B MUS (HONS) - South African College of Music
PLM - University of Stellenbosch
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Musician's Union, PRS
References are available upon request
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Subjects

Interview

Which subject(s) do you teach?
I teach the following disciplines: Cello beginner to advanced (post-Grade 8), Piano beginner to intermediate (Grade 6) and Music Theory and Practical Musicianship elementary to advanced (college level). I also offer composition appraisals and lessons. Please contact me for further information and fees for the latter.

Tell me about your qualifications.
I studied music at the Conservatory, University of Stellenbosch (South Africa) where I obtained a Performers Licentiate in Music in 1998. I obtained a B Mus (Hons) from the South African College of Music (University of Cape Town) in June 2000. I studied both cello and piano at performance level. Prior to my university studies I achieved grade 8 with distinction in cello and grade 7 with distinction in piano.

What kind of experience do you have?
In addition to running an over-subscribed music teaching studio I am a professional composer, cellist and writer. I run a music composition partnership called Striking Media Music with my husband: we compose and produce music for film, TV and media under the pseudonym of Entropik. I gained a wealth of professional orchestral and session experience during and after my studies and continue to work as a recording artist for Striking Media Music.

I have been teaching for 14 years and draw on my performing, orchestral and composition experience to give my students a broad perspective on their studies. I contribute teaching articles to Strings Magazine (String Letter Publishing, USA) and Music Teacher Magazine (Rhinegold Publishing, UK).

How much do you charge?
Detailed fee structure for cello lessons:

1 x 1 hour: £30
4 X 1 hour: £100

1 x 45 minutes: £25
4 x 45 minutes: £80

1 x 30 minutes: £15
4 x 30 minutes: £60

1 x 1.5 hours: £40
4 x 1.5 hours: £140

Where do you teach?
I am no longer able to travel to lessons as my "away" lessons are now fully booked.
I teach at my home in Halton in a relaxed and pleasant musical environment. I have a Yamaha Arius digital piano - an excellent instrument to learn on with great tone and natural touch.

When are you available?
Please contact me for availability as my schedule varies. I teach during the school holidays but may be away occasionally in which case I will give plenty of notice. Lesson cancellations must be made AT LEAST 24 hours in advance or they will be CHARGED AT THE FULL FEE.

Which ages and levels do you teach?
I teach students of all ages and ability and am happy to take on beginners with no previous musical training. Adult beginners and re-starters are also welcome. I also offer short term lessons to those looking for additional input for their exam or audition preparation..

Which qualifications do you prepare your students for?
I do not consider exams an essential element of learning music - they are not for everyone! However, I am happy to prepare students to wish to be examined for the ABRSM or Trinity-Guildhall syllabi.

Do you have an up-to-date CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) disclosure certificate?
I have an up-to-date enhanced CRB disclusure certificate.

Describe your arrangements for online tutoring.
If you’re looking for a “second opinion” on a technical issue, additional input on your repertoire or exam preparation or just have a few cello-related questions you’d like answered, online lessons are a great solution. With the amazing advances in video conferencing through Skype and Google Chat amongst others, all you need is a webcam, microphone and speakers or a *Skype-enabled laptop.

Lessons and consultations are charged (in GBP and USD) as follows:
15 minutes: £10/ $15

30 minutes: £15/ $25

45 minutes: £25/ $35

60 minutes: £30/ $45

Do you belong to any professional organisations?
MU
PRS
MCPS

Where and with whom did you train?
I studied cello with Dalena Roux (University of Stellenbosch), Michael Haller (Univeristy of the Free State) and Arend Brink (Free State Musicon).
My piano teachers were John Antoniadis (University of Stellenbosch) and Brigitte Botha (St. Michael's School, Bloemfontein)
Cello Master classes:
Mark Drobinsky
Torleif Thedeen
Maria Kliegel
Anna Shuttleworth

Tell me about some of your current students.
I currently have 23 students who range in age from 5 - 73 and ability from beginner to post-grade 8.

Articles

Simultaneous Shifting and String-Crossing
Subject: Cello
Tags: cello playing, cello scales, cello technique, playing the cello
Created: 20/02/2011

The Race to Grade 8: a Cautionary Tale for Teache
Subject: Cello
Tags: abrsm, cello, exams, grade 8, grades
Created: 20/02/2011

Files

	File	Size	Upload Date
	Cello ensemble composition by Deryn & Dan Cullen. Cellos played by Deryn Cullen.	4.37MB	26/05/2010
	Student and parent testimonials	40.5KB	03/08/2008