Subjects

Interview

Which subject(s) do you teach?
I teach popular singing styles, particularly pop, blues, soul and rock, as well as musical theatre; and classical piano.

Tell me about your qualifications.
ABRSM Grade 8 piano, 1996.
I do not have formal qualifications for singing, but I have been a working musician for fifteen years, and working as a singing teacher for eight. I have been teaching vocals at Brooklands College in Weybridge for the past 4 years, with a 100% pass rate from 2011's Rockschool singing exam entrants!

What kind of experience do you have?
I have been a musician for as long as I can remember, playing piano since the age of 4 (trained by Dr Fanny Waterman, one of the world's finest piano teachers, and founder of the Leeds International Piano Competition), and picking up several other instruments along the way. I have been singing and playing piano, saxophone, drums and bass in various live bands and as a soloist for fifteen years.

I got into the teaching side of singing in 2002, when I was assisting the coaching team on the first series of X Factor, which had me working alongside some of the finest vocal coaches in the world. I have had the pleasure of working with G4, Voices With Soul, Katie Price, Anna Romensky, and a whole host of other signed and unsigned artists. I currently teach singing at Brooklands College, Weybridge, as well as privately.

How much do you charge?
Lessons are normally an hour and cost £30. I can also offer a free half-hour taster session.

Where do you teach?
I teach from my home studio in Hampton Hill, which is in the Teddington / Twickenham / Richmond / Kingston / Fulwell area

When are you available?
My students book lessons on a weekly basis depending on their (and my) availability. I have slots most daytimes and evenings, excepting Thursday-Friday daytimes and Sundays

Which ages and levels do you teach?
I teach all levels from beginner to professional, and any age from secondary school age upwards.

Which qualifications do you prepare your students for?
Singing:
Any popular music course, at any level, such as the Rockschool grades as set by Trinity Guildhall

Piano:
Associated Board of the Royal School of Music (ABRSM) classical piano exams

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

Where and with whom did you train?
Trained in classical piano with Dame Fanny Waterman, founder of the Leeds International Piano Competition.
Trained in singing under David Laudat, former coach to X Factor, Spice Girls, Westlife, Heather Small and others

Do you have a personal message for students?
1) There's no point in playing music if you don't enjoy it.
2) There's no point in doing anything unless you're going to do it properly.

Articles

Dame Fanny Waterman
Subject: Piano
Tags: classical piano, piano book recommendations, piano tutor book
Created: 25/05/2011