Subjects

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Interview

Which subject(s) do you teach?
I teach Piano and Keyboard, both classical and jazz, drums all styles as well as Music Theory, Composition, and Music GCSE and A Level.

Tell me about your qualifications.
I have passed all the grade exams in piano and music theory, many with distinction. I have a GCSE in music and an A level in music. I studied piano (jazz/classical), composition, music technology and drums at the City of Leeds College of Music where I obtained my GCLCM degree.

What kind of experience do you have?
I have been teaching freelance and in schools for almost 16 years. I also ran an independent agency providing instrumental tuition in schools all over the north of England from 1996-1999. This also provided teacher training for primary teachers wishing to develop their music skills. I also play in two function bands, one as the drummer, one keyboards, performing at venues throughout the country including working for Centre Parcs, Holiday Inn chain, Ramada Hotels and many private weddings and functions.

How much do you charge?
I charge £25 per hour for all subjects. I also offer half hour lessons for £13.00 in all subjects.I offer a no obligation free consultation session (30 mins max) to discuss your requirements and to give us a chance to meet up. I also run a buy 5 lessons and get one free scheme and offer discounts on blocks of lessons paid monthly. I can travel to your home to teach which is charged at the same hourly rate plus £0.50 a mile. There is no charge for the time it takes to travel, just the mileage.

Where do you teach?
I teach in my home and also can teach you in your home where the time is available to do so. I am 2 minutes from junction 23 and 24 of the M62, 10 minutes from the centre of Huddersfield and Halifax, 20 minutes from Bradford and around 30 minutes from the centre of Leeds and Oldham. The nearest station is Huddersfield and is around 3 miles away. Personally, I can travel up to around 20 miles depending on the demand.

When are you available?
I can offer lessons on Mondays and I teach regularly on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Friday lessons can also sometimes be accommodated. My teaching slots are Tues-Thurs, anytime I have free between 9am and 10pm. Monday's are 4pm-8.30pm and Fridays are 9am 12 noon. I work throughout the school holidays as a general rule.

Which ages and levels do you teach?
I teach all ages and levels from 8 years upwards. Complete beginners are very welcome and I also teach up to and including degree level and beyond. I currently have students just starting out as well as a student that is just about to complete his music degree.

Do you have a CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) disclosure certificate?
I used to hold this certificate when I worked in schools. I do not have a current certificate, but I can provided references from existing and past students including a Head of Music and a Barrister.

Describe your arrangements for online tutoring.
This is an area I can offer if required. I use a combination of email and telephone as well as the post. My main area for this is tutoring for the Grade Theory exams, using a mixture of my own sheets and reference to text books and the ABRSM theory workbooks and papers.

Do you belong to any professional organisations?
Yes, I am a member and registered teacher with the Musician's Union.

Where and with whom did you train?
I studied at the City of Leeds College of Music where I obtained my degree. I studied under Bill Kinghorn and David Smith (head of piano and vocal) and Dr Charles Rae (head academic studies) for the three years I attended the college.

Tell me about some of your current students.
I have an eclectic mix of students from young children and adults that are just starting out on their careers as musicians, to more advanced students including one just about to complete his music degree. I welcome all students and the current age range of existing students is 8-66 years! Some students wish to take exams and I have about half my current students following this route. Exams are optional however - not all do them and I do not pressure people to take them if they do not want to.

Do you have a personal message for students?
I provide a friendly, personal service. Learning should be fun, productive and something you enjoy. Lessons are done in a structured way, always tailored to the students requirements as no two are the same. I have a well equipped teaching room as well as a grand piano for the pianists. Why not come for a free consultation and start playing!!!