've spent most of my life abroad, due to my career, mainly living in the Uk in the past 15 years.
I offer individual tuition in a fun and engaging way, helping young and aspiring musicians, as well as adults and professionals, find the best way to express themselves through singing/playing.
I also offer Vocal technique tuition for actors and professionals who regularly use their voice at work ( breathing, diaphragm support, voice placements).
Guitar lessons for children and adults of all level, ABRSM, LCM and other exams prep. Music Theory classes also available via Skype.
I work from my home in central London, near Tottenham Court Road Station, in a relaxed and friendly enviroment.
I also teach Italian and diction/pronunciation at all levels.

Teaching Experience:
Over 10 years teaching experience within school settings as well as being a freelance tutor in a number of disciplines. I`ve been working with students of all abilities and age, beginners to advanced.

Tutoring Approach:
My lessons are always customised. I don't like following a standard method of teaching as I strongly believe that music is something very much related to the emotional side of each individual, especially if we are talking about singing.
I trained in several techniques and methods myself, from opera to jazz and musical theatre, achieving a deep understanding of the vocal instrument, and therefore I pride myself on having the possibility to fallow every time a different path, tailor making the lesson for every student according to their personal skills and wish, putting all my knowledge at the service of our goal.
My classes are always fun and effective, and my students and I build strong relationships based on trust and mutual interests.
Regarding the guitar lessons, I believe that the classical approach is always a good start. So we usually go through the basics of music and of the instrument together to build a strong and solid technique that will lead the student to a complete autonomy.

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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.

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Personal Description:
Anastasia is a aviolinist, originally from Greece. Anastasia started playing the violin from the age of 6 years old. In 2006 she entered the State Conservatory of Music in Greece, where she graduated from in June 2015 with the Greek National Diploma on Violin performance, winning the 1st prize and a 'virtuosity' award. She holds the distinction of being the conservatoire's youngest violin-graduate ever. While she was studying at the State Conservatory of Music she has has been the leader of the Conservatory's Youth Symphony Orchestra between 2009-2014.

Anastasia moved to London in 2015 and started her Bachelor studies in Music at the Royal Academy of Music, where she studies with professor Richard Deakin. She is currently doing her final year as an undergraduate student at the Academy, expecting to obtain her degree from the university in 2019.

As a student at the Royal Academy of Music, Anastasia has participated in numerous concerts as a soloist, in violin- piano duos and chamber music concerts. She has also been a member of the RAM's Symphony Orchestra performing some of the orchestral masterpieces under Sir-Mark Elder, Semyon Bychkov, Jack van Steen and Robert Trevino.

Being a member of the European Union Youth Orchestra (EUYO) for 4 years, Anastasia has performed throughout Europe under Bernard Haitink, Vladimir Ashkenazy, Vasily Petrenko, Gianandrea Noseda, Xian Zhang and Krysztof Urbansky in many prestigious concert halls including BBC Proms, Konzerthaus- Berlin and the Royal Concertgebouw- Amsterdam, among others.

Anastasia has also played and performed alongside professional orchestras in Greece including the 'State Symphony Orchestra of Thessaloniki', the 'Municipality of Thessaloniki Symphony Orchestra' and the 'Megaron Youth Symphony Orchestra'. She has led the Misbourne Symphony Orchestra in Amersham with success in 2016-2017.

Anastasia has participated in many competitions including the `Gina Bachauer` Music Competition in 2012 (awarded with high honours), `The Muse International Competition 2013` (Chamber Music prizewinner) and the Eurovision Young Musicians 2014 among others.
She has attended many masterclasses with very well known violinists such as Zakhar Bron, Maxim Vengerov, Midori Goto, Ivry Gitlis, Gidon Kremer, So Ock-Kim, Tasmin Little, Marina Kesselman and Bohuslav Matousek.
She has recorded and interviewed for the Greek National Radio and Television, Athens 2013.

Anastasia has been teaching young children and adults for many years. She has been trained to teach music to children one to one and also in groups at the State Conservatory of Music in Greece in 2014. She has been giving lessons privately and at numerous primary schools and music academies in Greece and in London. She is mainly teaching the violin, which was her principal study all these years, and also teaches music theory, piano (keyboards), chamber music and also coaches string orchestras. She also offers group violin lessons to children. Anastasia has shown interest in teaching since a very young age has successfully created her own way of teaching, which aims to help young children learn music fast, play with natural-relaxed motions and above all enjoy music! Anastasia has an unlimited amount of energy, enthusiasm and fascination for working with young people.

Interested in the Suzuki Method, she is planning to get trained as Suzuki instructor, after she holds her masters degree from the Royal Academy of Music in 2020.

Teaching Experience:
Anastasia has been teaching young children and adults for many years. She has been trained to teach music to children one to one and also in groups at the State Conservatory of Music in Greece in 2014. She has been giving lessons privately and at numerous primary schools and music academies in Greece and in London. She is mainly teaching the violin, which was her principal study all these years, and also teaches music theory, piano (keyboards), chamber music and also coaches string orchestras. She also offers group violin lessons to children. Anastasia has shown interest in teaching since a very young age has successfully created her own way of teaching, which aims to help young children learn music fast, play with natural-relaxed motions and above all enjoy music! Anastasia has an unlimited amount of energy, enthusiasm and fascination for working with young people.

Interested in the Suzuki Method, she is planning to get trained as Suzuki instructor, after she holds her masters degree from the Royal Academy of Music in 2020.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to music tuition is very adaptable as each student has a different personality, music perception and ideas.
One of my main intentions is to make the student feel comfortable and always enjoy the music they are playing!
The music comes first, and the technique must always be music-led!

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

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

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

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

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

My pronouns are they/them/theirs.

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

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

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

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

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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.

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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!!

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Personal Description:
Hello, I'm Noa and I'm looking forward to joining you on your learning journey!

A little bit about me…. I'm a Music Graduate from the University of Birmingham who loves getting young people excited about music through teaching.

Subjects offered:
ABRSM Music Theory Grades 1-5

Qualifications:
BMus Music, First Class with Honours, University of Birmingham
Edexcel A Level Music - Grade A
BTEC Level 2 extended diploma in music (GCSE equivalent) - D*D*
Grade 7 ABRSM Music Theory - Merit

Teaching Experience:
My well-rounded experience enables me to teach towards the interest of students and the particular courses they are studying for. I have a wealth of experience working with young people through private instrumental teaching, work experience in schools, and community music projects. From this, I have developed a tried and tested method of teaching that is tailored around the student's needs and learning styles. I have been teaching online for multiple years now and understand how to engage children and young people in music through this medium. I am highly experienced in Music Theory, having taken grade 1-7 myself before completing an academic degree in the subject which has furthered my knowledge to a professional level.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that to be a good tutor, lessons should be built around the student's needs and learning styles. When I teach, I create lesson plans that have clear aims, but are also flexible to the student. I create extra activities as I teach to help the student understand difficult concepts deeper, or relate concepts to other topics that are more familiar to them. The main aim in my teaching is to always have fun, and provide a space where students can foster a passion for the subject!

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Personal Description:
I'm a professional guitar tutor. I have BA degree of Saint-Petersburg University of Culture and Arts - jazz guitar. I'm awardee of International Blues festival Noc Bluesowa, 2 International Festival in Crimea 2007

Teaching Experience:
16 years of tutoring
7 years of seniority in kid music school

Tutoring Approach:
Individual methods for every person according to abilities

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

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

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

Teaching Experience:
Queen Elizabeth's School:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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