Subjects

Interview

Which subject(s) do you teach?
I teach various guitar styles, including electric and contemporary genres, but I specialise in the Classical and Spanish guitar.

Tell me about your qualifications.
Grade 8 classical guitar (ABRSM)
Grade 8 piano (ABRSM)
DipABRSM performance diploma on the classical guitar
BSc dual honours degree in Medicinal Chemistry and Music from Keele University
MMus degree in classical guitar performance from Birmingham Conservatoire

What kind of experience do you have?
I currently teach privately and in schools for Birmingham Music Service and Warwickshire County Music Service. This includes individual and small group lessons, mainly in classical guitar, but also covering some electric/contemporary teaching. I have also taken training in Kodály methodology, covering aspects of musicianship, solfège and conducting, and aim to incorporate these into instrumental lessons. My performing experience includes solo classical guitar recitals, as well as playing electric and bass guitar in bands and in theatre performances.

How much do you charge?
£24/hr
£12/30 mins

Where do you teach?
My home, in the Edgbaston/Harborne area of Birmingham. I am also able to teach in Rugby (Warwickshire) on Wednesday evenings and possibly Leamington Spa on Friday afternoons.

When are you available?
I can probably accommodate most evenings and weekends at my home address in Birmingham, except Wednesday evenings when I am available for tuition in Rugby.

Which ages and levels do you teach?
Beginner to advanced, from age 5 upwards.

Do you have a CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) disclosure certificate?
Yes, I have a CRB disclosure certificate.

Do you belong to any professional organisations?
Musicians' Union
British Kodály Academy

Where and with whom did you train?
Selina Copley was my guitar teacher whilst at Keele University, and I was taught by Mark Ashford whilst at the Birmingham Conservatoire. I have previously also been taught by the jazz guitarist, Dave Moorwood.

Tell me about some of your current students.
I teach a range of age groups and abilities. Some have recently passed intermediate exams (grade 4 and 5) in both classical and electric guitar. Others have only recently begun and have taken or are working towards early exam grades. Others prefer just to learn for fun without intention of taking exams, and again cover classical and/or electric guitar styles.

Articles

The Necessity of Learning to Read Music
Subject: Classical Guitar
Topic: advice (general)
Created: 30/06/2009