LMT>Info>Philosophy

Making music is the activity about which I have been most passionate throughout my life, and since January 2000 I have discovered a similar enthusiasm for teaching. Although I have taught music on a one–to–one basis at various times in my life, it has been from 2000 that I have had the most interest and commitment, and this is reflected in the training I have undertaken for the profession in recent years. Additionally, I value highly the opportunity to contribute as a teacher to my local and neighbouring communities.

Teaching ‘Philosophies’

Teaching Approach

— Teaching Experience —

One–to–one Classroom/Group

Qualifications

Fee for Tuition

Biographical Info

To view a Personal Statement in support of any music teaching post application, click there or here (.pdf).

A long-term goal I have as a music teacher is to instil enough confidence and knowledge in my students to enable them eventually not to require a teacher, rather, to independently direct their lifelong involvement with music. I teach from a general principal that musicianship is most enjoyably and successfully advanced through putting music making and listening first, ahead of academic learning (e.g. of music theory). More specifically, I believe that when we learn or rehearse an element of music (e.g. a scale, pattern or cadence), instrumental and musical ‘language’ proficiency is almost always most effectively progressed by performing in relation to a specific pulse, time signature (usually four–four) and phrase length (usually 2, 4 or 8 bars — including a rest for half or most of the ending bar!).

I also have — and encourage in my students — high realistic expectations for their achievement. In conjunction with this, I try regularly to acknowledge progression and achievements, and likewise, also have my students recognise and ‘own’ their accomplishments and hard work. Finally, I believe that it is through playing with others that the ‘batter’ of musicianship developed through practise is ‘baked’ and gains social meaning. The experience is not only transformative, but is the memorable — even magical — reward; it ‘fixes’ the hours of practise into a more lasting facility.

I hope this has been helpful and encouraging. If you have any questions or wish to enquire about lessons, I would welcome your call (020 8558–6829).