BA (Honours) Popular Music - 1st class degree
Enhanced CRB checked
Incorporated Society of Musicians UK (ISM)
References are available upon request

Subjects

Interview

Which subject(s) do you teach?
I teach and/or coach pupils contemporary singing, including pop, soul, jazz, RnB, funk, rock and gospel, from beginners to advanced level. My lessons can also include stage performance and vocal physiology and I have portable recording facilities so that I can help pupils to record their own demo CD.

Tell me about your qualifications.
After high school, I completed an HND in Modern Musicianship with 5 merits from Jewel and Esk Valley College, Edinburgh (2005), before moving into 3rd year of the BA (Honours) Popular Music degree at Napier University, Edinburgh, where I obtained a first class degree (2007), as well as acquiring level 1 Estill training. I then undertook the Master Performance course at Tech Music School, West London (2009).

What kind of experience do you have?
I began performing at the Edinburgh Acting School from the age of 5, learning singing, dancing, acting and voice. I attended EAS for 11 years, which gave me vast experience in performing from an early age. During high school, I was in bands, performing in local venues around Edinburgh and recording demos, alongside performing in choirs such as The Waverley Singers and St. Mary's Choir. During my higher education I continued to perform in bands, write and record my own material and work with as many diverse musicians as I could, including DJs, classical musicians and more. I began to vocally coach fellow students during my time at university, and continued to do this once relocating to London. Since graduating in 2009, I have taught at stage schools, including Pop and Stage School Academy (PSSA) and Centre Stage Theatre School, and currently teach at Stagecoach Amersham. I have also taken on private pupils throughout this time.

How much do you charge?
I charge £20 an hour, or £15 for half an hour. Discounts are given for multiple bookings, which can be discussed on enquiry. An additional, minimal charge will be added if I travel to a pupil's home - this will be decided based on where you live in relation to my home address i.e. the closer you live to me, the less it will cost.

Where do you teach?
I normally teach from my home in Southall, which is private and peaceful. I am happy to travel to students' homes in the surrounding areas including Hayes, Hillingdon and Uxbridge, Ealing, Hanwell, Drayton, Acton, Shepherd's Bush, Notting Hill, Holland Park, Hammersmith, Chiswick, Gunnersbury and Kew.

When are you available?
Other than Saturdays, when I teach at Stagecoach, my timetable varies from week to week, so I am flexible with my availability, and normally teach between 11am and 7pm.

Which ages and levels do you teach?
I am happy to teach any level, from absolute beginners to experienced singers.

Which qualifications do you prepare your students for?
Any popular music orientated course, from diploma level to post graduate level.

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

Describe your arrangements for online tutoring.
I correspond with my pupils through email regarding any problems they may be facing since our last lesson, and offer tips and advice on any questions they may have.

Do you belong to any professional organisations?
I am a member of the Incorporated Society of Musicians UK (ISM).

Where and with whom did you train?
Napier University - Maureen McMullan Tech Music School - Annabel Williams, Kim Chandler, Iain McKenzie, David Combes, Will Lester, Simon Colam, Femi Temowo.

Tell me about some of your current students.
I'm teaching a range of students, from a 11 year old trying to break into musical theatre, to a 50 year old wanting to enjoy his voice more and discover his full potential. I love seeing how they all develop, not just in technique and repertoire, but their growing self confidence and belief. I love teaching all of them and am thrilled with all their achievements so far

Articles

Don't be scared to make mistakes!
Subject: Jazz/ Pop Singing
Tags: confidence, jazz/ pop singing, mistakes
Created: 07/01/2011