Welcome

Piano

My first instrument is Piano, I have been playing since I was aged 5. I am classically trained but have a wealth of experience in composing, listening and performing in other genres including Jazz, Popular, Folk and Contemporary.

Depending on the learning style and age 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. I employ different pedagogies, depending on the learning style of the student and the music being learned.

Students often decide to pursue Grades. I follow the Associated Board’s (ABRSM) guidance on exam and knowledge preparation, their website can be found here. This is often very structured 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. ABRSM cover both traditional and Jazz piano. Please click on the links to view the syllabuses for each.

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 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.

I am always happy to construct lessons based on feedback and will always adapt to the student’s changing requirements as they progress in skill at the piano.

Singing

Guitar

I taught myself guitar in my GCSE year for enjoyment and to take my mind off of the stressful exams I was preparing for. It grew from a hobby into another interest of mine – accompanying choirs and soloists in different venues.

While I have plenty of experience, I made the decision not to take grades and therefore guitar lessons with Barnwell Music are for beginners who would like to learn for enjoyment. The basics are covered as with other instruments, and students are encouraged to play a range of genres to help them develop various skills. Guitar lessons are relaxed, yet students are encouraged to stay motivated and take a lead in the repertoire they would like to cover. Both chords and tabs are covered and there is also the option to look at beginner bass guitar too.

Music Theory

Music theory is intrinsic to learning how to play an instrument and really understanding how music works and is 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.

When taking solely theory lessons with Barnwell Music, I follow the ABRSM exercise books as a starting point: my resources embellish on this syllabus and are age appropriate and engaging. Lessons move at the learning pace of the student.

Music Technology

GCSE & A Level

With experience teaching both GCSE and A Level Music in secondary schools, as well as in preparing students to take external Music GCSEs, I am confident in delivering a syllabus from any exam board. Resources are engaging and current and cover all areas of knowledge ensuring there are no gaps.

As a matter of course, I maintain contact with the Student’s school music teacher and give parents regular feedback.

Practical Musicianship

I feel very strongly that all students must be treated as an individual that has different requirements and aims to other students. For some students, Music Theory exam prep is either too challenging, does not suit their learning requirements or interests and takes too much time to prepare for.

The Practical Musicianship exams can be a way around this as it also serves as a prerequisite for practical grades (VI and above) and caters for students who prefer a more practical approach. (Incidentally, Grade 5 Jazz Piano can also be used as a prerequisite).

In the Associated Board’s own words: “Musicianship is a broad concept that covers a complex range of musical abilities. For the purposes of this syllabus, it is loosely defined as the ability to ‘think in sound’. This occurs when a musician is able to produce music which they perceive internally and in the imagination, whether through playing by ear, singing, reading from notation, or through improvisation.“

Young Learners

From September this year, I am very excited to be offering a ‘Young Learners‘ course in the basic skills of practical and theoretical music. These will be group sessions held on Saturday mornings at 9am for half an hour and are open to children aged 3 – 5. Book your place now!

The obvious advantage to these sessions is the cultivation of your child’s creativity. But learning music at this age brings with it many other benefits, accelerating development in areas of the brain and for your child’s overall development, including the following areas: numeracy and literacy skills, language development (including foreign languages), communication skills, expressing emotion, working as part of a team, listening skills and motor skills.

These sessions will differ to other music groups in the local area that are aimed at this age group, in that they are taught with the aim of preparing them for instrumental lessons. Sessions will be age appropriate, fun, have a variety of activities and will look at a variety of topics that will help students gain a better overall understanding of music.

If you would like to book your child in for a FREE taster session, please fill in the contact form here.

Accompaniment

I am available to accompany on piano for exams and performances. My fees, which include a half hour rehearsal, are in line with the Musicians’ Union recommendations, which can be found here 

Current students will receive a discount on those fees, please discuss with me at yours/your child’s lesson to arrange.

Accompaniment is available for examinations, school recitals and concerts, gigs and performances etc. All accompaniment sheet music must be received at least 2 weeks in advance.

Occasions

I am able to provide music for wedding ceremonies, funerals and other occasions, either on piano, singing or guitar. I can perform music in any desired genre and create any mood that you think suitable for your event. 

If you would like to discuss your requirements, please use the contact form.