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Peter Irlam - Piano, Violin, musical theory and Adult Literacy private tutor in Formby, N Liverpool

Peter Irlam Gold Member

Formby, N Liverpool (L37) View on map
Last Logged In: 22 May 2012
Sex: Male
Web site: www.piano-and-violin-tuition-merseyside.co.uk

Contact Me

B.A Joint Hons
Full CRB (Enhanced 'Disclosure')
The Incorporated Society of Musicians
References are available upon request
I'm on LinkedIn

Subjects

(click on the subjects to see other tutors in this area)

Piano £24.00/hr
Adult Literacy/ Numeracy £26.00/hr
English as a Foreign Language (EFL) £26.00/hr

Music Theory Exams £24.00/hr
Violin £24.00/hr

Personal Message: I have a friendly, relaxed and flexible approach. Inspiration is key, so it's important to learn the music that the student wants to play. Lessons are therefore tailored to suit each individual. My aim is to nurture, encourage and motivate.
Which subject(s) do you teach?: Piano, Violin, Musical theory, Adult Literacy and English as a Second Language.

Please read my availability at http://www.piano-and-violin-tuition-merseyside.co.uk/availability.htm
Tell me about your qualifications.: BA Joint Honours in English and French from the University of Liverpool.
Cambridge CELTA
ABRSM Grade 8 piano
ABRSM Grade 5 viola (although grade 8 level achieved)
ABRSM Grade 5 theory in music.
What kind of experience do you have?: I have over 20 years experience of private music tuition. During this time I have taught over 300 students and currently teach over 65 a week.

I have performed with the Sefton, Warrington and Wirral Youth Orchestras and became principle violist of the Merseyside Youth Orchestra.
I have also been a guest member with the Crosby Symphony Orchestra, the Liverpool University Orchestra, the Sandringham String Quartet and many ad hoc charity functions.

I have worked in both primary and secondary schools and in 2011 I joined the organisation VRH (Volunteer Reading Help), a national charity, helping children who struggle with their reading to develop a love of reading and learning.

I think it's important that the experience I've gained as a performer and teacher over the years is passed onto my students directly. You can only truly provide insights, tips and alternative techniques when you've pioneered them yourself.

My students feel relaxed knowing that they have a plain talking teacher who can demystify the subject for them.
How much do you charge?: I charge £26 per hour for adult literacy and english as a foreign language and £24 for piano, violin and music theory. This includes travelling to my student's home.

A few have their lessons at mine for which I only charge £20 an hour. Half hour lessons are pro rate.

Don't forget: first trial lesson is free!
Where do you teach?: I do teach from home (at a reduced rate, see above), but most students prefer the convenience of home visits especially if it involves teaching larger groups.

It offers peace of mind in a safe and secure environment.
When are you available?: Private tuition is my full time job; it's all that I do.

I'm available mornings, afternoons, evenings and weekends!
Which ages and levels do you teach?: I have taught from as young as two (yes, you read that correctly!) and up to those fortunate enough to reach their nineties.
I am particularly good with complete beginners and putting you at ease.
Re-starters are more than welcome as are the more seasoned veterans.
Which qualifications do you prepare your students for?: I prepare my students for the ABRSM or Trinity examinations and I'm flexible over other qualifications, examination boards, festivals etc.
Do you have an up-to-date CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) disclosure certificate?: I have an Enhanced 'Disclosure' (I used to work for the Criminal Records Bureau who issue Disclosures!) although it is a little out of date.
However, a Disclosure is only necessary for 'unsupervised' access to vulnerable adults and children.
I would be more than willing to apply through a Registered Body for a more up to date CRB should that be the case.
Describe your arrangements for online tutoring.: Online tuition is via Skype. I currently tutor professionals in Asia and Japan wishing to improve their career prospects.
Where and with whom did you train?: I studied at The University of Liverpool to attain my B.A Joint Hons degree. My musical career was under the supervision of Rob Shepley, Liz Varlow and Roger Benedict, all of whom were members of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.
Tell me about some of your current students.: Professionals seeking accent reduction and to improve their career prospects.
Speakers of English as a second language.
Company Directors/Business owners/Consultants.
Musical therapy to those recovering from surgical procedures and brain trauma.

My Articles

What is practice?

George Bernard Shaw famously once said, “If you teach a man anything, he will never learn”. He was right. Learning is an active process; we learn by doing. And only used knowledge is retained knowledge. I agree. And whilst we learn many things in life through association, when it comes to learning a new sonata, minuet or study on the...

How to deal when a student quits.

How to deal when a student quits: A teacher's perspective. As human beings many of us are excellent starters but poor finishers. Enthusiasm and energy are high to begin with and then, as the old saying goes, the novelty wears off. For example, how many of us truly keep those New Year resolutions. Ever bought that shiny new car and vowed to wash...

Music Therapy: the calming benefits of music.

I'd like to talk about what's missing from your life. That's right - missing. "Wait a minute!", you say, "Nothing's missing from my life! I live in one of the greatest countries in the world; technology is at an all time high; medical advancements have raised us to a new level of health and longevity; there has never been a better time...

Can learning an instrument make you smarter?

It has long been proved that learning to play a musical instrument actually makes you smarter! Unfortunately, simply listening to hours of your favourite composer won't quite hack it; you have to put in the effort and practise. So what causes the human brain to respond in such a manner? Scientists and psychologists believe the answer is to...

My Testimonials

"I always wanted to learn to play the violin and it's only now I'm a bit older I have the time - Peter is extremely kind and patient, and always so positive - I certainly needn't have worried though I was a bit nervous at first. It's great to get reacquainted with my creative side!" - Melanie Ashton.

Thanks for all your help. I was really pleased with my results. (Grade 4).
- Rob Nayagam

Thank you so much for making such a difference to my little world - you can teach an old dog new tricks! - Mel Ashton, Cattery Owner!

Loving the Carols and thanks for getting me the music to 'Master & Commander'.
- Isobel ('Idge') Squire

Just wanted to say a thank you for the free taster. We came home at 3.oopm and she has been tinkering with her keyboard ever since. - Rose Shaw

A fantastic teacher. Lessons are fun, good blend of contemporary and modern. Very relevant. Highly recommended.
- Anna Poblet

Peter is a great piano teacher! We have lots of fun in the lesson and I can feel myself improving at piano every lesson. I enjoy my lessons and look forward to them every week. It's not work, work, work but it still teaches you loads. Highly recommended! - Rosie Bunn

You are much more fun than our previous teacher. Thanks for always bringing us the chart music that we ask for.
- Matt & Haylay Wilson

Anna's enthusiasm for playing the piano is a testament to the huge enjoyment she gets out of Peter's lessons. In the 18 months Peter has been teaching her to play she has grown into a confident and competent pianist. The lessons are varied, fun and entertaining.
- Fiona Hollis

My daughter Amy has been learning to play the violin at school for a while. It has only been after having lessons with Peter that I now hear Amy practice at home - Peter's fun approach to teaching and his enthusiasm has worked miracles for my easily distracted 10 year old! Highly recommended. - Kirsty Holloran.

Thank you very much for helping me progress on the piano over the past ten years. It's been a really enjoyable experience. I hope we will be able to keep in touch. Thank you.
- Chris Tratt

Peter is a fabulous teacher with plenty of patience especially when I am finding something difficult. He is always punctual and is understanding if I have to cancel and will try to rearrange when available. Peter has a great teaching method and a fantastic attitude to his music. He is a teacher I would highly recommend - Alice Little.

You encourage me, you help me play pieces that are not in the book. I learn new, fun pieces often.
- Victoria ('Tori') Whelan

Thank you for everything so far, you were a great help with my grade one as you can see with the grade I got. I hope you will help me just as much in future grades as you did with this one. Thank you again. - George Watkinson.

Thank you for your inspirational teaching! - Margaret

I'm looking forward to doing my Grade One and we've picked nice pieces.
- Jonathon ('Jonti') Bunn

Peter took on my daughter Grace shortly before Christmas in order to pass her Grade 5 theory exam which was necessary for her to be entered for her Grade 6 Trumpet. Peter started Grace at grade 2 level and I'm delighted to say that by Summer my daughter had passed her Grade 5 theory with merit!
- Janet

From the moment we made contact everything was very straight forward and efficient. Multiple lines of communication made it really easy to arrange lessons. Also accommodating my shift pattern has helped greatly. I honestly thought it would be much more difficult to sort out but you have made it really easy.
Thanks
- David Flemming.

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Testimonials are provided by the tutor and are not verified by The Tutor Pages