Diploma in music
CRB cleared
Musician's Union

Subjects

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Personal Message

I am an experienced professional bass player with 10 years teaching experience. I teach bass guitar, double bass and music theory.

Interview

Which subject(s) do you teach?
I teach Bass Guitar, Double Bass and Music Theory.
Lessons are tailored to suit your goals. During a lesson we can work on reading music, improvisation, technique, bass line construction and general musicianship.

Tell me about your qualifications.
I have a Diploma in Music and Grade 8 ABRSM Performance and Grade 8 ABRSM Theory of Music.

What kind of experience do you have?
I have been working as a professional musician for over 17 years. During this time I have worked with a range of artists playing many different styles. I have been fortunate enough to record and tour throughout Ireland, the UK, Europe, Scandinavia, North America and Canada. When on these tours I played many TV and radio shows. Currently I gig regularly as a jazz musician and do session work. I have recently appeared at Manchester, Birmingham, Marsden and Southport jazz festivals.

How much do you charge?
A 1 hour lesson is £20. For teenagers and beginners I find that the pupil has learned enough from a 45 minute lesson (@ £15) to be getting on with and practice for the next lesson. I also offer some introductory deals.

Where do you teach?
I teach at home in Walsden, which is near to Todmorden and between Rochdale and Halifax. It is a 2 minute walk from the train station which is on the main line between Manchester and Leeds. I can also go to the student's home if required, however, in which case an extra charge for transport costs may be added.

When are you available?
I am available for lessons Monday-Thursday 9am-9pm, Friday 9am-4pm, Saturday 9am-3pm and Sunday 9am -3pm. I am flexible and can tailor the lesson time to suit you.

Which ages and levels do you teach?
I teach all levels from 10 years upwards. Adults are more than welcome and almost half of my students are aged between 30-60. You are never too old to start and you will be amazed at how much your playing comes on from just a few lessons.

Do you have an up-to-date CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) disclosure certificate?
I have a CRB disclosure certificate from Calder High School where I do private bass lessons.

Do you belong to any professional organisations?
I am a member of the Musicians Union.

Where and with whom did you train?
From the age of 8 I trained at the North Eastern School of Music in Northern Ireland. When I left School I went on to study at Queen's University, Belfast. Since moving to England I have studied with the Open University and with the jazz double bass wizards, Steve Berry and Zoltan Dekany.

Tell me about some of your current students.
I currently teach a broad range of students. Some of my younger students are beginners playing for fun or are studying for GCSE's, A-levels or are studying muisc at College. My adult pupils (ages between 30-60 years) are of various levels. Some are absolute beginners and some of them have been playing for a while and are in gigging bands. Adults who have been playing a while come to me looking to develop their understanding of music so they can improve their bass lines and the instruments function. I also have helped some people pass their music college entrance exams in music theory.

Do you have a personal message for students?
No matter what level or age you are having lessons can help you get better as a player and improve your overall musicianship. It is easy to get stuck in a rut with your playing or to be reinforcing bad habits and all it takes is someone else to see it from a different perspective and point you in the right direction. Knowing what and how to practice is important.