I teach in my comfortable, sunny West Country home and give lessons of 30, 40, 45 or 60 minutes duration according to age and preference.
I adapt my teaching strategies to each student, with the aim of accessing the "inner musician" in each one of them, and subscribe to the view that if the pupil is finding it hard to learn, the teacher must look first to her/himself.
Practice tasks are set at the end of each lesson and I prefer pupils to make a sincere effort to progress between lessons where they can. CD backing tracks are provided to make practice sessions inviting and fun.
My emphasis is on teaching my pupils to learn to play primarily by ear rather than solely from notated music; in this way the student really does become a fully-fledged creative musician, with skills that are proven to spill over into other acivities. One of my (13-year-old) pupils was just awarded a level 7 (A-level standard) in a school music lesson for her improvisation skills. She started improvising just six weeks ago.
The teaching of improvisation is integrated into lessons as I believe that this skill can often be sadly neglected in instrumental lessons. I also use a number of Kodaly and Dalcroze techniques to aid musicianship, and CD backing tracks in a number of different styles including classical, jazz, Latin, blues and folk are provided. These enable pupils to practise improvisation during lessons and at home, as well as studying and enjoying the more conventional repertoire.
Pupils are also recorded when they're ready, with the aim producing a CD of their own to show off to friends and family.
I will always help pupils through Grade exams if they wish to take them, as these can be highly motivating for some. However, I don't personally feel they should be the 'be all and end all'. (For the record, all my students taking Grade exams have achieved distinctions and merits.)
For the more technically advanced students, I can teach the skills of advanced jazz playing, being a professional jazz as well as classical musician myself.
I offer practical help and advice in purchasing the right instrument if the pupil or pupil's parents have no idea where to start, as if sometimes the case.
I'm also more than happy to provide details of musical activities in the neighbourhood for students who wish to participate, such as Wiltshire Music Centre's wonderful "Creative Factory" and other projects.
Recent Update:
I have now started running Jazz String Workshops for string groups, with very favourable results. If you would like me to run a workshop for your string group or orchestra please don't hesitate to get in touch. Age is immaterial; just an ability to play a few notes and a willingness to try something new!
