Bass Guitar / Guitar Teacher in Stoke Newington, North London

Methodology

Hi, my name is Rye Eden. I'm a north London based professional musician and tutor.

- Which subject(s) do you teach?

I teach contemporary bass guitar and double bass to all levels, ages and aspirations. While incorporating many styles and genres into my teaching, including: soul, motown, pop, rock, indie, blues, country, gospel and jazz.

Through my lessons I am able to help students to learn and improve their playing in the following areas:

Technique and exercises
Harmony and Music Theory behind playing bass guitar
Improvisation and creating bass lines
Song repertoire – learning to play your favourite songs
Sight reading, chord charts and ear training
Time keeping & groove concepts

I also teach acoustic guitar finger picking (Folk style) from beginner to intermediate level.

- Tell me about your qualifications.

I am a predominantly self taught musician, with over 15 years of experience playing, touring and recording - 5 of those as a professional. As a self taught musician I have learnt music the 'hard way' but as a result of which I fully understand what it takes to be a working musician. It is a fulfilling approach that has required a high level of dedication over the years, and importantly a love of performing and teaching music that runs deep.

In the last few years I have achieved grade 5 music theory, and studied with the Open University - completing their Diploma level course: Understanding Music - Elements, Techniques and Styles.

- How much do you charge?

I charge £30 per hour (£25 for Folk Guitar) for lessons from my home in North London. Or I can travel to teach at various parts of London (East, Central, North, West) with additional travel/ time charges added on.

- Where do you teach?

I teach from my home in Stoke Newington, Hackney (North London), which is easily accessible via a range of major transport links.

I am happy to travel to teach at students' homes in the surrounding London areas - Hackney, Islington, Camden, Haringey, Tower Hamlets and beyond - generally, within an hour's travel from the Hackney area.

- When are you available?

I am available to teach throughout the week and weekends. As a freelance musician my availability can vary from time to time - and in that way I aim for a flexible approach with my students.

As a general rule, I ask that students give me at least 24 hours notice of cancellations, and I myself aim for 48 hours notice if my own availability changes.

- Which ages and levels do you teach?

I am happy teaching students of all ages, levels and aspirations.

- Which qualifications do you prepare your students for?

I can assist electric bass students with the Rockschool exams and qualifications.

- Do you have a personal message for students?

I employ a friendly, patient and encouraging approach to my tutoring. In this way my lessons are always tailored to the individual's requirements and requests, with a large emphasis on discovering their own enjoyment of playing. Music should always be fun whether you're young or old, a beginner or an aspiring professional.

Background

- What kind of experience do you have?

I have a wide range of experience from performing, touring and recording with many bands and artists over the last 15 years. My highlights include onstage appearances beside well known artists: Mica Paris, Andy Bell (Erasure), David McAlmont, Jasmine Kara (Sweden), Sahra Da Silva (Denmark), Dionne Bromfield, James Newman, Mitch Winehouse, and Duffy. As well as International experience touring the likes of Europe, Australia, South Korea and Japan.

I am co-founder of the Massaoke (Live Mass Karaoke) Club night, which over the last 5 years has grown to be one of London's top club nights. Highlights of the group have included performances at: Glastonbury, T In The Park, Latitude, Camp Bestival and Secret Garden Party Festivals; 2 sell out runs at the Edinburgh Fringe; a sell out run at Adelaide Fringe; crowds of 10,000 people at the Rugby World Cup Final and Semi-Finals; and Sports Relief, to name but a few.

I have over 5 years experience as a private tutor, teaching to students of all ages, levels and aspirations.

- Do you have an up-to-date DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service, formerly CRB) Certificate?

My most recent DBS check is dated: 1st July 2011.

- Where and with whom did you train?

Chris Borud - Gary O'Toole school of Music (central London): 2008-2010
Enrique Galassi: 2009-2011

- Do you belong to any professional organisations?

Yes, the Musician's Union.

- Tell me about some of your current students.

Lisa - is a student that I've been teaching acoustic guitar to for 7 months. She is 29 and is learning from a beginner/ early intermediate level. She has some musical knowledge from playing the piano when she was younger.

Sarah - is my longest (current) bass student, who I've been teaching for a bit over a year. She is 22 and plays bass in a ukulele folk covers band. Lessons started out with understanding basic accompaniment, and technique - through to analysing bass lines from her groups repertoire and performing to a higher standard.

Colin - is my latest bass student, who started 2-3 months ago. At 21 he is a relative beginner who played for a year at school and was keen to start learning again. Lessons are mainly based around technique and learning bass lines to well known songs. He has just bought his own bass.

Rye's CV

• DBS - July 2011
• Musicians Union