Subjects

Interview

Which subject(s) do you teach?
I teach violin, viola, piano, music theory and general musicianship/music appreciation. I can also help with preparation for music exams, including GCSE and A-Level, and for University entrance auditions.

Tell me about your qualifications.
I hold the following:

BMus (Hons) from the University of Birmingham
Post-Graduate Diploma (Performance) from Birmingham Conservatoire
MA (Music) from Birmingham Conservatoire
Grade 8 Violin
Grade 8 Piano

What kind of experience do you have?
I have played in orchestras since childhood, leading the Area and County Youth Orchestras and playing lead 2nd violin in the Northern Junior Philharmonic. During my time as a student I led the University Orchestra and several Conservatoire ensembles. I have studied both violin and piano at Conservatoire level. I have performed professionally since graduating and have extensive experience of orchestral, theatre, tv, studio and quartet work.

I have taught privately since the age of 16 and have also taught for Solihull Borough Council and Coventry University School of Performing Arts. I have a 100% pass-rate for candidates taking ABRSM exams, and pupils have been invited to perform in the ABRSM's High Scorers' Concerts. I have prepared pupils for festivals, GCSE & A-level performances and University auditions. I am particularly experienced in coaching orchestral strings and in exam preparation (ie. aurals, sight-reading and playing with accompaniment).

How much do you charge?
£25 per hour or £15 per half hour (or slightly longer in reality!). I accompany all my string pupils myself so there are no accompanist fees to be paid at exam times.

Where do you teach?
I normally teach at my home in Darlington but am willing to travel within County Durham, North Yorkshire and Teesside if I can work it around my existing schedule.

When are you available?
I currenly have availability during school hours on weekdays, on Saturdays and a limited number of spaces weekday evenings.

Which ages and levels do you teach?
Age 5 to adult. Beginner to Grade 8 and beyond. Re-starters are welome.

Which qualifications do you prepare your students for?
ABRSM Practical and Theory Exams.

Do you have an up-to-date CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) disclosure certificate?
Yes.

Do you belong to any professional organisations?
No.

Where and with whom did you train?
I studied violin with Jeremy Ballard (lead 2nd violin of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra) and piano with Alec Wright at Birmingham Conservatoire.

I have been lucky enough to have learnt from some distinguished musicians including Sir Simon Rattle CBE FRSA, George Benjamin CBE, Yuri Bashmet, Andrew Mogrelia, Jacqueline Ross and members of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and the Berlin Philharmonic.

Tell me about some of your current students.
I am passionate about classical music and want my pupils to enjoy it in whichever way they choose: through technical mastery of an instrument; achievement via exams/competitions; the thrill of performance; the satisfaction of developing all-round musicianship; the emotional release or artistic pleasure of making music; or the intellectual stimulus of gaining a deeper understanding and broader knowledge of classical music.

As such I have a variety of students some of whom are keen to progress through the grades and some of whom wish to play for pleasure only.

Do you have a personal message for students?
I am keen to know what motivates my pupils in order to tailor lessons to each individual. I encourage as broad an understanding of music as possible - my philosophy being that notes are notes and rhythm is rhythm whether you are studying grade 1 piano or filling Wembley Stadium!

My overall aim is to make the learning experience fun, and to inspire pupils so that they can continue to enjoy the benefits and rewards that music can bring for the rest of their lives.

Articles

Six musings on learning a musical instrument
Subject: Musicianship
Tags: choose an instrument that inspires you, how to practise efficiently, listen to the sound you are making, practice tips, take ownership of your performance
Created: 16/02/2011