About
I have been teaching music lessons since 2012 and it’s something I love. I teach adults and children, privately and in school, some working towards graded exams and some not. As well as having ABRSM Grade 8 Piano and Oboe myself and a BA in Music (First-Class Hons), I have a PGCE qualification in secondary music teaching, and have worked in Learning Support with children with special educational needs. I am DBS checked.
Outside of teaching, I am a composer and a performer. I play piano for improvised theatre company Degrees of Error and oboe in the Bishopston Wind Quintet. I am also an active choir member and conductor/arranger.
Piano lessons
Piano is a superbly versatile instrument and a really wonderful foundation for basically anything else you want to do in music. You can work towards ABRSM grade exams if you want, or not.
Oboe lessons
The oboe is a wonderful instrument that is sadly rare and underappreciated! As an orchestral instrument and one with a lot of repertoire from the baroque period onwards, it’s “sociable” with opportunities in ensembles from wind quintets to full orchestras. It also has a beautiful sound, which has been recognised by film as well as classical composers, so there are a lot of beautiful melodies written for the instrument.
You may have heard the oboe is particularly difficult instrument, or that it sounds very bad and duck-like in early stages…. I’m not saying this isn’t true, but I would say it isn’t noticeably more true than, say, violin, another beautiful but challenging-in-early-stages instrument, so don’t let that put you off. Learning a woodwind instrument in general and oboe in particular also teaches you good breathing and core support!
Oboes themselves are expensive instruments and a big commitment in buying. However, oboes are available for rent to try before you buy, and to use in the first stage of your lessons (companies often expect you to rent for at least 3 months with no upper limit, at reasonable rates compared to buying). Some schools own oboes and will likely be delighted to lend them and in return gain an oboe for the school orchestra. I also own another oboe for teaching that can be used for a first taster lesson if you don’t have one yet.
I play piano so you will be able to play your pieces accompanied in lessons.
ABRSM exams offered, for those who wish to work towards these.
Singing for pleasure, increase your confidence and technique!
Singing lessons for adults — any level, we can work on repertoire from pop to classical to musical theatre, and to your own individual goals, be they just increasing confidence, working on range, supporting your work in a community choir etc.
Singing is fun — singing is good for you!
As with oboe lessons, since I play piano we can work on fully realised performances of songs with live piano and vocals, which is generally a lot more fulfilling than singing to a backing track. We can also work on singing duets and rounds in lessons — this is very good for increasing confidence and the ability to stick on a part while singing harmony.
Music theory
I also offer theory coaching, either long-term or for a shorter block of lessons for example in the lead-up to a Grade 5 exam, or for adult learners who would like to catch up/learn more of the background.
Rates
- 30 minute lesson: £22
- 45 minute lesson: £30
- 1 hour lesson: £37
For younger children, half an hour is probably a good amount. 45 minutes or more is useful for intermediate level young people working on longer pieces. Adults: it’s up to you! Half an hour may be enough for beginners, or longer to get more in-depth. Longer times also be useful for adult singing lessons in particular (to give us more time for warming up and working on pieces).
Lessons can be paid for individually, monthly, or as a block in advance. Changes or cancellations must be made at least 24 hours in advance to avoid being charged for the lesson. If you have a clash on a particular day I am happy to try and rearrange to a different time in the week.
Lessons take place at my house, in BS7. (Parking is available.) We can also do online lessons via zoom if that is more convenient some weeks.
My timetable is currently fairly booked up especially after school, but do get in touch to see if anything is available.
Contact
If you would like to enquire about lessons, or have any questions, get in touch with the form below. I look forward to hearing from you!