LTCL, A.Mus.LCM, PgCMT
CRB Clearance
ISM, EPTA
References are available upon request

Subjects

Interview

Which subject(s) do you teach?
I teach practical Piano, Organ (classical and electronic), Keyboards, Theory of Music, Diploma paperwork, GCSE and A level Music.

Tell me about your qualifications.
I hold diplomas from London College of Music (A.Mus.LCM), Trinity College of Music (LTCL), Post Graduate Certificate in Music Technology from Hertfordshire University, and Licentiate Southern Music Training Centre (SMTC)

What kind of experience do you have?
I have taught for 30 years, from age 4 - 80+. Much of my teaching practice has been one-to-one, but I am also experienced in group teaching and lesson sharing. I have also taught with Hertfordshire Music Service as a peripatetic teacher in junior and senior schools, in private schools, and music schools. I have taught piano, organ, keyboards, run/participated in workshops, taught elementary recorder and a lot of theory! I have successfully put older students through various diploma papers, involving harmony, counterpoint, accompaniment writing etc.

I have had a varied performing career, spanning concert work, playing for functions, in restaurants, gigging with bands, and freelance church organist.

How much do you charge?
My fees are £27 per hour (£13.50 half hour). Two students sharing a lesson would be £20.25 each per hour (£10.15 half hourly). If I travel to a student's home, then expenses are 50p per mile.

Where do you teach?
I teach from my studio at Hudswell, which is 2-3 miles outside Richmond in North Yorkshire. I am near Catterick, Leyburn, Reeth, Darlington, Northallerton and all the villages in between in this rural area. I sometimes travel to students if they do not have transport.

When are you available?
I teach Wed - Fri, daytime and evenings plus Sat. mornings. Lessons are also available through school holidays.

Which ages and levels do you teach?
I teach from age 4/5 years upwards. Many retired people have been taught by me, realizing a long held ambition! Beginners, intermediate and advanced pupils are welcome, especially those who are re-starting.

Which qualifications do you prepare your students for?
Graded exams for Associated Board, London College of Music, which are the boards available locally. For higher qualifications, tuition can be geared towards the qualification chosen by the student.

Do you have an up-to-date CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) disclosure certificate?
I do have a CRB disclosure certificate, as I have taught in both private and state schools.

Describe your arrangements for online tutoring.
I can offer online tutoring for theoretical subjects. This can be delivered via email, or through Sibelius. I will be developing this facility further in the near future.

Do you belong to any professional organisations?
I belong to the Incorporated Society of Musicians (ISM) and to the European Piano Teachers Association (EPTA).

Where and with whom did you train?
My teaching qualifications were taken externally, as a development from my performing career. Qualifications were passed from The London College of Music, Trinity College of Music, and Hertfordshire University, where I attended part time. My main teacher was Mrs. D. Stead, whose main instrument was piano, but proficient in several instruments. She was at University with Deryck Cooke, and was taught by Gordon Jacob and R.O. Morris. I studied organ with the late George Blackmore FRCO. In addition, I have attended many professional deveopment courses.

Tell me about some of your current students.
I have a fairly equal mix of children and adults. Some of the adults are beginners, and some restarters. One or two are studying specific subjects, such as ear training and general musicanship. I am teaching some young adults making the change from piano to much needed organists, and some are persuing higher musical qualifications. The children are from 5 years old upwards, learning piano and keyboards.

Do you have a personal message for students?
Learning a musical instrument is a lifetime's work! There isn't a "quick fix" or a push button. However, it is , I believe, the most rewarding and satisfying enterprise you will ever undertake. It is a lifetime's skill and joy. There are no words to describe the ability to be able to sit down and play, to be able to express yourself so creatively. However, do be prepared to put in the practise time!

Articles

"The Celestine Prophesy" by James Redfield.
Subject: Music Theory Exams
Tags: anecdotes and stories, music theory exams
Created: 01/09/2008