Subjects

Interview

Which subject(s) do you teach?
My main study is classical singing, though I am proficient in harmony and counterpoint. I am an early music specialist and have extensive knowledge in this area: intrinsic to this is exposure to a large amount of chamber music.

Tell me about your qualifications.
Bmus(hons) - Birmingham Conservatoire

ABRSM grade 8 distinction Voice and Tuba

A level music: A

What kind of experience do you have?
I have a lot of experience in coaching early chamber groups, usually on matters of performance practice. I have also taught a variety of individuals, of whom many have very differing standards and interests.

As a singer, I have been performing with the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford for the last few months. I have made a number of recordings with the Convivium Singers, and have performed with groups such as Ex Cathedra, the Musical and Amicable Society and various others

As a continuo player, I played for the Birmingham Conservatoire Early Music department for four years, and am first keyboard for the Castello Ensemble. I act as rehearsal continuo for the Consort Pleon and sackbutt group Il Nuovo Chiaroscuro: I have participated in masterclasses with such performers as Dan Laurin, Piers Adams, Adam Woolfe, Emily White, Oliver Webber, Margaret Faultless and Andrew Parrott. I frequently organise my own concerts, for which I edit the majority of the music. My main work in editing is producing scores of renaissance polyphony and the sacred music of Charpentier, along with works by Monteverdi and Purcell. At Birmingham Conservatoire I was tutored in this by Charpentier expert Shirley Thompson: over summer I help organise music at St. Chad's Cathedral, for which I provide specialist editions. As a composer, my works have been used in various churches and cathedrals, including various motets composed for Birmingham Oratory and St. Chad's Cathedral.

How much do you charge?
Singing lessons are charged at a rate of £25 an hour. Fees are subject to negotiation and travelling costs etc: any questions are more than welcome! I regret that due to abuse of the system I no longer offer a free consultation lesson. If shorter lessons are desired, the amount for 30 minutes is £15: this is generally aimed at younger voices.

Where do you teach?
I prefer to teach from home, but am happy to travel within reason: the only stipulation I have is that the learning environment is suitable: clean, tidy and preferably with a pitch source of some kind (piano, keyboard etc). My current location is easy to get to by car and has off-street parking.

When are you available?
I am available most days until the early evening, except Tuesdays.

Which ages and levels do you teach?
I am happy to teach all ages and levels: all that I require of students is a willingness to learn and an enthusiasm for music.

Which qualifications do you prepare your students for?
I am happy to prepare students for ABRSM exams, and am happy to look at A level harmony work.

Do you have an up-to-date CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) disclosure certificate?
I was CRB checked for my work at Birmingham Cathedral.

Where and with whom did you train?
I studied at Birmingham Conservatoire with tenor Andrew King and baritone Gwion Thomas, amongst others.

Articles

Chiavette
Subject: Classical Singing
Tags: choral music, early music, monteverdi, transposition
Created: 11/02/2011

Files

	File	Size	Upload Date
	My most recent edition, a prelude and motet by Charpentier. This was edited from facsimile.	148.12KB	16/02/2011