Stephen - Clerkenwell - Music

Methodology

I am a passionate and knowledgeable teacher, and I love encouraging students' creativity. I cover a wide range of styles and provide firm technical grounding in each.

- Which subject(s) do you teach?

I teach Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Flute, Music Theory, Composition and music technology (I specialize in Sibelius notation software). I am happy to teach Classical, Jazz, Folk, Contemporary, Klezmer and improvised music, and am also happy to teach the ABRSM syllabus.

- Tell me about your qualifications.

I hold an MMus in Clarinet performance from McGill University, as well as a BMus in Clarinet Performance from the University of British Columbia. I have also studied at the Bang on a Can Summer Institute, the Vancouver Institute for Creative Music, Dartington International Summer School, Orford Arts Centre, Le Domaine Forget and KlezKanada summer school.

- How much do you charge?

I currently charge 30 pounds an hour.

- Where do you teach?

I currently teach in students' homes in Greater London. Lessons in offices are also available, or a centrally located venue can be rented at a small extra cost.

- When are you available?

I travel to different areas of London on different days of the week, so it is best to contact me and inquire about availability.

- Which ages and levels do you teach?

I teach all ages, and have taught beginners through to university students. Lessons are tailored to each student's goals and abilities.

- Which qualifications do you prepare your students for?

I am happy to prepare students for ABRSM tests and auditions. I have put students through practical and theory exams at all levels, and have never had one fail.

- Describe your arrangements for online tutoring.

I am happy to tutor online via Skype- I accept payments through Paypal.

- Do you have a personal message for students?

I am a passionate, enthusiastic and knowledgeable teacher; for me there is nothing better than sharing that with students who are eager to learn. My goal each lesson is to leave students excited about music and eager to practice. Schedule a private lesson today- you'll be so glad you gave it a try!

Experience

- What kind of experience do you have?

I have been teaching privately for ten years, and also have experience teaching in schools, leading masterclasses and teaching in a studio setting. I have performed extensively throughout Canada with groups such as the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Vancouver Miniaturist Ensemble, Letter Four Quartet and behind open doors arts collective. As a Composer my music has been featured on the Sonic Boom, New Music in New Places, Mercredimusics and Mardispaghetti music series. In 2010 I received a grant from the Canada Council for the Arts to come to London, where I am actively pursuing a career as a performer, composer and teacher.

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

Yes, I do.

- Where and with whom did you train?

I have studied Clarinet with Ian Mitchell (Trinity), Lori Freedman (McGill), Simon Aldrich (McGill) and Cris Inguanti (UBC). I have also taken masterclasses with Alan Hacker, James Campbell, David Campbell, David Krakauer and Richard Stoltzman.
My composition teachers include John Korsrud and Peter Hannan.

- Tell me about some of your current students.

I teach small children through grandparents, from casual hobbyists to those actively pursuing ABRSM grades. I strive to make each lesson fun and productive, and to encourage each students' creativity.