Masters Degree in Performance with Distinction (RSAMD)
Postgraduate Diploma in Performance (RCM). BA Hons Degree in Music (Leeds)
Musicians Union and British Trombone Society

Subjects

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Interview

Which subject(s) do you teach?
I teach all the different types of Brass Instruments from Cornet through to Tuba, with a particular emphasis on teaching the Trombone.
Whether you are a keen amateur and want to develop your practice, a fledgling trombone careerist, a nervous beginner or someone who just wants to play for fun, I will assess your needs and provide relevant and professional tuition and can facilitate regular lessons and specific consultations for problem areas.

A personal development plan can be arranged to suit your needs and if you are enquiring on behalf of your child I can discuss a learning plan together with you. Parents are also encouraged to sit in on lessons if they want to. I also run lessons with mixed instrumentation (different brass instruments together) and mixed ability groups.

Tell me about your qualifications.
I have a Masters Degree in Performance from the RoyalScottish Academy of Music and Drama, a Post Graduate Diploma in Performance form the Royal College of Music and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music from the University of Leeds.

What kind of experience do you have?
After graduating from the Royal College of Music in 2001, I was appointed to a brass teaching post at one of Norway’s leading Music Colleges in the city of Molde, where he worked until 2007. The main emphasis of my work was to promote the trombone and increase the number of students wishing to study it as their primary instrument, as numbers of players had been declining year on year due to lack of expertise within the local area. Much of my work was about developing a community of brass players within the county, through expert teaching and development of ensembles and bands. Many of my pupils from this period have gone on to study at some of Europe’s finest Music Colleges and pursue playing at a professional level.
Since moving back to the UK I have taught for Roundhay Music and for Barnsley Music Service teaching individual lessons, group lessons of mixed instrumentation and ability and whole class participation under the Wider Opportunities Scheme.
I continue to develop my own practice and teaching through responding to current trends in music education, basing my techniques around Common Approach (the instrumental teacher’s curriculum), the ABRSM and Music Medals syllabuses. Iam currently developing a Beginners Book and uses a variety of pedagogy and new technology approaches to enhance my lessons.
I am frequently called in to teach at workshops for many different organisations and recently led trombone teaching at the Yorkshire and Humberside Brass Band and East Anglia Brass Band Associations annual professional development seminar and regularly works with smaller organisations such as the Kingdom Youth Brass Band based in Fife.

How much do you charge?
I charge £25 an hour, £12.5 for half an hour. Discounted rates available for longer lessons and for group lessons.

Where do you teach?
I teach at my home in Manchester as most of my pupils find it very convenient. I am located just a five minute walk away from Manchester Victoria Station or a ten minute walk from Piccadilly Station. Iam prepared to travel to you at an extra cost.

When are you available?
Available for lessons Monday to Friday 8am to 9pm.

Which ages and levels do you teach?
I teach all ages and all abilities.

Do you have a CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) disclosure certificate?
No, but I have CRB certificates from previous employers.

Do you belong to any professional organisations?
British Trombone Society
Musicians Union

Where and with whom did you train?
I began my musical career aged fifteen at Chethams School of Music under the tutelage of Kevin Price the former Principal Trombone with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. I then went on to study with Lindsay Shilling-Principal Trombone of the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, John Kenny-International Trombone Soloist, Chris Houlding-Former Principal Trombone with Opera North and Simon Johnson-Principal Trombone with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra.