ARCT BMus LRAM DipRAM ARAM
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Incorporated Society of Musicians

Subjects

Interview

Which subject(s) do you teach?
I teach piano, theory, music history, music appreciation, vocal and chamber music coaching and accompanying.

Tell me about your qualifications.
ARCT BMus LRAM DipRAM ARAM

I was recently commissioned to set the syllabus for the piano duet examinations for the Trinity College of Music, am in great demand as an adjudicator and to give masterclasses in all manners of chamber music, particularly piano solo, duet, and two-piano performance.

What kind of experience do you have?
I am an experienced teacher with all age groups, particularly with children & adult beginners.

I was born in Canada, and have been performing professionally since 1978 and have given concerts world-wide both as a soloist and chamber pianist in the UK, Canada and the United States, France, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Australia & New Zealand and have broadcast for the BBC, Classic FM, CBC & Radio New Zealand.

I have coached many professional singers and instrumentalists in solo and ensemble pursuits, and have been an active board member of the Royal Academy of Music Club which liaises with the main body of the Royal Academy of Music and its current and former students.

How much do you charge?
I charge £50.00 per hour.

Where do you teach?
I teach at home.

When are you available?
For school children: 3.30 pm onwards, Mon- Fri and Saturday mornings.
For adults: weekdays before 3.30pm, weekend mornings or in the evenings after work.

Which ages and levels do you teach?
I teach all ages - from 5 years upwards and all levels from beginners to diploma/degree level as well as those wishing to have ongoing post-graduate coaching.

My teaching also includes a great deal of work with ADULTS - either those who want to start as beginners or those who learned when they were younger and wish to pick up their piano studies again with renewed enthusiasm!

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

Do you belong to any professional organisations?
I am a member of the Incorporated Society of Musicians and am also a Steinway Artist.

Where and with whom did you train?
Victoria Conservatory of Music (British Columbia Canada)(ARCT) from 1964-1972, and University of Victoria (BMus) 1972-1976 with Robin Wood;

Royal Academy of Music London 1976-1979 LRAM, DipRAM) with Gordon Green OBE;

Honorary ARAM awarded from the Royal Academy of Music, London, 1987.

Do you have a personal message for students?
For me, learning must be fun, motivation is important, and formal examinations are only an option. I regard each pupil as an individual and so develop a suitable learning programme to match the abilities of the pupil.

I also include the added dimension of the piano duet medium, being a world-renowned duet performer in my own right. I believe that this medium enhances the learning process and helps to make the observation of rhythm and the practice of sight-reading fun and teaches the student how to interact with other musicians. Students who play orchestral instruments are candidates for the ready-made ensemble of an orchestra or chamber group - the lone pianist has no such luck - so piano duet playing is a wonderful learning tool to teach the responsibilities of ensemble playing.

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