Bmus in Popular music 2:1 / Goldsmith's University
PGCE in Secondary Music / Goldsmith's University
Up to date CRB
Musician Union / Goldsmith's
References are available upon request
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Subjects

Interview

Which subject(s) do you teach?
I am a music teacher: I teach saxophones, drum kit to players of all abilities. I also teach songwriting and deliver music workshops. I teach students to cover a wide range of musical areas from jazz, blues, rock, popular music to improvisation, composition. Students can expect a range of reading music, playing by ear, improvising, playing with piano accompaniment or with backing tracks, developing technical skills and recordings. I can also help students prepare for exams such as GCSE and A-Level performance.

Tell me about your qualifications.
PGCE in Secondary music, from Goldsmith's University (2010)
Bmus in popular music 2:1, from Goldsmith's University (2007)
Foundation degree in music studies Distinction, from Goldsmith's University (2004)
Btec National in performing arts Distinction, from Southwark College ((2003)
Btec First in performing arts Distinction, from Southwark College (2001)
Grade 8 Jazz saxophone / Grade 7 Drums

What kind of experience do you have?
I have experience and have been employed full time as a music classroom teacher, teaching GSCE, A level and Btec music in secondary school. I have worked for various music projects delivering song writing classes and group music workshops and one to one for, Lewisham Council, Hoxton, Basildon and Greenwich. I also have private students that I teach drums, and saxophone

As a professional musician, I have my own jazz and hip hop band, I perform around London and beyond at a variety of venues

How much do you charge?
I recommend adults and older young people have hour-long lessons, at £25 per hour.
30-minute lessons (£13) are often better for younger students - feel free to get in touch if you're not sure what might be best for you. For lessons five miles away from my home address will be £30 per hour and £15 for half and hour due to petrol travelling costs.

Where do you teach?
I teach from my house and sometimes from my private rehearsal rooms, I can also travel to students' homes.

When are you available?
I am available across a varied schedule of daytime and evening slots. Feel free to contact me to arrange a day and time that suits you.

Which ages and levels do you teach?
I teach all ages. Children can generally learn the saxophone from around the age of 8 - it depends on the size of the student and their hands! Students interesting in learning drums can start as young as 5 -6 it all depends on their size and concentration levels. My songwriting workshop are focused more at adults.

Which qualifications do you prepare your students for?
Many students go on to study for ABRSM jazz or Guildhall grade exams, though this depends on the student.

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

Do you belong to any professional organisations?
Musician union
GTC teaching union

Where and with whom did you train?
I studied drums with Chris Baker at Southwark college, saxophone with world leading jazz musician Dave O' Higgins at Goldsmiths University. I have also taken part in master classes, workshops and rehearsal's with Soweto Kinch, Denys Baptiste and Gary Grosby founder of Tomorrow warriors and Jazz Jamaica

Do you have a personal message for students?
Don't be afraid if you're a beginner. I'm very approachable and treat everyone as an individual. Playing music is fun and of course beneficial to children's development in other academic studies and confidence, but also equally worthwhile for adults as an escape from stressful jobs and busy routines. I look forward to hearing from you.

Articles

How to write a song
Subject: Songwriting
Tags: chorus, learn to write songs by doing, song structure, song writing, verse
Created: 03/08/2011