Subjects

(click subjects to see other tutors in this area)

Personal Message

I am a piano teacher, composer, pianist and piano-accordionist, with extensive experience of writing for film and television.

Interview

Which subject(s) do you teach?
I teach Piano, Composition, Film Music Composition and Songwriting

Tell me about your qualifications.
I have a 1st Class Honours degree in Music from Christ Church College, Canterbury and Grade 8 Distinction in piano-playing. I studied with Dr Frank May at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama and then privately.
I had a scholarship in Composing for Film at the National Film & Television School, 1990-1994.

What kind of experience do you have?
I have been teaching since 1993, both private piano tuition to children and adults, and as music tutor at the Halfway House (Students 19-25), Cambridge University Moving Image Studio (mature students), and as a freelance lecturer in film music since 1999 at international film schools such as Norway, Egypt and arts clubs and colleges. With regard to composition and songwriting, I have been a professional composer since 1994 for all the major broadcast channels. including music for two documentaries on Princess Diana for ITV, ‘The Hunt’ for BBC2 (Cultural Prix Italia), three stage musicals, which include ‘Alice Through the Looking-Glass ‘ (Critics Choice, The Times, 2000).
I am an Associate Member of the British Academy of Composers & Songwriters and have twice been on the judging panel of the British Composer Awards. As a pianist I have been classical accompanist in song cycles for the German soprano Elke Ulmer-Kracht, performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and for the Theatre Royal York as well as playing on many recordings of film music for BBC, ITV and CH4.

How much do you charge?
I charge £29 per hour and £15 for half an hour. I charge extra for travelling to your home, the amount depending on distance.

Where do you teach?
I travel to pupils' homes to teach. I also have a quite extensive music library of pianoforte work which is available for the pupils. Pupils are also able to record their piano-playing in my studio at appropriate stages of their development.
I live close to Mortlake Station an am within easy reach of East Sheen, Richmond and surrounding areas.

When are you available?
I am flexible but generally Tuesdays and Thursdays 4 to 8pm for children and Saturdays for adults, but it is negotiable!

Which ages and levels do you teach?
I teach all levels, beginners and advanced, and all ages.

Which qualifications do you prepare your students for?
I prepare students for the ABRSM Graded Music Examinations 1-8 in Practical and Theory, the ABRSM Performance Assessment (see www.abrsm.org and Jazz Grades 1-5, Practical Musicianship Grades 1 to 8,

Do you have an up-to-date CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) disclosure certificate?
I was CRB checked as Musical Director of St Margaret’s Church Barking in 2007.

Do you belong to any professional organisations?
I am an Associate Member of the British Academy of Composers, Songwriters and Authors, an Associate Member of PRS.

Where and with whom did you train?
I studied with Jean Phillips at Christ Church College, Canterbury then I trained with Dr Frank May in Pianoforte at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Part-time Studies.