Subjects

Interview

Which subject(s) do you teach?
All brass at any level (French Horn up to grade 5), basic piano (up to about Grade 6/7 ), Theory at any level, Composition at a basic/intermediate level, songwriting at any level, and pop and rock singing at any level.

Tell me about your qualifications.
I'm currently a student of classical trombone and classical singing at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and attained Grade 8 in trombone and Grade 7 in piano about 7 years ago. My qualifications as a singer/songwriter are mostly displayed by my being continually approached by promoters to play gigs around London!

What kind of experience do you have?
As a teacher, I have given a few one-to-one lessons, mostly with very happy people emerging afterwards, and been part of a good amount of workshops. I have experience with children, as my mother is a Childminder and I have had, from time to time, to help her out with that.

How much do you charge?
£20/hr for everything except for music theory, which takes into account the extra work I'd have to do before lessons for that particular subject. Half an hour would be at half the rate. Travel would be free, but to the far reaches of West London and to St. Albans I would charge an extra £5 to go some way to covering my cost. I'd be willing to knock a little bit off for a first lesson - feel free to ask.

Where do you teach?
I would like to teach in the student's home, if possible. Songwriting and music theory can happen in my home in Mile End if necessary, but the walls of my flat being relatively thin, brass may cause friction with the neighbours! I'm willing to travel around London; East London (Bow, Hackney, Clapton, Stratford, etc.) Richmond, Central London, West London, Islington and North London and South London will all be fine, and I will travel to St Albans (I have friends there, so any excuse....!). As stated above, very long distances will incur a £5 charge - by very long distances, I mean far into West London, or St. Albans.

When are you available?
I am available most evenings during the week (5-11), and during the days at Fridays and weekends (any time till about 5).

Which ages and levels do you teach?
For brass, I will teach from 7 to 192, similar for composition and theory. I will only teach songwriting from about 12, and pop/rock singing from the same.

Do you have a CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) disclosure certificate?
No. I was checked while I was living with my mother (legal requirement as living with a childminder), but the last time was 4 years ago.

Describe your arrangements for online tutoring.
Online tutoring would take the form of emailing me scanned-in or recorded answers to questions I'd set, or my answering questions answered.

Where and with whom did you train?
I am currently training at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, studying trombone with Simon Wills (internationally-renowned freelance trombonist/composer) and Eric Crees (principal trombone, Royal Opera House Covent Garden), and studying classical singing with Scott Johnson (progressive music teacher).

Do you have a personal message for students?
I understand things don't always go right straight away - I've had a relatively hard time learning to play my instrument, with the biggest dips in my ability and self-confidence you can imagine. I focus on musical and physical issues, as these are often the ones that will really impact how you play.

Articles

Your Child Wants to Write Songs? Great!
Subject: Songwriting
Topic: advice (for parents)
Created: 14/09/2009

Mental Practice is NOT Mental (It's Very Useful)
Subject: Trombone
Topic: advice (general)
Created: 31/08/2009