Subjects

Interview

Which subject(s) do you teach?
I teach Violin, Viola, Piano, Piano Accordion and Theory of Music.

Tell me about your qualifications.
I have three degrees, BA (Hons), Mmus and MPhil.

What kind of experience do you have?
I am fortunate in having an enormous amount of experience of orchestral playing, chamber music, ceilidh band fiddling and folk/rock band playing.

How much do you charge?
I charge £22 an hour although most pupils opt for half hour lessons once a week.

Where do you teach?
I teach mostly at home but am willing to travel locally if it is required.

When are you available?
I am available all week both daytime and evenings but prefer to avoid weekends if possible. I take school holidays and local holidays.

Which ages and levels do you teach?
I teach from beginners to diploma level and any age group as required. I have started children as young as 4 and a half and taught adults of all ages. Having an interest in many different styles of music means I can tailor lessons specifically to demand as I meet it.

Do you belong to any professional organisations?
I am a member of both the EIS and the MU.

Where and with whom did you train?
I studied at UEA, University of London, King's College and University of Edinburgh. I studied the violin with a local teacher to start with and then Yfrah Neaman and Prof. Roswitha Randacher in Vienna.

Do you have a personal message for students?
I am very happy to teach many styles, from classical through Scottish traditional fiddle and folk/rock as well as associated theory as required. Whilst encouraging students to take examinations (I use the Associated Board syllabus here) it is never a requirement. Exams are not for everyone!

I believe strongly that lessons should be fun as well as progressive and insist that everyone learns to read music notation even if they end up playing mostly by ear for preference as it opens so many doors.

As well as offering violin and viola, I also teach the piano and the piano accordion.

Articles

Book Recommendation
Subject: Violin
Tags: recommendations (study materials), violin
Created: 07/07/2008