BMus (hons) First-Class
Advanced CRB Disclosure - cleared for work with early years

Subjects

Interview

Which subject(s) do you teach?
I teach Trumpet and Cornet to Grade 8 standard (and beyond!), as well as having an understanding of the other brass instruments listed which will enable Euphonium, Tenor Horn, Trombone or French Horn students to reach at least grade 5 standard.
I will gladly teach according to the ABRSM or TrinityGuildhall examination syllabi, and am equally happy to completely ignore grades altogether – it is in the hands of the pupil!

Tell me about your qualifications.
I am currently in my final year at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, studying for a Bachelor of Music Degree on Trumpet. I previously studied for 2 years at Trinity College of Music after which I was awarded the Diploma of Higher Education in music performance, with distinction. I also play piano to grade 6 standard and am happy to accompany students where possible.

What kind of experience do you have?
I have taught beginner brass players, both individually and in groups, and have developed the skills to teach to the levels stated. I have led workshops and group lessons with the LSO Discovery department, as well as leading instrumental workshops in several schools in London. If I feel a student would benefit more from a different lesson style or length I will discuss the matter to ensure they are given the best possible chance of success. I have taught students from primary school age to adults: age is of no concern!!

I am currently working on a Trumpet Sight-Reading tutor book with John Kember (http://www.johnkember.com/) for publication by Schott Music Publications.

As a performer myself I have held Principal Trumpet positions with the Guildhall Symphony Orchestra (conducted by Sir Colin Davis), the Guildhall Chamber Orchestra (conduced by Sir John Eliot Gardiner and Peter Stark), Guildhall Baroque Orchestra (led by Pavlo Beznosiuk), UBU - Guildhall's contemporary music group and Principal Cornet with the Guildhall Brass Band. I also perform regularly with other orchestras, light opera companies, choral societies and big bands in London, Kent and Essex.

How much do you charge?
I offer consultation lessons at a reduced charge of £20 per hour, or £15 half an hour.
As a general rule, I prefer to teach in 1 hour slots, but this is always flexible according to the student's individual needs. Any changes will be priced accordingly, as agreed on an individual basis.
Lesson fees are inclusive of travel within London zones 1-3; lessons further afield may require a small extra charge to help cover the increased costs.
If you enjoy my teaching style, recommend me to a friend - I may be able to offer discounts if recommendations lead to new students!

Where do you teach?
Generally I prefer to teach at students' homes, although in exceptional circumstances I may be able to teach from my home in Stratford. I am more than happy to travel to any of the locations listed above. I can teach in most areas of London, particularly within zones 1-3 and East (North & South) London. I am also able to travel to the Medway towns and parts of Essex, although availability for these lessons is liable to change according to performance commitments due to increased travel times.

When are you available?
Monday-Friday: 9am-9pm
Saturday: 9am-12pm
Sunday: 12-5pm
These times are all flexible, according to my own commitments as a performing musician and the needs of my students. I will attempt to offer the service required - if you wish to book the same time each week, or if you prefer to plan on a week-by-week basis. Even if you only wish to have the occasional lesson once a fortnight, once a month or once a year, I will do my best to be as accommodating as possible!

Which ages and levels do you teach?
All ages are welcome. Please note that in some cases, young students may struggle with their chosen choice of instrument based purely on size. If this is the case, it may be necessary to start the fundamentals of brass playing on a smaller instrument (such as cornet or trumpet) before progressing to the preferred instrument. This most often applies to large, heavy instruments such as the tuba.
I teach Trumpet and Cornet to a very advanced stage and other brass instruments to intermediate level. For students wishing to progress to higher levels on French Horn, Tenor Horn, Trombone, Euphonium and Tuba I will gladly recommend specialist teachers from my many colleagues, as necessary.

Which qualifications do you prepare your students for?
I can teach both the ABRSM syllabus and TrinityGuildhall syllabus. I am equally happy to work towards personal targets - perhaps playing your favourite film or TV tunes!

Do you have an up-to-date CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) disclosure certificate?
I have an enhanced disclosure check completed in July 2010 to enable work with young children.

Where and with whom did you train?
Trinity College of Music - Brian Thomson, Paul Mayes and Andy Hendrie.
Guildhall School of Music and Drama - Paul Beniston, Paul Cosh and Steve Keavy.
Workshop training with Jason Rowland and Luke Crookes.

Tell me about some of your current students.
My most recent challenge was to teach a friend, from beginner standard, so that he would be able to help brass players more when leading workshops in the future. As a musician already, some of the basic challenges such as reading music and rhythmic notation were removed, but given his training on a different instrument required different techniques for creating and controlling a sound this led to some unforeseen difficulties. This encouraged me to think outside the box, looking at everything from a different angle. He was able to play confidently through some basic duets after just a handful of lessons!

Do you have a personal message for students?
I aim to create a friendly environment so that pupils look forward eagerly to their next lesson. I invite students (and/or parents/guardians) to discuss all aspects of music with me so that I can be as helpful as I can in making sure lessons remain wholly relevant and engaging. I am also happy for parents/guardians to observe lessons as long as this does not appear to be detrimental to the student's learning.

Music is often targeted by governments looking to make easy savings, in part because there is no physical way to define what music achieves. However, music has an incredible ability to change our emotions, so that the simple act of watching or listening to a performance can bring great joy and happiness. Learning music has brought me through those same emotions, making me grateful to have had the chance to become a musician. I hope to pass on that same opportunity to my students.

Articles

Key Trumpeters of the 20th Century
Subject: Trumpet
Tags: maurice andré, miles davis, performers, trumpeters, virtuosity
Created: 27/05/2011

The Evolution of the Offstage Musician
Subject: Trumpet
Tags: brass, offstage, verdi
Created: 21/01/2011

Files

	File	Size	Upload Date
	Sam Lewis' Teaching CV	9.03KB	14/08/2011