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Martin Offord Piano/Keyboard Tuition










I live in Middleham, North Yorkshire and I am a visiting teacher of classical piano and keyboard over a wide area. I have 30 years experience of that. I am also a piano recitalist and I have played internationally.

I accept anyone 7 or over, and at any stage of advancement.
My main aim with beginners is to teach them to read music so that they become self-reliant in that. If they do that alright they can probably reach Grade 1 standard in about a year. If they learn to do it as children, they will probably never forget it, and they have that skill for life. While it is essential that pupils are enjoying their lessons and what they are doing, it is also important that they play their own part in the process by practising in between lessons. Learning to read music is a mental discipline like learning a language. There are no short cuts! In the learning of a piece, it's good if the pupil understands the background to it, for example, who composed the piece and what sort of piece is it? I also advise keeping a music theory handbook, preferably one that goes through the Grades. If pupils want to take Grade exams, it's a good idea as it gives them a definite aim and can be quite fun to do.
With more advanced pupils, if I find that their knowledge of music and of the piano repertoire is limited, then I aim to make them as aware as possible of the wonderful wealth of music of all periods that they can play.

I charge £15 for a 30-minute lesson, £30 for an hour's lesson. I may also make a small charge for visiting. If you are interested in having lessons, please give me a ring, or send an SMS or e-mail.

Contact Information

  • Middleham, North Yorkshire DL8 4RB
    England
  • Mobile: 07470 127954
    • Send Message vCard

    Additional User Information

    Disclosure and Barring Service: yes

    Qualification: MA (Music) Cantab. Grade 8 Piano (ABRSM)

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Additional User Information

Disclosure and Barring Service: yes

Qualification: MA (Music) Cantab. Grade 8 Piano (ABRSM)

Other Information

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Did You Know Music Facts

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks (previously CRB checks)
The Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) have merged to become the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). CRB checks are now called DBS checks.

A DBS check may be needed for: certain jobs or voluntary work - eg working with children or in healthcare applying to foster or adopt a child There are different rules for getting a criminal record check in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Who can ask for a DBS check An employer can ask for a DBS check for certain roles. DBS eligibility guidance lists most roles that are eligible for a check. However, the guidance isnít comprehensive so contact DBS if unsure. Applicants (job candidates) canít do a criminal records check on themselves, but they can request a ëbasic disclosureí.

How to get a DBS check
  • The employer gets an application form from DBS or an umbrella body (a registered body that gives access to DBS checks).
  • The employer gives the applicant the form to fill in and return to them along with documents proving their identity.
  • The employer sends the completed application form to DBS or their umbrella body.
  • DBS sends a certificate to the applicant. The employer will have to ask the applicant to see the certificate.
If the applicant has subscribed to the DBS update service, the employer can check their certificate online.Basic disclosure If applicants need to run a check on themselves, they can get a ëbasic disclosureí with details of any unspent convictions from Disclosure Scotland (they can do this anywhere in the UK).Types of criminal records check There are 3 types of check. The employer or organisation running the check should provide the applicant with more information about the level of check required. Criminal record check applicants must be 16 or over.

Standard

This will check for spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings, and will take about 2 weeks.

Enhanced

This includes the same as the standard check plus any additional information held by local police thatís reasonably considered relevant to the workforce being applied for (adult, child or ëotherí workforce). It takes about 4 weeks.

Applicants and employers can use the DBS update service to keep a certificate up to date or carry out checks on a potential employeeís certificate.