AGSM
BA(Hons), DPSM

Subjects

Interview

Which subject(s) do you teach?
I teach the double bass from beginners up to Grade 8 and Diploma Level. I also teach Theory of Music up to and including Grade 5.

Tell me about your qualifications.
My qualifications are AGSM, BA (Hons) and I am a fully qualified teacher. I also have a Diploma in Primary School Music from Coventry Centre for Performing Arts.

What kind of experience do you have?
I have taught at the Guildhall Junior Exhibition Department, at the Purcell school, and for various London Borough Music Centres. I have been Head of Music at an Inner London Independent school as well as teaching many private pupils, some of whom have gone on to become professional musicians. I have coached the National Children’s Orchestra double bass section for over ten years and several County Youth Orchestras.

As a performer I have played regularly with many of the London Orchestras on Double Bass (including the LSO, RPO and Philharmonia), various chamber orchestras (including the London Bach Orchestra and the Mozart Players) and several of the provincial orchestras too.

How much do you charge?
I charge £25 an hour for Double Bass lessons (£20 for an initial introductory lesson) and sometimes a travel fee if it is more than 35 miles. My fee for Theory is £10 per hour and pro rata for marking papers (i.e. if a paper takes me half an hour to mark that would be £5).

Where do you teach?
I teach Double Bass from my home in Suffolk but can travel to teach in students' homes or in a school if that is more convenient. I am prepared to travel up to 35 miles from my home in Halesworth - this includes Norwich and Ipswich, Diss and Great Yarmouth as well of course nearer towns like Lowestoft, Harlesdon, Southwold and Woodbridge.

When are you available?
I am available daytimes, evenings and weekends.

Which ages and levels do you teach?
I teach all ages from 8 to 108! (It's never too late to start..!)

Which qualifications do you prepare your students for?
I prepare students for all Associated Board Grade Exams up to Grade 8 and Diploma level. I teach Theory of Music up to Grade 5.

Do you have an up-to-date CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) disclosure certificate?
Yes - obtained by the National Children's Orchestra. Parents may also sit in on lessons if they wish.

Do you belong to any professional organisations?
No.

Where and with whom did you train?
I learnt Double Bass at Guildhall School of Music with James Merrit (at the time, the principal bass with the Philharmonia Orchestra.) I subsequently studied with Tom Martin (previously principal bassist with the London Symphony Orchestra and the London Chamber Orchestra)

Do you have a personal message for students?
One of the principal things I have learnt during my years of teaching Double Bass is the importance of students feeling at ease and relaxed with their tutor, rather than nervous, as if they are about to take a driving test!! Remember: you are the customer and your tutor is there to help and guide you. The feedback I have always received is that pupils find me friendly, patient and ‘tuned-in’ to where they are at.

Also, remember that learning ‘classically’, i.e. learning to read music and the classical technique, is the foundation for playing every type of music – from jazz to pop to folk. As an example, the great jazz pianist Oscar Peterson, is reputed to have warmed up before gigs by playing Mozart! In fact, all the great jazz bass players in the past have had a classical technique even though they may not have played classical music.

Articles

The Metronome cannot Teach Pulse!
Subject: Classical Double Bass
Tags: learning to read music, metronome, pulse or beat, sight reading, teaching music
Created: 13/01/2011

Playing a Stringed Instrument
Subject: Classical Double Bass
Tags: bow technique, general advice for string players, making a good sound
Created: 09/01/2011

Why Learn the Double Bass?
Subject: Classical Double Bass
Tags: classical double bass, jazz double bass, learning double bass
Created: 09/01/2011