Thornton Heath Music Tutors and Thornton Heath 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.

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

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

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

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Personal Description:
Hi, My name is Xiaolin, I am a friendly and very patient Mandarin native speaker and I'm very experienced in teaching. I used to work for a Primary school as a music teacher in China. In addition, I have been tutoring Mandarin Chinese since 2010 in London, until now I have had over 10 years of teaching experiences.


I really proud of working as a teacher, I like to be a private tutor as well. I have got many private students mostly are kids from 6-15 years old. From beginner to advanced level. I love all of my students, and they all like me and enjoy their lesson with me. Therefore, I have been working in a Mandarin school as a Chinese teacher since 2010, started to teach Mandarin GCSE class three years ago. I am very proud that my students have achieved good results in GCSE exam since in 2016, they all passed the exam. Nearly ninety five percent of the students got A* , five percent got A.

I am very good at helping students to prepare for Mandarin GCSE exams, also YCT, IGCSE, IB, SAT, HSK, etc. I enjoy working with highly motivated students!

There are certain few certificates was awarded, for example, Mandarin spoken Level One, Education Theory, Education Psychology. And I have CRB check as well. If you are interested in Chinese culture and want to find a responsible and patient teacher to guide your learning to pass your GCSE Chinese exam, please contact with me without the least hesitation.

Great news! My students achieved great results Chinese Mandarin GCSE exam in 2019, they are 14 students got 9(A*), one student got 8(A*), one student got 7(A).

Teaching Experience:
1. From September 2021 to present: Highgate School as a Chinese Speaking teacher, responsibilities include correct Pronunciation and Grammar, help students improve speaking and listening, help students to get GCSE Oral exam skills.
2. From September 2015 to present: London Mandarin school as a Chinese GCSE teacher, responsibilities include correct Pronunciation and Grammar, help students improve the writing, reading, speaking and listening, help students to get GCSE exam skills. (I go to this school as a voluntary social worker for every Sunday)
3. From May 2010 to present: Private Mandarin tutor, Responsibilities includes: teach students how to reading, speaking, listening, writing and singing Chinese songs.
4. From Sep 2014 to 2016: Sinclair House School as a Music and Mandarin teacher. Responsibility includes teaching students singing a Chinese song, music rhythm with musical instruments and teaching speaking Mandarin as well.
5. From Dec 2012 to 2016: Chinese learning center as a private tutor and Chinese teacher. Responsibility includes: teaching students how to reading, speaking, listening, writing and singing Chinese songs.
6. From Sep 2012 to July 2013: Katherine & King`s College of London as a Mandarin teacher, responsibilities include pronunciation, conversations, grammar, reading, culture, and simplified Chinese character writing. (worked in every Monday evening)
7. From Sep 2011 to 2015: London Mandarin School as a year 2 Mandarin teacher, responsibilities include: correct Pronunciation and Grammar, help student improve them speaking, listening and self-confidence. (I go to this school as a voluntary social worker for every Sunday)
8. From Dec 2010 to July 2011: London Mandarin School as a teaching assistant, responsibilities include: help raise educational standards in the classroom, getting things ready for lessons, to sometimes working with individual children. (I go to this school as a voluntary social worker for every Sunday)
9. Beiling of Primary School in Zhuhai of China as a music teacher in the 2005 year to 2008, Responsibilities includes: Music Course of instruction, Teaching students to read musical notation, singing, dancing.

Tutoring Approach:
I am very proud that my students have achieved good results from 2016 until now in GCSE exam. They all passed the exam. Nearly 90 percent of the students get9 and 5 percent get 8.

I was named the outstanding Chinese teachers in the UK Association for the Promotion of Chinese Education 2014

I can play the piano, so sometimes I like teaching them Chinese songs in my lesson. and I also teach them Chinese traditional culture as " paper-cut" which is to improve my lesson more interesting.

My aim is to get the kids happy and like learning the Mandarin language!

My lessons depend on the individual needs of the students whether it is for preparation for an exam, for tourists, for business travelers or for those wanting to learn for their pleasure.
My tutoring covers pronunciation, conversations, grammar, reading, culture, and simplified Chinese character writing.

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Personal Description:
I have around 15 years of teaching experience ranging from French, English as a Foreign Language and both practical and theory of music. I teach from home for a relaxed and friendly lesson style.

Teaching Experience:
I have tutored numerous pupils towards ABRSM, AQA and WJEC exams and teach both children and adults.

Tutoring Approach:
I teach from home for a relaxed and friendly lesson style.

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Personal Description:
I have an LLB in English and a diplome in French law. I have worked in 2 different Swiss banks as a lawyer, in Geneva and in London before starting a family. I currently work as a French and Spanish teacher at a local private school in Esher and I also teach French, Italian and Portuguese to adults and children in their homes. For the last 8 years I have helped children of all ages improve their maths and english work.
I speak 5 languages; English, French, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese.

I have an Italian father and a Brasilian mother who has lived in France for more then 20 years.

Seeing my nephews and own kids grow up with 2 different languages has given me the opportunity to help them with their english and with any other subject they have fallen behind in due to the language barrier.

Teaching Experience:
I have key stages 1,2 and 3 teaching experience in all subjects.

I currently teach French and Spanish at a local private school in Esher and I also tutor English, maths, French and Portuguese to adults and children in their homes. I have been tutoring for 10 years now.

Being multilingual and raising bilingual kids, I feel it is important to teach children from an early age the basics in maths and english in a fun and structured way either in their mother tongue language or in english, depending on the preference of the parents.

Tutoring Approach:
I like teaching younger children in a fun and structured way, so I use a variety of props, music, colourful stories and scenarios, all this to keep them interested and entertained.

Older children and adults I teach in a structured and varied way where my aim is for them to learn and absorb the passion I have for the subject. Each have their own lesson plan and I check their development through quizzes and tests.

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Personal Description:
I was born in Hamburg, Germany, am 28 years old and moved to Cardiff in 2013 to study towards a Master of Music degree at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama. I completed a Bachelor of Music degree at the University of Aberdeen in 2013 and graduated with 1st Class Honours.

Since 2015, I have been running the International Music School Cardiff as Director, where private music tuition in all instruments of the highest quality is offered to children and adults alike.

I am an active performer, accompanist and composer, which I believe is very important in order to be able to speak from experience when teaching your instrument.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching piano and music theory for the past ten years, both privately and at school and university. I have worked with children, university students as well as adults, ranging from early beginners to grade 8 standard and beyond.

I have prepared my students for school exams, graded exams, concerts and competitions and all of them passed and had successful performances.

Tutoring Approach:
I use various teaching resources which I have both collected and created myself to cover all areas of piano playing, i.e. sight-reading, theory, scales, technical exercises, duo and ensemble playing. I find it more important (especially for a young person) to develop a natural relationship with the instrument and to learn to love the sound of it by making it and listening to it rather than to merely focus on achieving grades as quickly as possible.

I believe that music should be a social activity. This is why I encourage all of my students to perform in front of each other at regular informal concerts as well as festivals and competitions, if the student feels ready.

Working with students and passing on my knowledge and skills is the most rewarding experience and based on the good relationship I have with all my students and their families as well as my students' successes in performances and competitions I am confident to say that they are having an enjoyable and rewarding time under my tuition.

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Personal Description:
My name is Kay and I have 21 years' experience as a tutor in all of the following subjects and levels:

1) English at Primary level (Years 1 to 6), KS3 , GCSE (Language & Literature) and A level Literature.
2) Maths at Primary level (Years 1 to 6).
3) 7+, 11+ , 13+ entrance exams.
4) History at KS3 and GCSE level.
5) Piano - from Grades 1 to 5 , as well as learning for pleasure
6) Singing -from Grades 1 to 5., as well as learning for pleasure
7) Guitar- from Grades 1 to 3, as well as learning for pleasure.
8) Music Theory- from Grades 1 to 5.

I am now offering tuition on Zoom/Skype during the Lockdown.

I also have 26 written references from parents, for students of various abilities, across all these subjects and levels.
I have an English-related degree (in History- which included some English modules within the degree), and I have a Level 1 City & Guilds Teaching Certificate in English.

I also have a proven track record of improving student's grades, regularly improving them by 1 to 2 grades, often in less than 1 year's tuition. For example, in English, I recently tutored a student at GCSE level- he had been predicted C grades in both Language & Literature, but after just 8 months' tuition with me, he achieved an A in his GCSE English Language exam and an A* in his English Literature exam. This is typical of my success over the years as a tutor.

I use National Curriculum Resources for all tuitions. Furthermore, I have great experience tutoring all abilities from the gifted and talented to those with Learning Disabilities (I have regularly taught students with Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and Asberges).

I can either travel to the student's home or they can come to me. I am available to tutor on all evenings of the week, Monday to Friday, as well as in the daytime.I tutor through most of the School holidays, providing the opportunity for students to put in extra revision during these periods.

Teaching Experience:
As a full-time tutor, I have built up an extensive knowledge of the National Curriculum and the various exam boards.
I have also built up a wealth of National Curriculum Resources for English, Maths and History : my 3 main subjects.

For English, I have resources covering the following: Spelling, Punctuation, Grammar , Phonics, Vocabulary, Sentence structure, Comprehension and Creative Writing.

For Maths, I have resources from the very basics: Number Bonds and Counting up and down at KS1, to the 4 operations & main topics : for example Fractions , Decimals and Percentages at KS2 . Also, I have books for Gifted and Talented Maths students at the top of KS2 level.In addition, I have an extensive resource base of past exam papers in all subjects and levels.

For History, I have National Curriculum Resources for the various exam boards and plenty of past papers.

Tutoring Approach:
I am a firm believer in making students feel at ease in the lessons, and in offering plenty of encouragement during the tuitions to build the student's confidence in the subject I am teaching.

I generally teach a topic to a student , and then set practice questions for the student to attempt based on my teaching.I am open to setting homework for the students, but always liaise with the parents as to whether they want their child to have any and if so how much.

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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.

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Personal Description:
Susannah is a Master's graduate from Trinity Laban Conservatoire, London, where she was supported by the Dame Felicity Lott Bursary and The Seary Trust.

Susannah is a member of the Aureus Trio, exploring works for flute, cello and piano.

Whilst at Trinity, Susannah was chosen to participate in the conservatoire's side-by-side orchestral project scheme, performing alongside professional flautists from the Philharmonia Orchestra and Welsh National Opera Orchestra. With numerous ensembles, Susannah has played at Blackheath Halls, St. James Piccadilly, Institute of Contemporary Arts and St John's Smith Square, among other venues.

Susannah is a keen chamber musician, and has played with a wide variety of instrumentalists and singers, and has participated in the British Isles Music Festival for several years.

Susannah is pursuing a freelance performing career; working with various ensembles as well as playing in chamber music recitals. A 2019 highlight was performing as the Aureus Trio on a cruise around the Indian Ocean.

Teaching Experience:
Flute and Music Theory: I have over 4 years of teaching experience. I have taught absolute beginners up to Grade 8 flute and advanced. I teach up to Grade 5 theory. I have a 100% pass rate for my students' exams- many usually achieving merit or distinction. I can teach both ABRSM and Trinity College London exam boards

Having studied music up to Masters level, I can also prepare students for their GCSE and/or A-level courses: both performance elements and written exams.

Tutoring Approach:
I'm a friendly and supportive teacher. I give lots of time to each of my students.

I can be flexible with lesson times.

I want my students to play the best they can by encouragement, and I do not put undue pressure on them.

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Personal Description:
Hi,
My name is Madusha, an energetic, keen enthusiastic young female completing my degree in Optometry in Cambridge.

Teaching Experience:
Music - Piano/Viola

• Passed my Piano Diploma-Trinity (March 2017)
• Performed as the lead violist at the Royal Festival Hall with the London Philharmonic Orchestra
• Took part in a tour to Berlin with Sutton Youth Symphony Orchestra in (July 2015)
• Played for social events at Banstead Downs Golf Club, carol services and for various charity events
• Frequent voluntary commitment to play piano for fund raising events in Morrison's - Sutton and for the Macular Society at Salvation Army

Tutoring Approach:
I am friendly and flexible with your needs and will be offering to teach piano to primary school children and teenagers up to Grade 4.
I am happy to teach anyone with no experience or if you would like to learn only the basics.
I assess student teaching styles prior to commencing lessons and offer personalised programmes to cater for each individual needs.

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Personal Description:
Hi, I`m Laurence. I produce and DJ. I have been producing for 10 years and actively releasing music for the passed 5, having toured the UK, Europe and USA.

I graduated with a 2:1 Honors degree back in 2014 in Music Production at London Metropolitan University.

Teaching Experience:
I have 10+ years experience in music production and have been private tutoring for the passed year. I`m have extensive knowledge of Ableton Live and Logic Pro including mixing, recording, synthesis, arrangements, drum programming and more.

Tutoring Approach:
I offer a fun and practical approach to music production, tailoring each lessons to your own skill level and personal goals. Whether you are just beginning or have some previous experience, we will work together on building your technical knowledge and self confidence as music producer.
I will guide you through each step, from starting your song to drum programming, arrangement, synthesis and mixing techniques. I`m also happy to teach some basic piano/music theory knowledge to anyone who`s just starting out. Creativity and artistry is personal to ourselves, therefore I help and encourage my students to explore and develop their own creative ideas.
I teach from my recording studio in Hackney.

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Personal Description:
I am a fully qualified and highly experienced piano and music theory teacher offering piano lessons via Skype or video exchange, and music theory lessons by email correspondence (file exchange).

I am a fellow of the Incorporated Society of Musicians, and an ISM registered private teacher. I am also ICO registered, DBS checked and have completed the NSPCC child protection training.

Teaching Experience:
More than 25 years of experience teaching piano and music theory privately.

Tutoring Approach:
I teach children and adults, all ages are welcome from age 6 upwards. I am happy to teach people who just want to learn for fun, and I am equally equipped to prepare students for exams.

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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:
Singer, songwriter and professional vocal coach. I've been singing and teaching professionally for 7 years now. All the lessons are done in a professional studio free of charge with a variety of equipment.

Teaching Experience:
I finished one of the most prestigious private schools for vocal technique in Eastern Europe and I want to share my learnings with new upcoming singers. In my years of training I've covered a lot of styles and learned how to approach all of them in a effective and healthy way.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach in life is to know your craft close to perfection and to never give up on your goals. I'm trained in Popular Music Performance but I can help with your Classical technique also. I will teach you how to handle sets of 45 min of singing up to 2-3 hours without hurting your vocal chords.

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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 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'm Richard, a passionate and experienced maths tutor with a Mathematics degree from the University of Manchester. I've spent years helping students build confidence, close knowledge gaps, and achieve results they never thought possible. I work with learners from KS2 through to A-Level, offering personalised support to help them thrive in maths. Whether your child is aiming high at GCSE, building the basics in Year 7, or pushing through A-Level hurdles, I'll meet them where they are and move them forward.

Teaching Experience:
I have been a tutor for 10 years, helping students of various grade levels gain confidence and achieve academic success in mathematics. My courses align with the curriculum, providing clear goals for your academic success. Specializing in math tutoring across various grade levels, I am committed to making your learning straightforward and effective.

Here are some words from students and parents I've worked with:

• "An amazing tutor that fosters confidence in Maths... friendly, warm, and welcoming." - Angela

• "Very patient... drills down in detail until the student understands." - Hennah

• "Lessons come together like a great movie." - Emma

• "My daughter achieved a higher grade than expected thanks to Richard." - Julie

• "He gave me so much confidence in mechanics and difficult pure." - Adila

• "My son really focuses and finds the lessons useful." - Jurate

• "My son is beginning to gain confidence in maths with Richard teaching him." - Sally T

• "Our daughter went up three grades between mocks and exams." - Sara H

• "Highly recommended... he handled a complex situation brilliantly." - Finley L

• "My son is fussy about tutors but loves learning with Richard." - Sarah R

• "He really helped us after a bad experience with other tutors." - Christina S

• "My son is now far more confident... can't recommend Richard enough." - Sophie C

• "Very patient, supportive, clear explanations." - Tina B

• "Tailored lessons... improving her grades." - Masooma J

• "I went from a predicted 4/5 to a Grade 7 thanks to Richard." - Sayfuddin M

• "Raised from a predicted 5 to almost an 8 in GCSE. Incredible tutor." - Maria I

• "Richard helped my son achieve a strong Grade 7 at GCSE." - Katie A

• "My boy got a 9 at GCSE maths... 100% recommend!" - Annie K

Tutoring Approach:
I focus on clarity, confidence, and progress. My sessions are tailored to each student ... I take time to understand how they think, where they get stuck, and how to build from there. My lessons are interactive and encouraging, with a strong emphasis on breaking down tricky concepts into steps that just make sense.

I've also developed a unique 'Belt System' ... inspired by martial arts....which turns GCSE maths into a structured journey of achievement. It helps students visualise their progress and take pride in every step forward. Many students arrive thinking maths is a subject they just have to get through .... they leave realising it's something they can actually feel proud of....

If you're looking for a tutor who values your input and offers a personalized learning experience, let's make mastering math straightforward and tailored just for you!

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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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