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Subjects

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Interview

Which subject(s) do you teach?
I teach Trumpet, Cornet and Jazz Theory from absolute beginners who have never read music or picked up a trumpet to advanced students who want specific help with technique or improvisation.

What kind of experience do you have?
Professional playing experience ranges from West End and touring shows through to international appearances with my own ensembles, alongside considerable session work mostly in the jazz/soul/pop field.

I have been teaching for 8 years and have worked with a huge range of students during that time.

How much do you charge?
My introductory lesson price is just £25 for 1 hour.

My standard rate is £30 per hour (+ travel where appropriate, though I prefer to teach from home). This fee includes some study materials, and I am always available on the phone between lessons to clear up any questions that students may have.

I can also offer a block-booking discount if you pay for 5 or more lessons in a lump sum.

Where do you teach?
I teach mainly at my home in Highbury/Stoke Newington (nearest tube: Arsenal/Finsbury Park, buses 19, 4, 236, 341, 141, 393) and also at students' homes.

I am also happy to travel to teach, but prefer if students are based in North/East London if this is the case. There is a small additional fee for travelling - please contact me to get a specific quote.

When are you available?
As a full-time player and teacher, my diary tends to be very flexible. If the student's diary allows, I prefer to teach during weekday daytimes, but I teach many students who are only able to have lessons during weekday evenings or at weekends. Please contact me to arrange a suitable time.

Which ages and levels do you teach?
I teach all levels and abilities, from absolute beginners with no experience of reading music or playing trumpet, through to experienced semi-professional players looking to refine their technique or improvisation skills.

Do you belong to any professional organisations?
Musicians' Union.

Tell me about some of your current students.
Current students include:
7-year old complete beginner
40-year old experienced player who is working on his improvisation
22-year old woman with a medical breathing problem who is working largely on the physiological aspects of trumpet playing

And many more! I have students of all ages, nationalities and backgrounds.

Do you have a personal message for students?
I know how hard it can be to fit trumpet practice into your daily routine, so I try to focus on concepts that maximise the efficiency of the time that you have available. There's no substitute for lots of practice, but at the same time you achieve far more with motivated, efficient practice little and often than with hours of exercises that bore you to tears!

I am careful to tailor my lessons to focus on the style of music that the student likes best; whether it is jazz, rock or classical, I make sure that we spend our time doing what you want to do.

I am a very relaxed and patient teacher with an excellent sense of humour, which I've found to be a great help when wrestling with this wonderful yet incredibly frustrating instrument!