My teaching incorporates many varied aspects, all of which are essential to becoming a well-rounded musician. These skills include improvisation, whole body technique, sight reading, playing by ear and composition

I teach students of all ages and all abilities. One of the nice things about enjoying private lessons is being able to have a lesson that’s completely tailored to your individual needs. That being said, there are some fundamentals that I work on with all students. Notation and technique are important, but learning to create music in a “whole brained” way is important on your journey to becoming a confident musician. Improvising, composition and playing/singing by ear will also develop skills that allow for greater enjoyment and proficiency of your instrument.

How do lessons work online?

I use a dual camera set up - one camera for my hands, to demonstrate technique on the instrument, and another camera for my face that also double up as a whiteboard if I need to explain theory, or write in notation. I was teaching this way pre-pandemic, and I’m happy to continue so people can continue to learn from wherever they are.

How do lessons work from your home?

I live in the centre of Faringdon, and I currently teach from my home. I have one Bechstein upright and a full size Casio stage piano. I like to use both depending on the lesson. My house is the end of a terrace and we’re able to make as much noise as we like! I also have a cat who likes to sit in my lessons, so let me know in advance if you’re allergic.

Why take music lessons?

Most of my students sit graded exams or take part in concerts/competitions, but not all of them. Some learn just for fun, and others have music scholarships or other external motivations where grades are required. If grades are part of the plan, I still try and make sure that there’s plenty of other material to explore and work with - putting our entire focus on scales and three pieces for 6 months can be so limiting when there’s so much music to explore! I do think that having goals and feedback from experts is really important though, which is where performing regularly in any capacity can be really beneficial for a student’s sense of progression.

Whether lessons are your weekly chance to relax or you're a professional looking for some coaching and inspiration, my main aim is for the student to leave with confidence, and a growth mindset to carry forward into their life outside my teaching space.

Piano lessons

One of the favourite parts of my job is showing someone that they can make beautiful music happen right from the start. I like to use Forrest Kinney’s improvising exercises for this, and the Piano Safari tutor books. The latter is great from a pedagogical perspective, as it encourages students to learn by rote (where you memorise patterns), as well as teaching essential skills for technique and notation. Students are encouraged to read by recognising landmark notes and intervals which is a much more effective way of sight reading than “All Cows Eat Grass”.

There are so many amazing technological resources now, I try and incorporate some online learning tools into the lessons where possible. Note Rush is a firm favourite for sight reading, and Rhythm Trainer is a great all round aural resource. I try and make my lessons appeal to the varied ways that people learn, which long term yields great results in examinations as as well as for personal satisfaction.

Singing lessons

Creating music with your voice can feel like such a daunting task for a lot of people. Children sing instinctively and with resonance, but the majority of my students are adults who have “always wanted to sing but can’t”. The reality is that all of these people can definitely sing, but have lost some of that childlike confidence along the way. Anxiety is at the root of a lot of initial vocal problems when bodily tension negatively affects the voice, so before embracing challenges I try and make sure lessons are geared towards enjoyment and confidence. Once the fear of starting lessons is over, techniques can be used to improve tone, pitch, bodily alignment and breath control.

I’ve trained with some fantastic teachers over the years, from short courses at the national opera studio, to private lessons with professional singers. I’ve also sung on stage, in studios and as a session musician in pop/rock bands. I can teach all genres, but if you’re looking for industry specialism I have most experience with the recording industry and singing for opera. I always encourage people to sing mindfully and with intention so that musical ideas can be communicated. I also have a small recording studio, and we can use the lessons to create high quality recordings of songs together which are a great way of practicing essential studio skills which singers need in the professional world. One of my favourite books is “Great Singers on Great Singing” by Jerome Hines, and I have a personal interest in biomechanics and natural movement which I love bringing into my singing teaching.

Guitar lessons

I’ve been playing guitar since I was 12, and I have a beautiful 80’s Fender American Stratocaster that I’ve had since I was 15. What initially drew me to guitar was how accessible it was for accompanying people, and how portable it was! When it comes to teaching, I’m happy to explore whatever genre the student is most interested in. Depending on government restrictions, I also offer group lessons because playing with other people is an especially important skill for guitarists so please lead with that in your enquiry if that’s something you’d consider. As with piano and singing, I like to focus on musicianship and building up good strength and technique so you can really get to grips with the limitless potential of your instrument.

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