ChiddMusic Flute and Piano Tuition, Flute Days and Performance
Nurturing a love of music
Teaching Approach
With my years of teaching experience, I have become skilled at adapting my approach to suit the individual’s needs. For example, some students like the structure and challenge of taking grades while others have a preference for learning a particular style (jazz, boogie woogie, classical). I enjoy working with young students to nurture their natural musical abilities, encouraging them to achieve their potential. As a teacher I feel a responsibility to build confidence and instill a love for music which will stay with them for a lifetime.
Over a period of time, I have built a wide range of resources. For example, I use music games to help to engage the young beginner. I have a large range of music including many duet books, and generally include duets in most lessons. It is important that they hear me play during lessons. All of my students, whatever their age or ability, learn scales. This helps with fingerings and technical skills, and with a wider understanding of tonality.
I have experience of working within schools. I taught for Surrey Arts and have taught at Private Schools as well. I have run a recorder club at Chiddingfold Village School and have an up to date DBS enhanced certificate which is automatically updated on an annual basis. I have prepared students for solo and duet performances as part of their GCSE exams. I frequently teach music theory and help students through their grade 5 theory exam so that they can continue into the higher grades of their instrument.
Having established and conducted the Chiddingfold Flute Group approximately 10 years ago, I have organized many events and concerts for the group, which is an adult learner ensemble. I continue to coach both groups and individual flautists.
As a musician, it is important to me that I perform on a regular basis. Currently I play first flute with Haslemere Symphony Orchestra, and occasionally Basingstoke Symphony Orchestra and the Surrey Mozart Players.
BMus(hons)Lond
I am a music graduate of Goldsmiths College, University of London (1988) and studied the flute with the wonderful flautist Christopher Hyde Smith, and piano with John Tilbury. I have taught flute and piano for many years, and direct Chiddingfold Flute Group. I play regularly with local amateur orchestras.
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Piano Lessons
The youngest age I take piano pupils is 6. I teach adults and children up to grade 6
Flute Lessons
Flute lessons start from 9 years old onwards. I teach adults and children to grade 8 and beyond
Theory lessons
I also cover theory, especially grade 5 which is necessary in order to continue with higher grades in any instrument
Children learn to read music effectively if they are having fun. I have a growing collection of music games including finger twister, ice cream maker, build a burger and musical snakes and ladders. I aim to spend the last 5 minutes of the lesson using these games.
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My Teaching Story
Having fun making music
I was fortunate to study flute with Christopher Hyde Smith and piano with John Tilbury. Both were inspirational teachers and performers who inspired me to pass on my love of making music. For me, a large part of the joy in making music is playing in groups with other musicians. However opportunities for flute players can be few and far between. In response I have built and directed a flute group over the last 6 years which has grown in numbers, in ability and in confidence. Very much a mixed ability group aimed at having fun and building confidence at ensemble playing. We meet in Chiddingfold for flute days.
Performing - upcoming events
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Orchestral Concert, Haslemere Music Society
October 12, 2019
at St Christopher’s Church
Conductor James Ross
Works:
Holst Two Songs without Words
Fauré Pavane
Molique Oboe Concertino David Farnworth, oboe
Morricone Gabriel’s Oboe David Farnworth, oboe
Beethoven Symphony No.8
Having fun with playing the flute
I love to embrace fun and different ways of playing. I performed as a 'roaming musician' at a local fairy fair. Over the 2 days, wandering around the magical woodland, I had a lot of fun playing to an audience of small children and their parents. I hope that some may become flute players one day...
Contact me
Chiddingfold, Surrey
Flute and Piano lessons, flute days and performance