Teaching

I teach piano from age 3 to adult and flute from age 6 to adult, guiding the pupil through the various stages of learning the instrument and building up technique and understanding in a logical sequence. 

My lessons are a two-way dialogue between pupil and teacher (not just me telling the pupil what to do) - I ask pupils questions (giving clues when necessary) getting them to think and work things out for themselves and to spot their own mistakes. 

My pupils learn to read music through playing and by working through enjoyable theory worksheets / puzzles as this helps them to improve their understanding of written music and to be able to write down and play their own music.

I also use a range of games / flashcards etc to enable pupils to have fun while learning.
I aim to lay good foundations of technique, musicianship and notation-reading to promote success, ease and  enjoyment of playing.

My pupils may may enter festivals / take exams but do not have to. I am also willing and able to help pupils prepare for eg. cub  badges etc. and I have experience of teaching teenage pupils who learn an instrument as part of their Duke Of Edinburgh awards.

Pupils are encouraged to play in, and prepare for, local concerts. My pupils have so far this year enjoyed performing at Christmas and Spring charity concerts.

Lessons are normally weekly unless otherwise agreed.

Biography

I have been involved with music from an early age, at school and in youth orchestras. After studying for two years at Birmingham School Of Music (now Birmingham Conservatoire) Junior department, gaining 'A' Level music at NEW College Bromsgrove and being awarded ABRSM's Laura Marco prize for the highest Grade 8 flute mark of the year in the country, I studied flute and piano at music college full time (Welsh College Of Music And Drama, Cardiff where I was awarded the Principal's Prize, and a postgraduate year at Trinity College Of Music, London), achieving two Licenciate (graduate-level) performance diplomas.

I have been a visiting instrumental teacher at two schools and have experience of teaching children and adults privately.

I maintain a very keen interest in classical music, playing in local concerts as soloist and as chamber musician and attending concerts and masterclasses. I enjoy collecting sheet music and books on music. I am an Associate member of EPTA (the European Piano Teachers' Association).