Jon - Arbury - Music

Methodology

Hey, if you like the look of what you see and would like to find out more, get in touch for a totally free consultation!

- Which subject(s) do you teach?

Singing, Composition, Music Theory, Sibelius

- Tell me about your qualifications.

I have a degree in Music with a focus on Music in Education and Composition from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London.

I took ABRSM Grade 8 Singing in 2007 and Grade 5 Theory in 2006, and achieved high distinctions in both.

- How much do you charge?

Our first meeting will be a very informal consultation, free of charge and lasting about half an hour. This is for you to find out a bit more about me and how I teach, and for me to learn more about where you're at and where you'd like to be.

Following this meeting, lesson charges are as follows:

£25 for an hour long lesson
£115 for a block of five lessons (paid in advance)*
£210 for a block of ten lessons (paid in advance)*

*These options don't tie you to a particular weekly slot, I can be flexible to accommodate holidays, changing circumstances etc.

- Where do you teach?

I am based in North Cambridge, where I can hold lessons between 9:30 am and 4:30 pm during the week. Alternatively, if you would like the session to take place at your home, I can travel anywhere in the surrounding area. If I am travelling to you, there will be an additional charge to cover travel expenses and time.

- When are you available?

I can be flexible around your schedule when planning lessons. I do the majority of my teaching during the day, but early and late sessions, as well as some weekend slots, are also available.

- Which ages and levels do you teach?

Ages 4 - 104, beginners who've never tried before to early-stage professionals.

- Which qualifications do you prepare your students for?

Up to Grade 8 Singing and Grade 5 theory (ABRSM)

- Describe your arrangements for online tutoring.

I will be able to tutor Music theory over a video/audio Skype link from late March. Anyone wanting to work like this will need a printer and scanner to print out and return written exercises.

Experience

- What kind of experience do you have?

Singing
The human voice is the most complex and versatile instrument in the world, and discovering the full extent of what yours can do is an hugely rewarding, often pleasantly surprising activity. Whether you are a complete beginner who wants to explore, an aspiring singer/songwriter or a trained singer looking to improve technique, I would love to hear from you.

I have trained as a classical singer with various teachers, most recently the Royal College's Russell Smythe and sung in a number of choirs, including The National Youth Choir of Great Britain, lead by Mike Brewer. I also write and perform my own songs, and have been involved in a number of theatrical and workshop projects which involve exploring creative vocal technique.

I believe, for some people, performing can be a really fun and rewarding part of learning to sing. To this end, dependant on student interest, I will organise periodic, informal, not-for-profit concerts in which students who wanted to could perform, alongside premiers from composition students.

Composition/Orchestration
I learnt classical composition and orchestration at Kings College, University of London, am conversant with the treatises of both Berlioz and Piston on the subjects and studied contemporary and cross-cultural composition at the School of Oriental Studies under Nick Gray, in which I received a high first (79). Over the last four years my music has been performed in various contexts, from contemporary music concerts to plays.

I lead a mixed-instrumental new-music ensemble called JMT. They have premiered over 15 of my pieces, including songs, solo pieces and ensemble work over the last three years, and lead me to the conclusion that rehearsing new work and having it performed are vital for honing writing skills. Considering this, dependant on student interest, I will organise periodic, informal, not-for-profit concerts in which composition students could have their work premiered alongside performances by singing students.

Theory
Much as an aspiring carver or sculptor would be unlikely to just pick up a chisel, locate an unsuspecting tree and get to it, formal training in music theory can be key to unlocking, empowering and channeling the creative impulse. Learning the rules and language of melody, rhythm, harmony and orchestration will also open your ears to the depth and subtlety of the music you hear, making listening a vastly more engaging and rewarding experience.

Sibelius
Simply a great way to work - if you know how to use it. I have seven years experience working with Sibelius for every step of the composition process, from idea generation to score publishing. Along the way I have discovered countless methods to help achieve the quickest possible route from idea to finished product.

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

I have an enhanced CRB for my work on a touring children's show.