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Cellist and Cello teacher in Sheffield

Tim Smedley

Sheffield (S7) View on map
Last Logged In: 23 Apr 2012
Sex: Male
Can Travel To: DE DN LS M NG SK WF YO

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Subjects

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Cello £30.00/hr
Chamber Music £30.00/hr

Music Theory Exams £25.00/hr

Personal Message: Hello! I've recently moved to Sheffield and I'm hoping to develop a network of private students in the area. I'm a professional cellist and I'm lucky enough to make my living from performing and teaching music - I love it! I teach cello at several leading musical institutions and work as a performer with some of the best orchestras and musicians in the country. As I'm new to Sheffield I would like to generate some private students in the area and my aim is to create a community of cellists that can play to and with each other in concerts and ensembles with the intention of making learning the cello a fun and socialable aspect of children's lives. I also teach adults, and I'm an experienced chamber music teacher and I enjoy coaching string quartets and other small ensembles. Give it a try, you won't know how much fun learning an instrument can be until you try!
Which subject(s) do you teach?: I teach cello (including baroque cello), chamber music and theory.
Tell me about your qualifications.: I studied at the Royal Northern College of Music, at both undergraduate and postgraduate level and Chetham's School of Music prior to that.
What kind of experience do you have?: I have a very diverse performing career and this has helped me to develop experience in all sorts of musical genres, which I find has greatly aided my teaching. As a teacher, I have taught a wide range of standards, from beginners to degree level students. I currently teach at the Junior Royal Norther College of Music, the University of York, Yorkshire Young Musicians and the Oxford Cello School. I have experience in teaching amateur cellists too and recently guided one student through her ABRSM Grade 8 and Diploma.
How much do you charge?: I usually charge £30 an hour and £15 for a half hour lesson. However, I'll also give a half price consultation/first lesson. After that I'm happy to take a reduced rate on a block booking of 10 lessons by giving you one lesson free.
In terms of travel charges, it depends on distance and any parking charges, so I prefer to deal with each case individually, and if I can tie multiple lessons into one trip I'll happily reduce any travel charges.
Where do you teach?: Ideally I'll teach at home, I think it is better for children to come to a music lesson rather than to have it from the comfort of their living room. However, if this isn't possible I am willing to travel locally, or further afield if I can tie multiple lessons/concerts into one trip.
When are you available?: My schedule is flexible, so I can usually teach most days of the week, although I'd rather not teach at weekends if possible.
Which ages and levels do you teach?: I'm experienced at teaching all standards, from beginners through to degree level students. I'm also happy to teach adults, though in children I wouldn't recommend starting before the age of 6.
Which qualifications do you prepare your students for?: I work towards ABRSM exams, it gives the students a good target to aim for. However, I don't insist on this, they're just good markers but no more than that in my opinion.
Do you have an up-to-date CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) disclosure certificate?: Yes. I currently work for several organisations and have CRB certificates for each one.
Describe your arrangements for online tutoring.: I don't feel learning the cello online is beneficial, so I'm not prepared to do this.
Do you belong to any professional organisations?: Yes, I belong to the Musicians Union.
Where and with whom did you train?: I trained at the Royal Northern College of Music
Tell me about some of your current students.: At more advanced levels, I have recently helped students gain places at the Royal Northern College of Music, Chetham's School of Music, and coached them through degrees at the University of York. I also have a 100% record in getting students through ABRSM exams.
Do you have a personal message for students?: Learn the cello, travel the world, make great friends, have a blast and enjoy it! When you get paid to travel the world playing an instrument, how can anyone say it's geeky? Go for it!

My Articles

Why learn an instrument?

I remember being taken to see some Halle family concerts by my parents when I was around 6 or 7 years old. I already played the piano at this point, but the sounds of the orchestra had been intriuiging me for a while, so these Sunday afternoon concerts became a regular feature of our weekends. Then, suddenly there was a vacancy at my primary...