BMus(Hons)
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Subjects

Interview

Which subject(s) do you teach?
I teach Piano, Keyboard, Singing, Music Theory, and Russian.

Tell me about your qualifications.
I have graduated from the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) in Manchester, Principal Study instrument: Pianoforte in 2008. I now hold a Bmus(Hons) degree. Prior to this I completed my A-levels in Music (grade A), Media (grade A), IT (grade A), and Russian (grade A). I also studied classical vocal for a few years.

What kind of experience do you have?
I have worked with young children, teenagers, and adults of different abilities and backgrounds. In every case I devised a teaching method for each one of them, tailoring a unique programme of study to cater for their personal needs and expectations.

How much do you charge?
I charge £20 per hour, and £10 for half an hour. Group lessons are available with a maximum of two students at the same time for an hour long session. There is a discount if booking lessons in advance.

Where do you teach?
I have a professional keyboard and a piano at home in Prestwich (North Manchester) for those interested in keyboard lessons or for piano students. Most of the time I travel to students’ houses in Prestwich, Whitefield, Bury and, sometimes, Manchester City Centre. Occasionally I would go as far as Didsbury, Chorlton, Oldham, Rochdale and Middleton, in which case the tuition fee will be higher.

When are you available?
I can sometimes teach in the afternoons on working days, however I prefer to teach on the weekends and evenings (after 4.30pm) Monday to Friday. Normally I am quite flexible with time, where a student or myself can cancel the lesson just one or two days in advance, and on the day in special circumstances with no cancellation fee applicable.
My availability changes time to time, therefore it would be best to discuss it when you contact me and I will do my best to allocate the most convenient slot for you.

Which ages and levels do you teach?
I have broad experience and enjoy teaching students of all ages and abilities. I have taught some students with SEN. I am happy to work towards ABRSM theory and practical examinations.

Do you have a CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) disclosure certificate?
I do have a current valid CRB certificate as I often work for various primary and secondary schools.

Describe your arrangements for online tutoring.
This will be most relevant to students learning Russian with me. If a student is unable to have a lesson a certain week, I will be willing to set some homework, which they could email to me once it is complete. I would then assess written assignments, make corrections and send it back to them via email.

Do you belong to any professional organisations?
I teach music in a secondary school, and in the past worked for various Music Services, as well as two teaching agencies: Capita Education Resourcing and Select Education.

Where and with whom did you train?
Although my studies, particularly a degree from the RNCM, gave me valuable knowledge and expertise, I believe it is my likeable personality, a friendly approach, and enthusiasm that make me the successful teacher I am today.

Tell me about some of your current students.
Two of my younger students successfully performed at the RNCM last year. Another student of mine who, in the past has changed a number of piano tutors due to frustration he had with his sight-reading, which was preventing him from taking Grade 1 examination, while his playing standard was of Grade 4, has been encouraged by me to practise his sight-reading on a daily basis, which led to a remarkable progress! A lot of my pupils regularly perform at their schools' concerts, inspiring other pupils to study a musical instrument to be like them. Some of my pupils from overseas gave small concerts in their countries during school holidays.

Do you have a personal message for students?
I always strive to achieve the best results and believe that anyone, given the right opportunity can succeed as long as they devote enough time and effort to whatever they are naturally good at. Do not give up and be patient! I believe that it is a sin to waste any talents that you have by not developing them further.

Articles

Performance Anxiety
Subject: Piano
Topic: advice (general)
Created: 01/02/2009