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Beth Gifford - Music Theory, Viola, Violin (Classical/ Fiddle) Piano, Teacher in Birmingham

Beth Gifford Viola Teacher (Birmingham)

Beth Gifford

  • Birmingham (B16) View on map
  • Last Logged In: 25 Apr 2012
  • Sex: Female
  • Can Travel To: CV DE DY WR WS WV
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Personal Message
I'm Beth Gifford, currently a student at Birmingham Conservatoire and an experienced teacher, both in my own practice and as a Mentor at the Junior Birmingham Conservatoire.
Which subject(s) do you teach?
Music Theory, Viola, Violin, Piano, Singing, folk fiddle
Tell me about your qualifications.
I have Grade 8 Viola (ABRSM), Grade 8 Singing (Distinction, ABRSM), Grade 6 Piano (ABRSM) Grade 5 Piano (Rockschool) Grade 5 Theory (ABRSM, Distinction). I am currently entering the third year of a Bmus(hons) at the Birmingham Conservatoire specialising in viola.
What kind of experience do you have?
I have extensive orchestral experience with youth orchestras, adult amatuer orchestras, as a paid professional and in Conservatoire. I have been involved in many chamber music projects, again as an amateur and a professional. As a soloist I have also appeared in a number of concerts, and with number of amateur orchestras. In 2009, I was the winner of the Hertford Young Musician of the Year award (strings, and overall winner). I was also an accompanist for the Broxbourne School choir, from 2007-2009, and conductor of the Broxbourne School string group 2008-2009.
More recently I have become the co-principle viola of the Leighton Buzzard Sinfonia and of the Baroque group Summo Campana, including as a soloist for Bach's Brandenburg Concerto no6

Outside of classical music, I have had experience in a wide range of other genres. I have grown up with folk music, and have always taken a great interest in it. As a singer and violist I performed with bands at venues and festivals across the country. I have also played in Klezmer bands, the Birmingham Conservatoire Folk Ensemble, and a number of small groups, including a guest performance with the folk band Chalktown.

As a teacher, I have had broad experience in different environments. I've taught theory, composition and pre-exam coaching one to one. I have also taken classroom lessons, at GCSE and below. More recently, I have become a music educator, with roles as an assistant and a workshop leader, for a steel pan band. With larger groups, I have been teaching for the folk youth arts company Shooting Roots for 5 years and I am now a Lead Tutor. I am also a Mentor at the Junior Birmingham Conservatoire.
How much do you charge?
£18/hour is my usual rate, and £10 for half hour. I would ask for travel expenses, if teaching outside of my immediate area.
Where do you teach?
I teach either in my own home (Birmingham, B16) or at the Birmingham Conservatoire in the city centre.
When are you available?
Most evenings and weekends. Some afternoons, depending on my schedule.
Which ages and levels do you teach?
I teach all ages! In terms of levels:

Viola: Up to grade 8
Violin: Up to grade 6
Classical piano: Up to grade 5
Rockschool piano: Up to grade 5
Singing: Up to grade 8
Theory: Up to grade 5
Folk fiddle: Beginner to intermediate.
Which qualifications do you prepare your students for?
Primarily I focus on the ABRSM Syllabus but I am also experienced with Trinity Guildhall and Trinity Rockschool. Primarily I aim to help the Student make their own choices
Do you have an up-to-date CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) disclosure certificate?
Yes
Tell me about some of your current students.
Currently one of my pupils is preparing for her grade 5 singing, two for their grade 5 theory. One of my piano pupils has just recieved great feed back on his Prep test and we are now preparing for the Grade 1.
Do you have a personal message for students?
I have a number of Violins of different sizes for a small hire cost for starting students

My Articles

Avoiding and Recovering from Musical Injury

Most musicians at some point in their career, professional or amateur, will encounter some form of musical injury. These are commonly recognised; for violinists and violists: "tennis elbow", rsi, tendonitis, neck bruising; for singers: nodules on the vocal chords, polyps, strain... the list is endless. As a violist I have, though early in my...

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