Approach
An individual approach… I strongly believe that students of all ages learn best if they enjoy what they play. I encourage all pupils to bring their own ideas to lessons and explore a wide range of musical styles. I will happily support them in locating a specific, favourite song or other piece of music that they may have heard and wish to try out for themselves. I carefully select study materials that are age-appropriate and allow students to learn at a pace that suits them. I am experienced in training and entering candidates for ABRSM practical and theory music examinations and would encourage any student to rise to these challenges. On the other hand, you may simply wish to develop your skills through exploring different types of music.
A structured approach... I use practice diaries with all students so that they (and/or their parents) clearly understand their goals outside of lessons. Students can also record their own questions, observations or successes for me in the diary in readiness for the next lesson. I give positive praise and honest feedback to students to help them recognise their own strengths and the progress they are making.
A holistic approach… All aspects of music are interlinked and need to be studied and developed through a multi-sensory approach in order to best benefit the brain and have a positive impact on progress. Good posture and sound playing technique, ear-training, rhythmic awareness and theoretical understanding are developed from the very first lesson and students are given opportunities to listen objectively to their own and other’s playing in order to develop expression and really 'feel' the music they are learning. I allow sufficient time in lessons for discussing the historical background to what is being studied in order to give students “the bigger picture” and add meaningful context to the musical learning.
A positive approach… Students are motivated by acknowledgement of their achievements and the feeling that their dedication is paying off. I am happy for parents to sit and listen to their child perform a piece they have perfected at the end of a lesson and am keen to organise end-of-year concerts at local hired venues where all my students will be invited to share their growing talents with their fellow-students, parents, relations and friends.