Subjects

Interview

Which subject(s) do you teach?
Violin (also known as Fiddle), Acoustic Guitar (not classical), Mandolin, Banjo (the 4 string variety, also known as Tenor or irish banjo, not the 5 string bluegrass one), Ukulele (or Ukelele if you prefer) and Melodeon (or to give it the full title the DG or DGA diatonic button accordeon).

Tell me about your qualifications.
No formal music qualifications but see below.

What kind of experience do you have?
Long experience. Over 40 years on Guitar and Mandolin, 30 years on Melodeon, 20 years on Fiddle, 10 years on Banjo & Ukulele. I have been involved in skiffle, rock music, folk song, morris, clog & ceilidh music, american cajun, american old timey, irish, traditional french, scandinavian & english music. I have run folk clubs, rock bands am currently a musician in 2 ceilidh bands and the Caller for a 3rd. I am a musician for the Whittlesea Straw Bear. I run a monthly Traditional tune session in my area as well as an online diary of musical events. I am the Musical Director of a Quire (vocals, strings & woodwind). I ran week-long instrument, dance & the odd vocal workshops for many years at a large folk festival and for 5 years have been teaching pupils at home.

How much do you charge?
Lessons are 40 minutes long. The cost for lessons commencing before 6pm is £12. For 6pm or later starts, or weekends, the cost is £14. If you give me less than 24 hours notice of a lesson cancellation, or arrive too late to fit it in, the lesson's fee is still payable, but if I give you less than 24 hours notice of cancellation, your next lesson is free. I am often able to include some free material in this, for example the Bourne Tune Book with over 200 ceilidh tunes.

Where do you teach?
All lessons are at my home in the PE10 area.

When are you available?
My availability days are various times on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and also in the mornings on Saturdays.

Which ages and levels do you teach?
All ages. I have had pupils from 7 to 75. I teach most levels from absolute beginners to intermediates.

Which qualifications do you prepare your students for?
I do not offer preparation for exams or Grades.

Do you have an up-to-date CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) disclosure certificate?
I was CRB checked, as I have been a Guide for Peterborough Cathedral for over 25 years, which involves taking school parties. I am in the process of getting an up-to-date certificate.

Do you belong to any professional organisations?
Affiliated to the English Folk Dance & Song Society

Where and with whom did you train?
No formal training - see above.

Tell me about some of your current students.
A happy and diverse band of very nice people, from whom I have had some very nice comments.

Do you have a personal message for students?
People say that I am enthusiastic about what I do - music certainly is a joy to me and I hope to share this feeling.

Articles

"What is the hardest instrument to learn?"
Subject: Folk Fiddle (Violin)
Tags: banjo, fiddle, mandolin, melodeon, violin
Created: 18/07/2011

Folk Fiddle: What a good idea!
Subject: Folk Fiddle (Violin)
Tags: ceilidh, folk, folk fiddle, playing by ear, violin
Created: 20/07/2011