I have loved music since my early teenage years, I began teaching after studying for a Music diploma and then a Music degree at Brighton. I have been teaching music in my studio and schools for more than 10 years; it has been a wonderful journey. I have seen all ages and abilities grow in ability and confidence. Music has a most special place in the Arts and in our lives and gives so much more in uniting the human spirit, crossing borders and differences.
Music Teaching: I offer music education for all ages and mixed abilities. My teaching is not only about learning to play but also encouraging while supporting individuals in expressing their ideas and exploring their interests through music. I teach 130 pupils a week in different settings working from individuals to whole class. I have assisted with graded exams including Rock School and Trinity College. I include a broad variety of teaching in my curriculum including; rhythm and lead guitar playing, music theory, composition, recording, specific styles and techniques, accompanying, performance and basic ability of piano, drums, bass, vocals and ukulele.
Duke of Edinburgh Awards: I also have been very lucky to help pupils with their D of E awards which have involved setting a brief and working together to achieve this. Some of the briefs include writing and recording a composition, learning and performing a repertoire. It is a great opportunity for pupils to focus on what they would like to improve on. Something I am very keen on. We learn effectively through playing and by combining knowledge and resources. I like to encourage pupils to have a choice on what they would like to learn. We all learn things at different speeds but if we enjoy what we are learning it is a pleasure and a character building experience.
Kent Music: I deliver music plus teaching for Kent music at Sandhurst primary school. Kent music is the local music hub offering a huge range of affordable music activities for young people. Sandhurst is a fantastic school with some really extra-curricular music activities.
Youth Work: I have worked with East Sussex and Kent county councils as a youth worker. I offered a variety support to young people and specialist music workshops. I will always look back fondly on the special experiences and observing personal achievements in young people. I have worked for a company delivering music technology lessons in schools and all of the children really enjoyed the experience of writing, recording and producing their own music to a brief.
One project, held in Robertsbridge, was awarded the Arts & Culture award by SPARKawards.
Film Music Recording: I assisted Billy Jupp in the recording of the music for film The Flood. It was a fantastic and successful day in Goudhurst Church. I feel very lucky to have helped and been involved in such an interesting project.
Professional Development: I am currently working towards a certificate in music educators which is certified by Trinity College. The course and the leaders are faultless with a wealth of knowledge and experience in working in a variety of music settings with adults and children.I am really engaged with the course and applying this into my teaching profession.
Out and about: I play locally in a duo and collaborate with many musicians from the local area.
On a final note most people I know who have chosen music as a hobby, passion or profession all started the same way. “ I would like to learn to play………” The music we learn needs to be relatable and by starting a journey like this all of the other bits can come later.
Enjoy it first!
Also Important: I am member of the musicians union, have a DBS check, completed a first aid course, safeguarding training and I am fully insured.
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