B.A. (Hons), ALCM
M.A. (Mus.Ed) PGCE
CRB Enhanced Disclosure
Incorporated Society of Musicians, NUT, Musicians Union
References are available upon request

Subjects

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Personal Message

I have over 35 years international experience of teaching music to students of all ages and levels of ability. I also continue to perform as a professional freelance musician. I have had wide experience as both a classroom and instrumental practitioner in specialist music schools, colleges and universities as well as mainstream and special schools, where I have taught the musically gifted as well as those with Special Educational Needs. I am registered with the General Teaching Council for England and hold Qualified Teacher Status and Advanced Skills Teacher Status. I have also been fully vetted through CRB enhanced disclosure for work with children and vulnerable adults.

Interview

Which subject(s) do you teach?
I teach Clarinet and Saxophone from beginner to advanced level. Flute and Oboe to intermediate level. Music Theory to Grade 5 level and GCSE and A level Music. Having worked in an MLD Special School for 4 years, I also have experience of teaching handwriting, numeracy and literacy skills to SEN pupils.

Tell me about your qualifications.
B.A. (Hons) Music, ALCM (Performers Diploma) M.A (Mus. Ed) PGCE. (QTS / Advanced Skills Teacher Status.)

What kind of experience do you have?
35 years of international experience as both and instrumental and classroom practitioner and professional freelance musician. I have taught in Scandinavia, the Arabian Gulf and UK in specialist music schools, colleges and universities. After leaving the Central Band of the RAF in 1981, I continued to work as a professional freelance musician and have performed with many leading orchestras, including the BBC Concert and Light Orchestras, RPO and RLPO. I was also principal clarinet for Ballet Rambert for four years and continue to play regularly in West End shows, with various contemporary ensembles and as a session musician. I have worked professionally as both a classical and jazz / contemporary musician and as both an instrumental and classroom music teacher / lecturer.

How much do you charge?
£30- 45 per hour pro rata, depending on subject and ability level. I have three fee bands Beginner (£30 per hr pro rata) Intermediate (£32 per hr) Advanced (£35-£45 per hr)

Where do you teach?
I teach from my home studio in Kempston, Bedford, MK42 8PG and for Milton Keynes Music Service, Simpson, Milton Keynes MK6 3AF.

When are you available?
Most days after 4.30pm and on Saturdays. I am only available during the daytime on Fridays.

Which ages and levels do you teach?
I teach all ages and levels of ability. I currently have students with special needs as well as post graduate music students, professional musicans and music teachers.

Do you have an up-to-date CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) disclosure certificate?
Yes I have been fully CRB checked by enhanced disclosure. This is a legal requirement for all UK registered teachers teaching in Local Authority schools and it is regularly updated.

Describe your arrangements for online tutoring.
I can tutor in music theory, GCSE & A level online and offer online instrumental tuition via webcam on MSN Live Messenger.

Do you belong to any professional organisations?
I belong to the Incorporated Socety of Musicians (Musicians in Education Register and PrIvate Teachers Section) I am also registered with the General Teaching Council for England and am a member of the NUT, Musicians Union, Clarinet & Sax Society of GB and World Clarinet Alliance.

Where and with whom did you train?
I studied firstly as a Junior Exhibitioner at Trinity College of Music with Keth Puddy (principal clarinet of the Hallé Orchestra) and later, as a Dartington undergraduate, with David Campbell. Saxophone studies were with Peter Ripper of the London Saxophone Quartet and BBC Radio Big Band. I have also studied for a short time with John McCaw and Sydney Fell at the RCM and, as a Military musician with Jack Brymer at Kneller Hall.

Tell me about some of your current students.
I currently have students of all ages from 9 to 75 years from a wide range of professional, social and cultural backgrounds. These include students with special needs such as Asperger's syndrome and Austism to Post Graduate music students and professional musicians.

Do you have a personal message for students?
I believe everyone has the potential to enjoy and participate in active music making. I try to tailor lessons to individual needs and differing learning styles. All styles, classical, jazz, pop and rock are catered for. Lessons are informal and designed to be fun while, at the same time, helping students to progress at their own pace. While I regularly enter students for examinations with the major examining boards (ABSRM and Trinity-Guildhall), I do not do so until the student feels they are ready. I also strongly believe that examinations should not be a substitute for lack of motivation and the instrinsic enjoyment of making music for its own sake. This is the main reason I have been able to maintain 100% pass rate in all examinations since 1975. As well as developing basic instrumental performing ability, I try to develop students general musicianship and aural perception skills and to broaden their musical horizons. I like to take the time to 'admire the view' rather than rushing to the sumit via the quickest route. I believe this ultimately makes for a more accomplished, versatile and rounded musician.