Guildhall School of Music and Drama - BMus (Hons) Music Performance
References are available upon request

Subjects

Interview

Which subject(s) do you teach?
I teach all brass instruments (trumpet, french horn, euphonium, etc.) from a beginner level upwards. I specialise in teaching the tuba as that's what I play myself!

I also teach drums/percussion to all standards. I specialise in teaching drum-kit as that's what I play myself, and I am keen to teach any style of drumming you'd like to learn, for example, rock, jazz, pop, latin, etc.

I also teach A level and GCSE Music, the piano, and Music Technology.

Tell me about your qualifications.
I have passed grade 8 tuba with distinction (ABRSM), and I'm currently in my fourth year of studying for a degree in music performance at the prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, where lessons/lectures in instrumental teaching are a compulsory counterpart of the course.

I also have grade 8 distinction on both drum-kit (Trinity-Guildhall) and classical percussion (ABRSM)

I have an A* in GCSE Music (2006) and an A in A level music (2008)

What kind of experience do you have?
As a tuba player, I have around thirteen years playing experience, much of which has consisted of playing classical music in ensembles and orchestras in London and around the country in venues like the Royal Festival Hall, the Barbican Hall and St. Paul's Cathedral. I've also played in many bars and clubs around London with a trad. jazz band, as well as playing for a function band in Brighton.

As a drummer, I have around ten years playing experience. Most of the playing I do these days is with my prog-rock band Haken (www.hakenmusic.com) where I have toured the country, as well as playing throughout Europe and the USA. The style of Haken's music is rather eclectic, which is why I am keen to teach any style (rock, jazz, latin, etc.) to a certain degree.

As well as leading workshops in primary schools in Edmonton, Leytonstone and Upton Park, I have also done a significant amount of work with 'LSO Discovery', the London Symphony Orchestra's educational/community programme, which involves teaching and leading workshops and is a fantastic outreach programme for musicians of all standards and walks of life.

How much do you charge?
I charge £30 per hour for individual lessons within Zone 3 London, and I'll happily travel further providing my travel expenses are covered too.
For younger or less experienced instrumentalists, I can offer a shorter, reduced-price lesson. This is negotiable.
I teach groups for the same rates - just split the costs, eg. £15 per person per hour for a group lesson with two pupils.

Where do you teach?
As I study and work in Central London, it's relatively easy for me to travel anywhere in the country to teach, if necessary. But, as stated above, I will usually charge for any additional travel expenses for any lessons outside of Zone 3 London. Local areas/places of work for me at the moment are City of London, Old Street, Hoxton, Hackney, Shoreditch, Stratford, Leyton, Leytonstone, Walthamstow, Mile End, Bethnal Green, Bow, Wood Green, Palmers Green, Southgate, Oakwood, Cockfosters, Winchmore Hill, Edmonton, Enfield, Queensway, Royal Oak, Bayswater, Paddington.
I also have a teaching base in Leytonstone, East London, which can be particularly useful for drummers, as I have a full drum-kit permanently set up there. This is located just 5 minutes walk from Leytonstone Tube station, Leyton Midland Road and Leytonstone High Road Overground stations.

When are you available?
My timetable is fairly flexible given the nature of my work, and I will happily teach at any time of any day of the week.

Which ages and levels do you teach?
I teach all ages and all levels.

Which qualifications do you prepare your students for?
Every student is different, and many like to play for the sheer enjoyment of it, without the pressure of working for exams.
As graded exams go, I am more familiar with the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) when teaching brass instruments like trumpet and tuba, classical percussion and piano, and I use the Trinity Guildhall board when teaching drum-kit. If the student has a preference and a valid argument for taking an exam through another board, this isn't a problem. However, the ABRSM and Trinity Guildhall exam syllabi are very well respected and cover all the essentials of playing a musical instrument, as well as offering a broad and substantial selection of repertoire.

For GCSE/A level music, I am more familiar with some boards than others, but provided you let me know which board/exam you are studying for, I will learn the syllabus in preparation for our lessons.

Do you have an up-to-date CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) disclosure certificate?
No, it is not a legal requirement for tutoring.

Describe your arrangements for online tutoring.
I use Skype and email to tutor online.
Skype can work very well in these circumstances, but it's not essential, so if you don't own a webcam, email is fine.

Where and with whom did you train?
At the Guildhall School of Music and Drama with Patrick Harrild - Principal Tuba of the London Symphony Orchestra
At the Royal Academy of Music (Junior Dept) with Stephen Wick - London Freelance Tuba Player
At the Royal Academy of Music (Junior Dept) with Matthew Dickinson - London Freelance Percussionist
At the Latymer School with Graham Instrall - London Freelance Drummer/Percussionist
At the Latymer School with Dr. James Harrison for GCSE and A level Music.
Privately with Claudio Barr, John Isaacs and Marie Saha.

Do you have a personal message for students?
If you'd like to start learning to play a new instrument, or you're further up the ladder and looking to take an exam, I'll do whatever I can to help you achieve your aspirations. I tailor lessons for your individual needs, we'll work at whatever rate suits you, and most importantly you'll have fun!

Articles

Inspirational Drummers
Subject: Drums/ Percussion
Tags: gavin harrison, nicko mcbrain, steve gadd, vinnie colaiuta
Created: 28/12/2010

Files

	File	Size	Upload Date
	Eternal Rain by Haken - the 4th track from my band's début album 'Aquarius'	6.14MB	29/12/2010