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Since September 2019
Instructor since September 2019
Piano, Violin, Double bass and Music Theory Private Tutoring
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From 54 £ /h
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I specialize in teaching teenagers and adults high-quality private instrumental music and music theory lessons in the Essex / East London areas.
- It's never too late to learn/relearn an instrument!
- I am a member of the Musicians' Union and the Incorporated Society of Musicians and am qualified to teach classical /jazz/folk PIANO, VIOLIN and DOUBLE BASS plus exam grades (once the student is fully prepared), to both BEGINNERS or ADVANCED students.
- I believe in teaching a lifelong LOVE of music, and that learning and playing should be about ENJOYMENT, SELF-EXPRESSION, TRANSFORMATION, CURIOSITY, and DEVELOPING INDEPENDENCE AS A MUSICIAN.
- I create lesson plans, worksheets and original compositions tailored to the unique skills and abilities of the student.
- I incorporate new techniques, research, and technologies into my teaching.
- I encourage students to become WELL ROUNDED MUSICIANS from the perspective of a multi-instrumentalist (including correct posture, listening, reading, relearning an instrument, composition, improvisation, performance, and the healing aspects of music).
Extra information
I charge travel expenses in addition to my fee if your location is more than 10 km from my location in Hainault, Essex.
Location
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At student's location :
  • Around Dagenham, United Kingdom
About Me
I am a heartfelt, incisive and versatile musician, composer, private music teacher, published writer and artist with international experience, who charges fair and appropriate rates.

SUTHARSHAN SARMA - PRIVATE PIANO STUDENT

"I would like to say one of the best things that happened for me in recent times, was to have started learning the piano with Gemma. She is very meticulous and focused. She has a very deep understanding of music and compositions and diagnoses my difficulties in the lessons very quickly. I always admire the way she brings out the best in me and how she plans personalised lessons to suit my objectives and needs along the path to becoming a competent pianist. I always look forward to the lessons and of course not to mention the positive vibe she brings along with her every week."

I am a member of the Musicians' Union and the Incorporated Society of Musicians and a dedicated yogi.
Education
98 BA (Hons) Related Arts and English: 2:1 from the University of Chichester
September 19 - Become a Better Music Teacher with ABRSM and FutureLearn
07 Edexcel Level 3 BTEC National Certificate in Music Practice: Double Distinction
07 NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Performance Skills
92 Grade 8 Double Bass
92 Grade 5 Violin
92 Grade 5 Theory of Music
87 Grade 5 Piano
Experience / Qualifications
I have been teaching music privately for a total of five years. Below is a list of my continued professional development.

July 18 - date - timtopham.com Inner Circle piano teacher training
April 18 - date - The Curious Piano Teachers teacher training
July 17 - date - Jazz Skills with pianist and educator, Shan Verma
July 17 - American jazz 'bebop' pianist and educator, Barry Harris's Harmony, Improvisation and Vocal Workshops
November 16 - date - Discover Double Bass
September 12 - Musicians' Union 'An Introduction To Working In The Community Music Sector'
09 and 12 - Songwriting with internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter, Heidi Berry
Age
Teenagers (13-17 years old)
Adults (18-64 years old)
Seniors (65+ years old)
Student level
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Duration
60 minutes
The class is taught in
English
French
Skills
Musical styles:
Classical
Jazz
Availability of a typical week
(GMT -05:00)
New York
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At student's home
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
00-04
04-08
08-12
12-16
16-20
20-24
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Daniel
Approach to Teaching
– I favour a structured approach. I devise lesson plans in advance of every lesson, catered to the student's specific needs.
– Violin lessons tend to be carefully planned to focus on specific technical aspects of performance. To train musicality, I often teach this through the use of Kreutzer and Fiorillo etudes, Dont studies, and also pieces of repertoire catered to the student's musical interests and technical requirements.
– I am open to considering student repertoire suggestions if they are particularly passionate about a certain piece.

Lesson Structure
– Typically violin lessons range in length from 30 minutes to an hour, but I am flexible: I am more than happy to devise a lesson structure that caters for a student's requirements.

Credentials
– I am a Musicology PhD candidate at the University of Cambridge.
– I have worked as a private violin teacher for 7 years (since I was 17). I have taught a variety of students, from beginners starting their instrumental training, to more advanced performers looking to improve their technical facility and performance skills.
– I have performed at West Road Concert Hall (University of Cambridge), The Lee Tseng Hall (Wolfson College Cambridge), Buxton International Festival, Manchester International Festival, and The Bridgewater Hall.
– I have an extensive portfolio of performing credits on documentary films; recent highlights include the docuseries on Ghislaine Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein 'House of Maxwell' (BBC2, 2022), and 'Sir Alex Ferguson: Never Give In' (Netflix) (Passion Pictures / Universal Pictures) (2021). Performance Credits:

Soundtrack:

House of Maxwell (BBC2) (2022) *Score nominated for BAFTA award
Sir Alex Ferguson: Never Give In (Netflix) (Passion Pictures / Universal Pictures) (2021)
The Schnoz (Premiered at the Jewish Film Festival 2020)
The Chillenden Murders (BBC2) (2017)
The Five Wives & Lives Of Melvyn Pfferberg (2016)
Conviction: Murder At the Station (BBC2) (2016)
Charlie Hebdo: 3 Days That Shook Paris (Channel 4) (2015)
Being AP (BBC + Toronto Film Festival) (2015)
The Battle for Marjah (HBO) (2012)

Popular Music Releases:

Grasscut – Human Estuary / The Garden / Witley Common (2021) (Lo Recordings)
Grasscut – Coprolite Tip / Courage Traveller / Edges Of Night (2021) (Lo Recordings)
Grasscut – September's Night Sky (2015) (Lo Recordings)
Grasscut – Beacon (2014) (Lo Recordings)
Grasscut – Pieces (2012) (Ninja Tune)
Essa Weira – Glimpse (2020)
Jaga Jazzist – Toccata (Grasscut remix) (2010) (Ninja Tune xx Vol. 2) (Ninja Tune)

– I hold an MPhil(Cantab) in Music from the University of Cambridge, where I specialised in Historical Musicology and Aesthetics.
– I led the University of Cambridge Experimental Music Ensemble (CUEME) during my MPhil year
– I have a first-class music degree (74.4%) from the University of Manchester, where I won three Hargreaves Prizes for Academic Achievement.
– I achieved a distinction (92%) in my ATCL Diploma in violin performance, and a First (78%) in my final violin recital for my undergraduate degree.
– I have worked as an Assistant Music Teacher, which involved teaching to A-Level Music students.

Ability of Students
– Violin: Beginner to first-level Diploma (ATCL or DipABRSM)
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James
Has your previous piano learning experience been a bit dull? Are you seeking a fresh approach to piano lessons? In my piano lessons, inspired by the Jacques-Dalcroze method, you'll enjoy a unique musical journey beyond just playing the piano and studying theory. You'll also be singing, improvising on the keyboard, and even moving to the music through dance. Learning piano should never be boring, and it certainly isn’t for me or my students. With me, you’ll discover the countless ways the piano can express music. You’ll explore compositions from various composers, periods, and styles, from the classical works of Mozart, Bach, Debussy, and Chopin, to modern pieces, pop songs, and jazz, including Shostakovich. Through eurhythmics exercises, you'll not only play but also feel the music by moving with it, enhancing your musical knowledge and deepening your emotional connection to sound. If you're unsure about moving with the music, don’t worry—I’ll be there to guide you in finding a way to enjoy and love music. I've played the piano since I was five years old and hold a Bachelor’s degree from the Geneva Music University. More recently, I completed my MA in Interdisciplinary Dance Performance at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance. While my teaching experience mainly focuses on children aged 5-10, I am also well-versed in providing music training and piano lessons for adults. Most lessons are 60 minutes long, but I’m happy to adapt the timing and content based on your needs. Please feel free to get in touch if you're interested in lessons. I look forward to sharing my passion for music with you!
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Contact Gemma
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Similar classes
arrow icon previousarrow icon next
verified badge
Daniel
Approach to Teaching
– I favour a structured approach. I devise lesson plans in advance of every lesson, catered to the student's specific needs.
– Violin lessons tend to be carefully planned to focus on specific technical aspects of performance. To train musicality, I often teach this through the use of Kreutzer and Fiorillo etudes, Dont studies, and also pieces of repertoire catered to the student's musical interests and technical requirements.
– I am open to considering student repertoire suggestions if they are particularly passionate about a certain piece.

Lesson Structure
– Typically violin lessons range in length from 30 minutes to an hour, but I am flexible: I am more than happy to devise a lesson structure that caters for a student's requirements.

Credentials
– I am a Musicology PhD candidate at the University of Cambridge.
– I have worked as a private violin teacher for 7 years (since I was 17). I have taught a variety of students, from beginners starting their instrumental training, to more advanced performers looking to improve their technical facility and performance skills.
– I have performed at West Road Concert Hall (University of Cambridge), The Lee Tseng Hall (Wolfson College Cambridge), Buxton International Festival, Manchester International Festival, and The Bridgewater Hall.
– I have an extensive portfolio of performing credits on documentary films; recent highlights include the docuseries on Ghislaine Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein 'House of Maxwell' (BBC2, 2022), and 'Sir Alex Ferguson: Never Give In' (Netflix) (Passion Pictures / Universal Pictures) (2021). Performance Credits:

Soundtrack:

House of Maxwell (BBC2) (2022) *Score nominated for BAFTA award
Sir Alex Ferguson: Never Give In (Netflix) (Passion Pictures / Universal Pictures) (2021)
The Schnoz (Premiered at the Jewish Film Festival 2020)
The Chillenden Murders (BBC2) (2017)
The Five Wives & Lives Of Melvyn Pfferberg (2016)
Conviction: Murder At the Station (BBC2) (2016)
Charlie Hebdo: 3 Days That Shook Paris (Channel 4) (2015)
Being AP (BBC + Toronto Film Festival) (2015)
The Battle for Marjah (HBO) (2012)

Popular Music Releases:

Grasscut – Human Estuary / The Garden / Witley Common (2021) (Lo Recordings)
Grasscut – Coprolite Tip / Courage Traveller / Edges Of Night (2021) (Lo Recordings)
Grasscut – September's Night Sky (2015) (Lo Recordings)
Grasscut – Beacon (2014) (Lo Recordings)
Grasscut – Pieces (2012) (Ninja Tune)
Essa Weira – Glimpse (2020)
Jaga Jazzist – Toccata (Grasscut remix) (2010) (Ninja Tune xx Vol. 2) (Ninja Tune)

– I hold an MPhil(Cantab) in Music from the University of Cambridge, where I specialised in Historical Musicology and Aesthetics.
– I led the University of Cambridge Experimental Music Ensemble (CUEME) during my MPhil year
– I have a first-class music degree (74.4%) from the University of Manchester, where I won three Hargreaves Prizes for Academic Achievement.
– I achieved a distinction (92%) in my ATCL Diploma in violin performance, and a First (78%) in my final violin recital for my undergraduate degree.
– I have worked as an Assistant Music Teacher, which involved teaching to A-Level Music students.

Ability of Students
– Violin: Beginner to first-level Diploma (ATCL or DipABRSM)
verified badge
James
Has your previous piano learning experience been a bit dull? Are you seeking a fresh approach to piano lessons? In my piano lessons, inspired by the Jacques-Dalcroze method, you'll enjoy a unique musical journey beyond just playing the piano and studying theory. You'll also be singing, improvising on the keyboard, and even moving to the music through dance. Learning piano should never be boring, and it certainly isn’t for me or my students. With me, you’ll discover the countless ways the piano can express music. You’ll explore compositions from various composers, periods, and styles, from the classical works of Mozart, Bach, Debussy, and Chopin, to modern pieces, pop songs, and jazz, including Shostakovich. Through eurhythmics exercises, you'll not only play but also feel the music by moving with it, enhancing your musical knowledge and deepening your emotional connection to sound. If you're unsure about moving with the music, don’t worry—I’ll be there to guide you in finding a way to enjoy and love music. I've played the piano since I was five years old and hold a Bachelor’s degree from the Geneva Music University. More recently, I completed my MA in Interdisciplinary Dance Performance at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance. While my teaching experience mainly focuses on children aged 5-10, I am also well-versed in providing music training and piano lessons for adults. Most lessons are 60 minutes long, but I’m happy to adapt the timing and content based on your needs. Please feel free to get in touch if you're interested in lessons. I look forward to sharing my passion for music with you!
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