ABRSM Violin Exam Grades + Grade 5 Theory, GCSE Practical Prep Tutoring / Casual learning

From 30 £ /h

Hi! I am a violinist currently studying at the University of Southampton. I offer violin lessons and grade 5 theory tutoring across wide levels no matter a beginner, preparing for 1 - 8 grade exams, working towards GCSE practical exams, or just learning for some fun! I specialise in helping students progress through ABRSM grades and Grade 5 Theory as well as GCSE practical exams.

I hold a performance diploma for violin (ARSM) and have achieved distinction in ABRSM grade 8 violin. Academically, I achieved GCSE music Grade 9, A-level music A* in performance and composing, A in appraising. Outside of my academic life, I have performed as a first violinist in youth orchestras as well as being the concert master in inter school orchestra (ISSP). Moreover I have had experience playing as a wedding violinist and gained extensive solo recital and chamber performance experience being in quartets.

My teaching focuses on clear and measurable progress that are applicable in exams especially in core techniques: posture, bowing, intonation and musical interpretation. My teaching style is not not strict nor textbook like, I prioritise engagement with students, tailoring on what your goals of learning are, exploring different repertoires, playing styles and practice methods that works the best for you. I am able to provide detailed personalised notes, practice materials and theory past papers. Always feel free to ask questions or submit practice videos for some feedback anytime!

What I offer:
Strong understanding in ABRSM, GCSE, A level exam requirements
Personalised lesson notes + practice plans
Music score materials
Grade 5 theory notes and past papers
Feedbacks between lessons

All my lessons can be taught in English, Cantonese and Mandarin depending on what helps the student learn most effectively. I am based in Southampton, will be more than happy to teach face to face if possible!

Location

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At student's location :

Around Southampton, United Kingdom

Online from United Kingdom

About Me

Hi! I am Marcus, currently studying BA geography in the University of Southampton as well as a classically trained musician. I offer classes on both geography (physical + human) and violin tutoring for all levels. I keep my lessons easygoing, personalised and practical focusing on building your confidence, understanding the material properly and make steady visible progress. Feel free to contact and have a chat!

Education

Degree - Human Geography (BA)
A level - Geography, Music (Appraisal, Performance, Composition)
- having more than 15 years experience in classical violin, specialising in fundamental + performing techniques

Experience / Qualifications

ABRSM performance diploma in violin (ARSM)
ABRSM grade 8 violin
ABRSM grade 5 theory
GCSE Music grade 9

A level Music:
- Performing: A*
- Composing: A*
- Appraising: A

Wedding violinist experience
Extensive chamber music and solo recital experience
Concertmaster, Inter-School Orchestra (ISSP)
First violinist, Youth Orchestra

Age

Children (7-12 years old)

Teenagers (13-17 years old)

Adults (18-64 years old)

Seniors (65+ years old)

Student level

Beginner

Intermediate

Advanced

Duration

45 minutes

60 minutes

The class is taught in

English

Chinese

Skills

Violin

Musical styles:

Classical

Playing techniques:

Bowing techniques

Intonation

Scales & arpeggios

Vibrato

Music theory

Availability of a typical week

(GMT -05:00)

New York

Online via webcam

At student's home

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

00-04

04-08

08-12

12-16

16-20

20-24

GCSE Geography (Physical + Human) Exam Prep Tutoring

28 £ /h

If you are doing GCSE Geography and sometimes feel like topics are all over the place and want someone to help break down and simplify them, this class is for you! I am currently doing BA Geography in the University of Southampton but I cover both physical and human aspects of geography. My lessons are straightforward, relaxed and progress focused helping you understand and apply, not just memorising pages of notes. I specialise in AQA but notes and lessons can be tailored to your respective exam board.

You will learn how to:
- reimagine concepts in geography
- strategically approach exams
- structuring your answers
- analyse graphs
- how to pick case studies
- revision strategies
- time control

What you will get in lessons:
- clear step by step explanations
- marked practice questions with feedbacks
- personalised topic notes and revision plans

My lessons can be taught in Cantonese, English and in Mandarin. Feel free to contact!

Rudolf

Rudolf’s apprenticeships with master-players and professional work alongside colleagues in eminent ensembles have made him aware of a wide range of techniques that suit individual players. It has accordingly given him a strong belief in the need to address students individually to get the best from them and ensure that they enjoy their playing and progress with it. For this reason Rudolf also feels strongly about students getting into good habits with their playing practice, not only musically but also physically.

One of the important aspects of his methodology of violin teaching is to ensure that students are instructed and helped to adopt healthy postures whilst playing. These good habits need to be instilled early in order to avoid muscle strains and tensions and later damage, so that students can play comfortably and healthily, and enjoy making music (such instruction is also good more broadly in ensuring good posture for class work and other situations throughout life). As part of this aspect of his teaching he also uses exercises with elements of the Alexander Technique, yoga and breathing techniques.

His formal studies in music pedagogy, and teaching practice along with his regular playing with internationally renowned ensembles, his private teaching of young violinists and work as a concertmaster, organising concerts with peers and students at Southampton, Winchester and Budapest, allows him to bring a range of experience and expertise, as well as enthusiasm, to teaching violin.

Liz

I started learning the violin at 6 years old and have many years of teaching and playing experience. I give classical lessons working towards ABRSM grades as well as music theory and technique from beginners to advanced. I encourage a love of music and the Instrument and set homework after each lesson.

Alexandra

For as long as I can remember, I loved music. I have successfully completed my BA degree and Mmus in Singing Performance

My passion for music started at an early age with piano lessons. which was the start of my academic path in music. I successfully completed my ABRSM Grade 8 exams both in piano and music theory. Theory of music was always a great interest of mine and the thought of passing my knowledge through tutoring excites me.

I am familiar with the long practice and study hours in order to achieve perfection. I have a very good knowledge of the piano ABRSM syllabus and feel very confident I can transfer this knowledge over to an interested student. I teach piano and theory of music based on the ABRSM syllabus, however, if the student wants to focus on a specific topic I am happy to do so. I am also a singing teacher in pop/jazz music.

Erlend

I am a cello and theory teacher passionate about curating lessons to each and every individual that can enhance their musical ability and understanding from the very beginning. I welcome anybody wishing to learn.

About me:

I am a professional freelance cellist with many years of training and teaching experience behind me having begun teaching at a young age. I teach classical cello and baroque cello as well as piano, conducting, composition and orchestration, aural skills and music theory. I have a Bachelor of Music from the Norwegian Academy of Music, a Master and an Artist Diploma from the University of Stavanger, Norway, and a Master of Music from the Royal College of Music, London, where I was an Anglo-Norse Award Holder. I have also attended a multitude of courses and masterclasses over the years. Having had such diverse training and acquired a broad musical understanding, I am passionate about curating lessons to each and every individual that can enhance their musical ability and understanding from the very beginning. I am open, approachable and easy going, and am experienced with children as well as adults, beginners as well as advanced players, and welcome anybody wishing to learn.

As a performer, I am in high demand as a chamber musician and recitalist, frequently performing with small ensembles and chamber orchestras, often as guest principal. This includes the British Sinfonia, Opera Holland Park, Brandenburg Sinfonia and Brandenburg Baroque Soloists, Florilegium, Orchestra Nova, Piccadilly Sinfonietta, Gabrieli, Gothic Opera and Ensemble OrQuesta. I have been a soloist with various orchestras both in the UK and abroad, but I mostly enjoy giving solo recitals where the music of Bach is often present, as well as exploring lesser known works. I am a Southbank Sinfonia alumnus, was on the extras list for the Norwegian Radio Orchestra and Stavanger Symphony Orchestra when living in Norway, and I enjoyed the professional experience scheme of the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment in 2022.

I am also a keen researcher. My research on historical performance practice (early 18th to early 20th centuries) is presented in the form of webinars and lecture recitals which I have held across London, including at the RCM Music & Ideas series, at the London Festival of Baroque Music and for the London Mozart Players friends. In 2020, I made a historically informed recording of the Elgar Cello Concerto with an orchestra of London freelancers based off my own research. I have also performed with the Gabrieli Players and conductor Paul McCreesh in Elgar’s Dream of Gerontius on historical instruments. We made an award-winning studio recording which was published in early 2024.

Experience:

I began teaching at the Sandefjord School of Music and Performing Arts in Norway whilst still a student there, teaching solo as well as ensemble groups. During my university studies in Stavanger I was employed as a cello teacher at the Kolibri Music Academy where I taught adult beginners. I was also employed by the Stavanger School of Music and Performing Arts where I taught children from age 7-18 in cello and orchestra sectionals. Often arranging and conducting music for them. In 2017, I became Jakob Kullberg’s unofficial teaching assistant at the Royal College of Music, teaching RCM students up to Artist Diploma level. I also assisted Kullberg in the development of a new book of exercises with detailed descriptions on how to accomplish various musical and technical aspects of playing the cello. Since 2018 I have been establishing a private student base, now based in Winchester, and enjoy teaching students of all ages and levels, both in person and online.

In addition to my experience with teaching the cello, I have undertaken many courses in conducting and ensemble coaching and have frequently led and coached group rehearsals, both as section principal and also for performances of my own compositions and arrangements.

Since a young age and throughout my studies, I have actively learned music theory, analysis, composition and arranging, and these skills have followed me closely as a performing cellist. I gained distinction in the composition and performance module at the Royal Northern College of Music (2014) and in the orchestration module at the Royal College of Music (2018). My compositions and arrangements have been performed in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, the UK and Brazil.

Approach:

I am a keen teacher, invested in the education and enjoyment of my pupils.
As well as encouraging and guiding my students in their individual goals and interests, I have a high focus on shaping a good cello technique in order to be able to achieve an improved sound, ability and the overall satisfaction a student will get from their own playing. This is done through technical exercises and then applied to pieces so that students can understand the real life benefits of each element learnt. Naturally I tailor this to the age and level of each student.

I like to incorporate elements of music theory and background history into my teaching as I find this deepens understanding and allows for a more meaningful connection to the music one is playing. After all, our enjoyment and passion for the music we listen to and play is the most important thing. Through the development of playing technique and the understanding of the written music before us, our ability to achieve the musical phrasing and expression we seek is made possible. We will look at ways to shape the music, give stylistic variety, decipher the composer’s ideas behind the music, but also simply gain a better understanding of how the instrument itself works.

As a composition and music theory teacher, I typically teach music notation, engraving, how to build up a good melody, harmony and harmonic progressions, how to put harmony to a melody, instrumental knowledge and how to write for various instruments, as well as how to create various effects and characters in your own music and how to arrange existing music for other instruments.

No matter your aim or level of competence, my aim is to guide and motivate you towards your goal, whether that is simply to play for yourself, work towards exams or auditions, or play in an orchestra.

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Contact Marcus