MEd Leadership, Management, Pedagogy
BEd Technology
Full CRB
GTC/GTCW, Musicians' Union, MusicLeaders Code Of Practice, NAMIR, RGT, MusicTeachers.co.uk, Berklee College of Music Registered Profile Member
References are available upon request

Subjects

Interview

Which subject(s) do you teach?
Guitar, Music, ICT (GCSE / Essential Skills / Applied ICT / DiDA / vocational / required elements for Welsh Bacc & IBO / AS Level), Pedagogy in Education (formerly Subject Adviser for Initial Teacher Training, University level, and Specialism Director / Assistant Head / International Schools Coordinator)

Tell me about your qualifications.
MEd, Leadership, Management & Pedagogy - through Open University
BEd, Technology - through UWCN Caerleon
Qualified Teacher Status
D32/33 Assessor/Verifier
BMP 122a.01 Blues Guitar Workshop - through Berklee College of Music, Boston
Performance Guitar - through Bristol Institute of Modern Music
Music Leader, Child Protection, workshop startup & grants - Colston Hall, Bristol
Guitar Repair - through National Institute of Musical Instrument Repairers, Malden School of Instrument Repair
Microsoft Office User Specialist (MASTER)
Mentoring - through Robert Owen Learning Academy (Initial Teacher Training)
HNC, Digital Electronics & Telecommunications - through UWCN Newport

What kind of experience do you have?
MUSIC:

Currently - Established local semi professional musician with own performance & mixing equipment. Working in collaboration with local musicians in performance and song writing / recording. Regular performer at The Globe, Cardiff. Gig & tour-ready, electric / acoustic & slide guitars, Vox AC30 twin valve amp. Recordings for demo distribution, own promotional material and online presence;

Prior performances & self-promoted events – performed at BIMM with Dominique Greensmith, drummer of Indie Rock band Reef. Also, clubs and pubs, wedding receptions, ‘duo electric blues guitars’ show for ‘Help For Heroes’ charity event, bassist with blues / rock line-up for an ‘Eco’ charity event, Cancer Research UK event for my students and local musicians;

Workshops - Raglan Music Festival - held guitar workshop in partnership with the primary school;

Coached student bands throughout my high school career;

Bass guitarist for The Ventilators from ’87 to ’90 (touring around Texas, playing ‘blue rhythm & rock), and ‘The Cellar Boys’ (Monmouth) from ‘07 to ‘09;

Recording sessions at Austin Records in 1990 and Fort Worth’s ‘Rosedale’ recording studio in 1989;

Rhythm / lead guitarist for several projects from 1981 through my USAF career (’83 to ’87).

EDUCATION / ICT / PEDAGOGY:

9/95 to 8/11 Teacher (QTS) / Learning Developer / Consultant / Examiner / Assessor:

IBO / WJEC; Monmouth Comprehensive School (Monmouthshire); Queen Elizabeth Humanities College (Herefordshire); Robert Owen Learning Academy (Herefordshire); Caldicot Comprehensive School (Monmouthshire); Biddenham Upper School (Bedford); Kelter, PrimeTime, Acorn, Western Staff recruitment /training agencies; corporate companies across England & Scotland.

Senior Leadership Team - Assistant Head Teacher (Specialism Director / International Schools Coordinator / Data Manager);Whole School ICT / Essential Skills Coordinator for Welsh Baccalaureate program; ICT Subject Leader; ICT Subject Advisor for Initial Teacher Training (University level); KS3 ICT Co-oordinator / Assistant Network Manager; Teacher / Advisor of Technology / ICT / Electronics / Art; ICT Examiner; Teacher Governor.

How much do you charge?
Further information on my website www.allaboutguitars.co.uk.

I generally charge between £25 to £30 per hour, depending on subject and workshop. where I need to travel, I'll not ask for travel costs if you book at least two hours (toll bridge fees will still need to be covered).

When travelling to me, book 5 lessons in advance and receive a 6th FREE.

Group costs can be discussed.

Where do you teach?
I prefer to teach at my own home because I have my resources at hand, I don't need to charge for the time and petrol if I were travelling, I don't need to rush back for other students, and the administrative paperwork stays in one location so it remains organized for you and the other students. It's a nice relaxed and quiet environment. Also, when you arrive at a place to study, it focuses you more. After you've had your lesson, I follow up with video / audio through email so you won't forget what you've covered in the sessions.

When are you available?
I don't work Saturdays due to my beliefs, but I'm available through the week, Sundays, holidays and several evenings - I have a lot of involvement musically but we can arrange a suitable time for us both.

Which ages and levels do you teach?
I'll teach any age from 7 onwards, as long as you're willing to learn, which you are because that's why you're searching for a suitable tutor :0)

Which qualifications do you prepare your students for?
I help my students to achieve RockSchool and RGT grades Debut to Grade 8 in Music, as well as GCSE Music. ICT - most qualifications, just check with me. Education - degree level. OCN Units for Music

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

Describe your arrangements for online tutoring.
If you've got a reasonable webcam, Skype is my preferred choice. Scheduling is arranged as any other session.

Do you belong to any professional organisations?
Musicians' Union, Music Leaders Code of Practice, Registry of Guitar Tutors, National Association of Musical Instrument Repairers, General Teaching Council (England & Wales).

Where and with whom did you train?
Trained in Summer 2011, Guitar/Music Performance, with Bristol Institute of Modern Music - all tutors and guests are working music professionals - Damon Minchella (Ocean Colour Scene), James Hester (Malakai), Andy Norton (The Crimea), Jamie Hunt (Biomechanical), Jon Brookes/Jon Harper, Guy McKnight, Dom Greensmith (Reef) and Jesse Wood. Always getting more training with Ray Martinez (ex guitarist of Showaddywaddy and hit song writer for Cliff Richard). Jazz Improvisation and Music Theory at University of Cardiff.

Tell me about some of your current students.
Rob is now volunteering with music workshops and is working through his guitar grades with Rock School. Tracey can now play guitar and learn on her own. Vern can now link phrases together and play some good basic blues. Nick is playing at The Globe, Cardiff, with me. When Gary's not in Sweden, he's still visiting me and taking on advanced projects. Oliver can competently play some great Indie rock tunes with his bass. The other Nick gave me a great Christmas present - he's doing really well with his playing. Samilda is so much more confident on the guitar and is writing songs.

Do you have a personal message for students?
Every step you take is a step further than you were before!

Articles

A Career in Music
Subject: GCSE Music
Tags: music career, music industry
Created: 16/09/2011