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Director / Teacher
Piano, Singing, Guitar, Theory, GCSE, A Level
My 17 years of experience in teaching, as a private teacher, studio director and as a classroom teacher in secondary schools, has given me a wealth of experience to draw from to inform my teaching today. Music, and teaching music, is my passion and I am heavily invested in the success and progression of students, helping them to develop a love of music through engaging, student-led teaching. I work closely with students (the young, and the young at heart) and parents to create goals specific to students’ learning styles and their individual needs and interests. My teaching is adaptable, approachable, flexible and positive which helps me to support students achieve their targets in music.
Teacher
Piano, Guitar, Bass, Theory
I teach piano, guitar, bass and music theory. I always aim to teach in a fun and engaging way, while ensuring my students are learning and developing their musical skills with each lesson.
I have many years of experience with students of all ages, having worked in a secondary school performing arts department and teaching privately in the evenings. Three years ago I decided I would like to dedicate myself fully to instrumental teaching and I gained my Grade 8 in Bass Guitar and my Rockschool Level 4 Music Teaching Diploma.
My lessons are tailored to each individual student with activities, objectives and ultimately pathways that are right for them. I maintain a focus on enjoyment and always ask my students about their favourite music right from the start.
I enjoy a wide range of musical styles. For listening, my favourite composers are John Barry, Elton John and of course the Beatles. For playing, there’s nothing I like more than the blues.
Teacher
Piano and Theory
I am a part-time music teacher at Barnwell Music. I am currently in my second year studying BMus Music at Goldsmiths University of London and loving every second. My passion for music really sparked about 14 years ago when I started private piano lessons. However, it was only after studying music at GCSE that I began to consider taking music further and into a career. This led me to continue my studies onto A level and then begin my university degree.
I’ve always enjoyed working with younger children and during my gap year I spent almost the whole year volunteering as a Teaching Assistant in both a lower and middle school. This cemented my love for teaching, and I hope to complete my PGCE straight after my degree. I currently teach beginner piano on Saturdays and love teaching a wide range of students with different music tastes and different ideas about music. It’s cliché to say I love all music but that isn’t too far from the truth; if I had to pick though I would choose Romantic Era piano (Chopin/Debussy) or 70s Rock as my favourite genres (I know, bit of a vast difference). I’m of the belief that you can start learning the piano no matter your age or musical background – I’d love to get to know you!
Depending on the age and musical pathway of the student, lessons comprise of an array of activities from drawing, to singing, to listening and discussing, and of course, putting what is learned into practise at the piano. For very young students, we actively encourage movement, singing and abstract thinking in lessons, as per EYFS guidelines. We employ different pedagogies, depending on the learning style of the student and the music being learned.
The beauty of singing is that, unlike other instruments, you are able to ‘play’ almost instantly. Of course, there needs to be guidance and teaching to encourage correct singing technique and correct development of the voice and sound produced. Learning takes time and dedication just as with any other instrument, but most people are able to just sing!
Guitar lessons at Barnwell Music can follow the traditional route, whether graded (we support students taking exams with ABRSM, Trinity, LCM and MTB) or learning classical guitar without taking grades. We cater for individuals’ learning style, their age and ability and support them to achieve their goals in guitar.
We are now pleased to be able to offer bass lessons here at Barnwell Music. As with all other instruments, lessons are engaging and tailored to the individual’s learning style and needs. If the student decides to follow the graded route, we can offer support for a variety of exam boards, including ABRSM, Trinity, LCM, Rock School and MTB. For those who choose not to take this path, we are able to offer well-structured lessons, packed full of exciting and engaging activities and tasks.
Music theory is intrinsic to learning how to play an instrument and really understanding how music works and how it is all linked. All instrumental lessons will cover an element of theory to support learning and understanding – whether that is through ad hoc discussion or through time set aside to learn about theory in a more structured format.
With experience teaching both GCSE and A Level Music in secondary schools, as well as in preparing students to take external Music GCSEs, teachers at Barnwell Music are confident in delivering a syllabus from any exam board. The resources used are engaging and current and cover all areas of knowledge ensuring there are no gaps.
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Depending on the age and musical pathway of the student, lessons comprise of an array of activities from drawing, to singing, to listening and discussing, and of course, putting what is learned into practise at the piano. For very young students, we actively encourage movement, singing and abstract thinking in lessons, as per EYFS guidelines. We employ different pedagogies, depending on the learning style of the student and the music being learned.
Students often decide to pursue Grades. This also can be tailored to suit the student’s specific needs by choosing an exam path to suit them, whether it is through ABRSM, Trinity, LCM, Rock School or MTB. The exam route tends to lead to more structured lessons as there is a lot to cover in exam preparation, and lessons are taken at the pace of the student; taking into account their ability and the amount of time they are able to commit to practice. Traditional, Jazz, Rock, Pop and Musical routes are all catered for, depending on the wishes of students and parents.
Often, the graded route does not suit a student. This does not mean that they should not have access to the same opportunities for learning. These lessons are a lot more flexible and follow the student’s interests and, again, their rates of learning. They tend to be more varied, although no less challenging as there is a huge amount of knowledge and experience to cover outside of the piano grades syllabus.
We routinely construct lessons based on student and parent feedback and will always adapt to the student’s changing requirements as they progress in skill at the piano. We operate an open door policy in the studio and welcome parent feedback and input in lessons and in practice at home.
The beauty of singing is that, unlike other instruments, you are able to ‘play’ almost instantly. Of course, there needs to be guidance and teaching to encourage correct singing technique and correct development of the voice and sound produced. Learning takes time and dedication just as with any other instrument, but most people are able to just sing!
We cater for both male and female voices, and for the young and the young at heart.
In singing lessons, you have the freedom to pursue grades. Students often decide to choose the graded route. As with other instruments, this also can be tailored to suit the student’s specific needs by choosing an exam path to suit them, whether it is through ABRSM, Trinity, LCM, Rock School or MTB. The exam route tends to lead to more structured lessons as there is a lot to cover in exam preparation. Lessons are taken at the pace of the student; taking into account their ability and the amount of time they are able to commit to practice. Traditional, Jazz, Rock, Pop and Musical routes are all catered for, depending on the wishes of students and parents.
Often, the graded route does not suit a student. This does not mean that they should not have access to the same opportunities for learning. These lessons are a lot more flexible and follow the student’s interests and, again, their rates of learning. They tend to be more varied, although no less challenging as there is a huge amount of knowledge and experience to cover outside of the singing grades syllabus.
We routinely plan our lessons based on student and parent feedback and will always adapt to the student’s changing requirements as they progress in skill in singing. We operate an open door policy in the studio and welcome parent feedback and input in lessons and in practice at home.
Guitar lessons at Barnwell Music can follow the traditional route, whether graded (we support students taking exams with ABRSM, Trinity, LCM and MTB) or learning classical guitar without taking grades. We cater for individuals’ learning style, their age and ability and support them to achieve their goals in guitar.
For students who would like to follow the rock or pop route, we can support with the graded route or learning just for fun. Either way, our lessons at Barnwell Music are tailored to the student’s individual needs and full of engaging content that caters for all ages and abilities. We ensure that students are given a good foundation in knowledge and practical skills of the guitar, whichever pathway they choose.
As with all our lessons, we routinely plan our lessons based on student and parent feedback and will always adapt to the student’s changing requirements as they progress in skill in guitar. We operate an open door policy in the studio and welcome parent feedback and input in lessons and in practice at home.
We are now pleased to be able to offer bass lessons here at Barnwell Music. As with all other instruments, lessons are engaging and tailored to the individual’s learning style and needs. If the student decides to follow the graded route, we can offer support for a variety of exam boards, including ABRSM, Trinity, LCM, Rock School and MTB. For those who choose not to take this path, we are able to offer well-structured lessons, packed full of exciting and engaging activities and tasks.
We routinely plan our lessons based on student and parent feedback and will always adapt to the student’s changing requirements as they progress in skill in bass. We operate an open door policy in the studio and welcome parent feedback and input in lessons and in practice at home.
Music theory is intrinsic to learning how to play an instrument and really understanding how music works and how it is all linked. All instrumental lessons will cover an element of theory to support learning and understanding – whether that is through ad hoc discussion or through time set aside to learn about theory in a more structured format.
When taking Grade VI and above in any instrument with the Associated Board (ABRSM), music theory is a prerequisite to completing these exams.
We also offer solely theory lessons at Barnwell Music, we use a variety of resources and activities, often including practical elements to demonstrate and engage the pupil so that they really understand the theoretical concepts they are learning. Lessons and content are age appropriate and tailored to each individual and their learning style. Lessons move at the pace of the student.
Students may choose to take theory exams in order to aid their progression in their practical grades, or to progress further in their general theoretical knowledge. We offer exam support for ABRSM and Trinity. We also offer theory lessons for GCSE and A Level students who need to improve their theory of music knowledge to aid their learning at school.
We routinely plan our lessons based on student and parent feedback and will always adapt to the student’s changing requirements as they progress in skill in theory. We operate an open door policy in the studio and welcome parent feedback and input in lessons and in practice at home.
With experience teaching both GCSE and A Level Music in secondary schools, as well as in preparing students to take external Music GCSEs, teachers at Barnwell Music are confident in delivering a syllabus from any exam board. The resources used are engaging and current and cover all areas of knowledge ensuring there are no gaps.
Depending on the requirements of the student, we are able to support in the preparation of exam performances; we also offer composition lessons in a wide variety of genres; we are also able to help in the preparation of the written exam. For all elements of GCSE and A Level music exam preparation, we can offer advice and guidance so that a student can achieve their full potential
As a matter of course, we maintain contact with the Student’s school music teacher and give parents regular feedback.