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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
Similar classes
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Isaac
Isaac is an award-winning clarinettist, teacher and arranger. He graduated with Distinction from the Royal College of Music as an HR Taylor Trust Scholar, studying Masters of Performance. In 2021, he graduated first class as a Bachelor of Music from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, where he won the college's Concerto Competition. He is originally from a small village in Northamptonshire.

At a young age, Isaac has a wealth of experience in teaching across all levels of education. He has managed his private studio for half a decade, whilst currently holding the position of woodwind tutor at West London Free School, previously Loughton Music Academy Trust and World Heart Beat Music Academy. Alongside working with RCM & RWCMD Juniors departments, and RCM Sparks programmes as workshop support staff, Isaac has worked with the outreach departments of the London Mozart Players, Neville Holt Opera and Royal Scottish National Orchestra. He is also an ongoing self-employed tutor at BSharp Studios, Marie de Bry Arts Academy, Forte Lessons, Lycaeum Tutors, and London Music Tutors; he is also on the roster of the RCM Teaching Service. In 2022, his wind quintet, Ormonde Ensemble, won a place on the Wigmore Hall Chamber Tots Training and Development Scheme, a unique opportunity for musicians to develop their skills and experience as supporting musicians in early-year practice.

Isaac approaches teaching with a young, fresh mindset with a heavy focus on a strong musical foundation, problem-solving, practice “hacking”, determination and, above all, enjoyment. He has been commended for his relatability and calm, patient but efficient manner. He believes that the perfect teacher enables the pupil to become their own teacher! Being able to have clear direction and goals is of paramount importance. Also, having the capacity to ask “Why is this working/not working?” and having ideas on how to fix them is the fastest way to progress.

After studying performance psychology alongside his clarinet studies at RCM and during his exchange in Finland, Isaac is deeply passionate about how the mind affects how we play and practice. He draws mostly from academics such as Anders Ericsson and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, and countless world-leading clarinet players whom he has been fortunate to learn from.

Being an active professional musician by trade means Isaac is always striving to be on the top of his playing, which bolsters teaching practices immensely, allowing lessons to be driven through first-hand and recent experiences. This facilitates constantly fresh ideas for his pupils to work on alongside regular fundamentals. Isaac works regularly as a guest with some of the top orchestras in the country, such as the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, BBC Concert Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra, BBC National Orchestra of Wales and London Mozart Players, among others. He has recently been appointed as one of the Philharmonia’s ‘MMSF Emerging Artists’ for the 2023/24 season.

Isaac’s rates factor in all the financial obligations of being self-employed, such as holiday pay, sick pay, pension contributions, familial leave, additional travel, increased preparation time or greater responsibility. Current inflation rates, including global food prices and transport costs, are also a continual factor in the fee. They also follow the recommended teaching rates for this location put forward by the Musician's Union, of which Isaac is a member. This is to avoid undercutting other tutors, whilst still wishing to provide affordable lessons.

Lessons can be 30, 45 or 60 minutes: 30 minutes is ideal for young beginners, 45 for adult beginners and older pupils. 60 minutes for advanced players or those who wish to learn Music Theory in tandem.

Do get in touch with Isaac to organise a lesson in Chiswick or the surrounding areas (within reason and subject to travel costs included), or to request more info!
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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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Similar classes
arrow icon previousarrow icon next
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Isaac
Isaac is an award-winning clarinettist, teacher and arranger. He graduated with Distinction from the Royal College of Music as an HR Taylor Trust Scholar, studying Masters of Performance. In 2021, he graduated first class as a Bachelor of Music from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, where he won the college's Concerto Competition. He is originally from a small village in Northamptonshire.

At a young age, Isaac has a wealth of experience in teaching across all levels of education. He has managed his private studio for half a decade, whilst currently holding the position of woodwind tutor at West London Free School, previously Loughton Music Academy Trust and World Heart Beat Music Academy. Alongside working with RCM & RWCMD Juniors departments, and RCM Sparks programmes as workshop support staff, Isaac has worked with the outreach departments of the London Mozart Players, Neville Holt Opera and Royal Scottish National Orchestra. He is also an ongoing self-employed tutor at BSharp Studios, Marie de Bry Arts Academy, Forte Lessons, Lycaeum Tutors, and London Music Tutors; he is also on the roster of the RCM Teaching Service. In 2022, his wind quintet, Ormonde Ensemble, won a place on the Wigmore Hall Chamber Tots Training and Development Scheme, a unique opportunity for musicians to develop their skills and experience as supporting musicians in early-year practice.

Isaac approaches teaching with a young, fresh mindset with a heavy focus on a strong musical foundation, problem-solving, practice “hacking”, determination and, above all, enjoyment. He has been commended for his relatability and calm, patient but efficient manner. He believes that the perfect teacher enables the pupil to become their own teacher! Being able to have clear direction and goals is of paramount importance. Also, having the capacity to ask “Why is this working/not working?” and having ideas on how to fix them is the fastest way to progress.

After studying performance psychology alongside his clarinet studies at RCM and during his exchange in Finland, Isaac is deeply passionate about how the mind affects how we play and practice. He draws mostly from academics such as Anders Ericsson and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, and countless world-leading clarinet players whom he has been fortunate to learn from.

Being an active professional musician by trade means Isaac is always striving to be on the top of his playing, which bolsters teaching practices immensely, allowing lessons to be driven through first-hand and recent experiences. This facilitates constantly fresh ideas for his pupils to work on alongside regular fundamentals. Isaac works regularly as a guest with some of the top orchestras in the country, such as the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, BBC Concert Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra, BBC National Orchestra of Wales and London Mozart Players, among others. He has recently been appointed as one of the Philharmonia’s ‘MMSF Emerging Artists’ for the 2023/24 season.

Isaac’s rates factor in all the financial obligations of being self-employed, such as holiday pay, sick pay, pension contributions, familial leave, additional travel, increased preparation time or greater responsibility. Current inflation rates, including global food prices and transport costs, are also a continual factor in the fee. They also follow the recommended teaching rates for this location put forward by the Musician's Union, of which Isaac is a member. This is to avoid undercutting other tutors, whilst still wishing to provide affordable lessons.

Lessons can be 30, 45 or 60 minutes: 30 minutes is ideal for young beginners, 45 for adult beginners and older pupils. 60 minutes for advanced players or those who wish to learn Music Theory in tandem.

Do get in touch with Isaac to organise a lesson in Chiswick or the surrounding areas (within reason and subject to travel costs included), or to request more info!
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)
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