---

---

Bio

As an experienced teacher; I recognise the power of bringing enthusiasm and patience to the lesson; creating a safe space for people to learn with kind guidance. I like to balance a methodical approach; ensuring all areas of what is needed to be covered as well as room for flexibility. Allowing students to ask questions as well as giving them positive feedback helps them grow in personal and musical confidence. I have taught sporadically over 30 years on a private basis; but my main bulk of teaching 1-2-1 has been within the last 7 years. Previous to that I have a lot of experience working with groups of differing abilities, ages and interests within various community and school projects.

Performance and composition experiences include music for short film and live theatre, arranging for four part harmony and small ensembles, singer-songwriter and playing and recording with several bands.

---

Teaching Info

I am a firm believer in giving regular positive feedback as well as constructive criticism, and as and when needed, will discuss and evaluate short and long-term achievements, progression and future targets.

Other ways I motivate students are to share audio recordings so they can hear back their successes, sometimes with parents too. I notice and apply preferred learning styles (e.g. imitation versus reading, interactive or with a metronome) and explore repertoire interests such as a current TV theme tune.

Towards upcoming exams, recordings, concerts or auditions I do my best to prepare students with ‘mock’ experiences or discuss strategies for performance nerves. I will often adapt resources to align a sense of achievement (e.g. time stretching an extract for them to play along with accurately).

I strive to empower students, allowing a joint approach to choosing resources that inspire or address a relevant focus. I sometimes mix up the structure of the lesson,  Depending on the main aim, where appropriate, lessons will incorporate Sight-Reading and Aural, Listening and Theory or musical games, playing as a duet with me, or with a metronome or backing track.

I aim to keep the lesson fun and informative, and expect the student to match my desire to be there in a learning environment.

---