Subjects

(click subjects to see other tutors in this area)

Interview

Which subject(s) do you teach?
I teach classical Cello, Music Theory, Orchestration and Musicianship to adults and children from beginners upwards, as well as tutoring A level and GCSE music candidates and teaching the Klezmer (East European Jewish instrumental music) tradition to bowed string players (Grade 3 upwards).

Tell me about your qualifications.
In September 2009 I completed a MMus course in Ethnomusicology at the School of Oriental and African Studies, where I specialised in klezmer and Israeli pop and politics, as well as taking a performance module in klezmer. My dissertation was on the motivations and choices of klezmer musicians in the UK. I also hold a BA (Honours) in Applied Music, First Class from the University of Strathclyde, where I specialsed in classical, klezmer and free improvised performance.
I'm currently studying on a part-time Arts and Music Workshop Leader course which includes a City and Guilds Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (PTLLS) level 3 qualification, and looks at the theory and practice of teaching music in a variety of contexts.

What kind of experience do you have?
I have been teaching privately since 2004, as well working as a performing musician in various ensembles, in theatre, and running music workshops. In January 2010, I started teaching groups of primary school students on 'Wider Opportunities' programmes for Tower Hamlets Arts and Music Education Service (THAMES).

How much do you charge?
My basic fee is £25 ph and I may charge for travel if you're a long way away.

Where do you teach?
I teach in my students' homes in south east, south west and central London.

When are you available?
I am generally available on weekday evenings, but can also offer daytime lessons. I'm very flexible about timings and you don't have to have a lesson every week or at the same time each week.

Which ages and levels do you teach?
I teach adults and children over the age of five, from beginners upwards.

Do you have a CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) disclosure certificate?
Yes.

Do you belong to any professional organisations?
I belong to the European String Teachers' Association (ESTA) and Soundsense commumity arts organisation.

Where and with whom did you train?
I have studied klezmer with Ilana Cravitz and Merlin Shepherd (at SOAS), classical cello with Betsy Taylor (University of Strathclyde), Rachel Lee (University of Strathclyde), Mark Bailey (RSAMD) and David Smith (Chetham's School of Music), and orchestration with Mark Sheridan (University of Strathclyde).

Do you have a personal message for students?
I don't have a single approach to teaching, it really depends on the needs and goals of the student. I teach from staff notation, but may also include playing by ear (especially for klezmer musicians) or use aural notation.
Using the body efficiently in playing one's instrument is very important to me. If we use our bodies well, we get the best sound from our instrument with the least amount of effort and, most importantly, we are much less likely to suffer playing-related injuries. I encourage my students to do physical warm-ups before they play to get them thinking about their relationship with their bodies and to think about whether they look and feel comfortable whilst playing. Playing in front of a mirror is a great way to check you'redoing everything properly. If it looks uncomfortable, then it'll probably cause you problems!