Subjects

Interview

Which subject(s) do you teach?
I teach Piano and Keyboard both classical and jazz as well as all styles of drumming. Music Theory, Composition, and Music GCSE and A Level tuition also available. I tailor all instrumental courses to suit the individual.

Tell me about your qualifications.
I have passed all the grade exams in piano and music theory, many with distinction. I have a GCSE in music and an A level in music. I studied piano (jazz/classical), composition, music technology and drums at the City of Leeds College of Music where I obtained my GCLCM degree.

What kind of experience do you have?
I have been teaching freelance and in schools for over 20 years. I also ran an independent agency providing instrumental tuition in schools all over the north of England from 1996-2004. This also provided teacher training for primary teachers wishing to develop their music skills. I also play in two function bands, one as the drummer, one keyboards, I have performed at an eclectic mix of venues including the Birmingham Symphony Hall for Yamaha, West Yorkshire Playhouse and worked in several function bands playing a wide variety of music for clients such as Holiday Inn, Hilton Hotels, Ramada Jarvis, Le Meridien, Whitbread Group, Centre Parcs and at many private and corporate events.

How much do you charge?
######SPECIAL OFFERS ON TUITION UNTIL 31/1/12######

Normal rates are £25/hour and £13/half hour. I AM CURRENTLY RUNNING A SPECIAL XMAS OFFER ON TUITION AND TUITION PACKAGES. FREE 20 MIN CONSULTATION AND HOURLY RATE IS JUST £22.00 FOR ALL SUBJECTS (EXCL. MUSIC A-LEVEL) BLOCKS OF LESSONS PRE BOOKED FROM AS LITTLE AS £20.00/HOUR. HALF HOURLY RATES DURING THIS PROMOTION ARE JUST £12.00 FOR ALL SUBJECTS. IF YOU COMMENCE LESSONS BEFORE THE 31/1/12 I WILL HOLD THE ABOVE LESSON PRICES FOR A MINIMUM OF 12 MONTHS FROM YOUR STARTING DATE! (Please note these offers are not applicable if you require me to travel to you and the normal fees will then apply).

I charge £22 per hour (special offer price) for all subjects (except music A Level which is £25/hr.). I also offer half hour lessons for £12.00 (special offer) in all subjects.I offer a no obligation free consultation session (30 mins max) to discuss your requirements and to give us a chance to meet up. I also run a buy 5 lessons and get one free scheme and offer discounts on blocks of lessons paid monthly. I can travel to your home to teach which is charged at the same hourly rate plus £0.50 a mile. There is no charge for the time it takes to travel, just the mileage.

Where do you teach?
I teach in my home and also can teach you in your home where the time is available to do so. I am 2 minutes from junction 23 and 24 of the M62, 10 minutes from the centre of Huddersfield and Halifax, 20 minutes from Bradford and around 30 minutes from the centre of Leeds and Oldham. The nearest station is Huddersfield and is around 3 miles away. Personally, I can travel up to around 20 miles depending on the demand and subject to agreement on cost.

When are you available?
I can offer lessons on Monday-Friday, anytime I have free between 8am and 10pm. I work throughout the school holidays as a general rule, but obviously am happy to accommodate your (and my!) holiday requirements.

Which ages and levels do you teach?
I teach all ages and levels from 8 years upwards. Complete beginners are very welcome and I also teach up to and including degree level and beyond. I currently have students just starting out as well as a student that is just about to complete his music degree.

Which qualifications do you prepare your students for?
All the instrumental grades, music theory, GCSE/A level music, Btec in music, music degrees

Do you have an up-to-date CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) disclosure certificate?
I used to hold this certificate when I worked in schools. I do not have a current certificate, but I can provided references from existing and past students including a Head of Music and a Barrister.
UPDATE - I will shortly be fully CRB certified once again.

Describe your arrangements for online tutoring.
This is an area I can offer if required. I use a combination of email and telephone as well as the post. My main area for this is tutoring for the Grade Theory exams, using a mixture of my own sheets and reference to text books and the ABRSM theory workbooks and papers.

Do you belong to any professional organisations?
Yes, I am a member and registered teacher with the Musician's Union.

Where and with whom did you train?
I studied at the City of Leeds College of Music where I obtained my degree. I studied under Bill Kinghorn and David Smith (head of piano and vocal) and Dr Charles Rae (head academic studies) for the three years I attended the college.

Tell me about some of your current students.
I have an eclectic mix of students from young children and adults that are just starting out on their careers as musicians, to more advanced students including one just about to complete his music degree. I welcome all students and the current age range of existing students is 8-66 years! Some students wish to take exams and I have about half my current students following this route. Exams are optional however - not all do them and I do not pressure people to take them if they do not want to. I have many past students now working as professional musicians including one ex piano and composition student that is a member of Kylie Minogue's World Tour Band and has written several songs for X factor artists. References are available if required.

Do you have a personal message for students?
I provide a friendly, personal service. Learning should be fun, productive and something you enjoy. Lessons are done in a structured way, always tailored to the students requirements as no two are the same. I have a well equipped teaching room as well as a grand piano for the pianists. Why not come for a free consultation and start playing?!!!

Articles

Sticking To It..
Subject: Drums/ Percussion
Tags: advice (beginners), drums
Created: 28/04/2009

Files

	File	Size	Upload Date
	Another Demo from 'The Groove Knights'	1.22MB	15/09/2010
	Demo from my band 'The Groove Knights'	1.63MB	15/09/2010