Subjects

Interview

Which subject(s) do you teach?
I mainly teach classical Violin from beginner to advanced standard, but I also teach folk fiddle styles, and more modern improvisation techniques - usually for older students who are interested in playing in bands or creating their own music.

Tell me about your qualifications.
I have completed my grades in the AMEB classical system up to Associate of Music level, and I hold a Bachelor of Music with Honours from the University of Southern Queensland (Australia).

What kind of experience do you have?
I have taught privately since I was at university in 1997, and more recently I taught at a private music school in Melbourne (references available). Since moving to England I have started teaching again from home.

How much do you charge?
I charge £25 per individual hour, however a £25 discount is available for students wishing to book sessions in blocks of 5 weekly lessons for £100.

Where do you teach?
I teach from home in Hollingdean, Brighton but I have a car and I'm happy to travel to students anywhere in the Brighton and Hove area.

When are you available?
I am available to teach every afternoon of the week except mondays and the weekend.

Which ages and levels do you teach?
Beginner to advanced levels, up to grade 8 classical - 5 yrs upwards.

Do you have an up-to-date CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) disclosure certificate?
I currently hold hold a police check certificate for Australia and am in the process of obtaining my CRB check for the UK.

Where and with whom did you train?
I trained at the University of Southern Queensland in Toowoomba with Andrew Lorenz, a violinist of great renown who was concert master of the London Symphony Orchestra before embarking on his solo career.

Tell me about some of your current students.
I have a diverse range of students at the moment. Although all are beginner, I am teaching an 8 year old, a 13 year old who is interested in developing her folk technique, a 45 year old who just wants to play for fun, and a 20 year old who is keen to be able to play her own music in bands when she is good enough.

Do you have a personal message for students?
I have always taken the view that the best results for learning can be achieved in a relaxed and friendly environment. Some people can feel stressed about learning something new, or have very high expectations of sounding brilliant streight away. People see professionals playing and it always looks so easy, and it is, but anyone would find something simple if they practiced it for 10 hours a day for 20 years, which is the level of commitment high-level professionals devote to their craft. However, we don't have to do anything like this, as most of us just want to enjoy playing music, so with a bit of work we can do this and save the stress for the high-octane professionals....

Articles

Relevence of the Violin in Contemporary Music
Subject: Violin
Tags: advice (advanced), violin
Created: 25/01/2010