Tom - Oval - Saxophone

Methodology

I am a keen and passionate performer and instrumental teacher. I take great pride in imparting knowledge and skills in a logical, concise and digestible fashion.

- Which subject(s) do you teach?

I mostly teach saxophone and flute. I am happy to teach a range of genres and idioms - mostly Jazz or Classical, but also Rock, Pop and Blues. I also teach Piano, Oboe, Clarinet and Jazz Theory/Composition to all ages and ability levels.

- Tell me about your qualifications.

I have a Masters degree in Jazz Performance (MMus) which I received from Trinity College of Music in Greenwich. Before that I read Jazz Studies at Leeds College of Music for my undergraduate degree, earning a 1st class honours degree. I majored in both performance and composition and alongside saxophone, studied flute and clarinet.. As a music professional, I have received numerous awards from organisations including EMI, Arts Council England, The Leverhulme Trust and Jazz Services; In 2011 I was shortlisted for both the Peter Whittingham Award for Innovation in Jazz, and a London Jazz Award.

- How much do you charge?

I currently charge a rate of £40 per hour for all enquiries made through The Tutor Pages. I charge the same fee for all instrument/lesson types. This fee includes reasonable travel expenses, which can be discussed or clarified after further enquiries have been made.

- Where do you teach?

I am based in South-West London, including Kensington, Putney, Richmond, Wimbledon and Westminster, but am willing to travel to most locations in Greater London. I am equally willing to teach from my own home, or travel to students houses to teach. Please do get in touch to discuss this further.

- When are you available?

I am available throughout the year, including school holidays. I am flexible throughout the working week and weekends, and am happy to commit to regular lesson times, or flexible hours. Please don't hesitate to contact me to discuss specifics.

- Which ages and levels do you teach?

I have experience of teaching all ages and ability levels. I have a great deal of professional experience teaching Primary School age children, but equally have led workshops aimed at tutoring undergraduate level music students and adult learners. I design fluid lesson plans, and tailor my lessons to suit the individual needs of each student. Enthusiastic students are always welcome, no matter what their age or ability.

- Which qualifications do you prepare your students for?

I quite happy to prepare students for any type of qualification, be it ABRSM/Trinity Guildhall graded exams, GCSE or A-Level performances or auditions for music colleges.

I believe that students of music should never feel pressured into taking graded exams, as it is not the right solution for everybody. I fully endorse the exam system; for some students it provides an excellent yardstick to measure their progress, however for others it can be a hindrance. Music lessons should always build confidence, develop musicality, and ultimately result in the creation of beautiful music.

- Describe your arrangements for online tutoring.

I have experience teaching instruments on Skype, and can be contacted on here.

- Do you have a personal message for students?

Music should always be fun, whether you are auditioning for a place at a music college, or just playing in your living room! Relax, perform and enjoy yourself!