Hello, I'm Andy.
I am an enthusiastic guitar teacher to students of all ages and abilities. I live in Hackney, but I am willing to travel most places in Zones 1, 2 and 3.
- Which subject(s) do you teach?
I teach classical guitar to pupils of all ages, from absolute beginners, through to Grade 8. The majority of my teaching involves taking pupils through guitar examinations (normally ABRSM, but I have also taught on the Trinity Guildhall syllabus), but I am also happy to work towards a student's personal goals if they want to learn and play guitar for fun.
As well as classical guitar, I also teach electric guitar, including music and techniques from the jazz, pop or rock genres. I am also happy to teach music theory, whether this be ABRSM exams, or tutoring alongside GCSE or A-Level syllabuses.
- Tell me about your qualifications.
I have Grade 8 (ABRSM) in guitar and clarinet, Grade 8 (Trinity) in electric guitar, as well as Grade 5 saxophone. In 2010, I graduated from Trevelyan College, Durham University, with a 2:1 in Music.
- How much do you charge?
I charge £25 per hour - plus £5 if I have to travel - for all lessons. Including travel, my rates are: £30 for an hour; £25 for 45 minutes; £20 for 30 minutes. I also offer discounts for longer lessons or group lessons, which can be negotiated depending on the circumstances.
- Where do you teach?
I normally teach from home (I live in Hackney), but am happy to travel to most areas of London within Zones 1, 2 and 3.
- When are you available?
I am available all weekend, as well as Mon-Fri after 6.30pm.
- Which ages and levels do you teach?
I teach all ages and levels.
- Which qualifications do you prepare your students for?
I normally work through the ABRSM grades with my students, however, I have also taught using the Trinity Guildhall syllabus. I do, however, feel it is the pupil's choice whether they want to work towards exams. Although exams provide useful goals for students who want to progress to a high standard of performance, this isn't necessarily the aim for everyone who learns guitar. Therefore, I aim to teach by achieving the goals of the pupil (or parent), through the enjoyment of playing and learning.
- Describe your arrangements for online tutoring.
I am prepared to tutor online (if this is the best option for you) through Skype, however, I would suggest that in order to get the most out of guitar tuition, you avoid online tutoring.
- Do you have a personal message for students?
Learning a musical instrument has positive effects in the short and long term. A very basic understanding of guitar playing can allow you to be expressive through creative music making, in ways that you (or your child) may have never found before. It stimulates the mind, improves concentration and relieves stress, and can also improve academic performance in many subjects (particularly maths). Guitar is also a fantastic instrument to bring you together with other people by playing in groups and ensembles, or simply sharing your playing with friends and family.
In the long term it gives you a sense of achievement (by completing exams or mastering a difficult piece), and develops a deeper understanding and appreciation of a wide variety of musical styles. Of course, there are many more rewarding aspects to playing an instrument, which I hope to help you discover for yourself!
- What kind of experience do you have?
I have been playing guitar for 14 years, and have been teaching guitar in the last 3 years. After graduating from Durham University in 2010, I moved to London, where I have pupils that I teach on a weekly basis across East London and the City.
As well as teaching guitar, I also work for LSO Discovery, London Symphony Orchestra's education department, working with people of all ages and abilities. This has given me the experience to provide guitar tuition effectively, regardless of standard, age, or musical background.
As a performer I have also played in many large venues in the north of England. I also play every week in Tapas bars in London, playing classical music from Spain and South America.
- Do you have an up-to-date DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service, formerly CRB) Certificate?
Yes, due to the nature of work I do for LSO Discovery, my CRB is renewed regularly.
- Where and with whom did you train?
Through my time at Durham University I studied with Neil Darwent, and prior to this I studied with Neil Smith.
• BA(Hons) Dunelm
• CRB checked
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