Composing your own music has always been a very rewarding task. This has never been so true as the present day when you can hear what you compose instantly if you use computers to generate and play back your own music. However, to ensure that your music sounds really great (whether using computers, manuscript or actual instruments) there are many principles to be considered. I have had a great interest in composing for over 45 years. I have composed for various combinations of instruments and voices in a wide variety of styles. Having been a music teacher in a comprehensive school for over 30 years, I have had a lot of very relevant experience in teaching composition to a wide range of different ages and abilities. These opportunities have enabled me to tutor students in a diverse variety of genres. The class will be personalized to your particular standard and chosen style of composition. We would focus on generic building blocks such as structure and instrumentation as well as looking at how to develop ideas. Using a range of compositional devices will also be key to enhancing your compositions. I will tailor-make the class to suit you.

The theory of everything tends to be really scary and music theory can be too. I am very keen to make music theory easy for everyone. For some people there is only one way to tackle the unmentionable but I believe there are many different approaches and one of them will click with you. It is simply finding out what is best for each person. Once we find the key we can unlock the problems that have puzzled you for ages. Music theory needs to be more than a requirement, it needs to be the way to really appreciate the music you are playing. Certain aspects can also lead to additional practical skills such as improvisation which can be very useful as well as very enjoyable. Whether you want to understand a particular aspect of music theory or If you struggle with music theory in general, then this is the class for you - why not give it a try?

Would you classify improvisation as composition or performance? Well actually it is both! When you improvise you are composing music on the spot, performing what you have made up at the same time as you have composed it. For many people improvisation is a scary word and having to improvise in a group or band is an alarming prospect. However, this really does not need to be the case. As long as you have a basic knowledge of how to play your instrument you will be able to improvise. Once you know the principle of how chords are formed you will soon be improvising with ease. The key to success is understanding chords. Once you know how chords are formed and know what notes make up a few chords you will be well on your way towards being able to improvise. We will, therefore, start by ensuring a firm knowledge of certain chords. After this we will progress to improvising a simple melody over the top of these chords. The next stage is to start using notes that are not in the chord. The process is then open ended with emphasis on developing the melody. If you play a keyboard instrument you will be able to improvise your own pieces and be able to entertain your friends at a moments notice. On the other hand if you play in a band or a group you will be well equipped to do a real 'jam' session. Whether you play a single line instrument (flute, saxophone, trumpet, violin etc.) or keyboard instruments, this class is for you.

Have you ever wanted to learn to play the piano/keyboard but don't know where to start? Are you regretting giving up learning the piano/keyboard when you were younger? Do you feel that your current progress in playing the piano/keyboard is being held back? If the answer to any of these questions is yes then please contact me. I always try to ensure that each individual student's interests are catered for. If you want to play for pleasure then I will encourage you to learn pieces that you like. Alternatively, if you are more interested in achievement, in terms of taking graded exams, then this is the pathway that we will take. Enjoyment is the key to success as it leads to a desire to practise. So tayloring the class to your needs is absolutely essential and I am very keen to work with you to achieve this goal.

Sometimes you can sit in a music lesson with your class mates and feel completely baffled as to why others are 'getting it' and you are not! If you are wanting some extra help in preparing for a music exam or even wanting to feel more comfortable with the rest of the class then this class is right up your street. Alternatively, if you would like some extra advice on performance techniques then I can help. Perhaps you are struggling with your composition tasks - that is my speciality. Then there is the analysis of a piece of music that can be so confusing that we could spend some valuable one-to-one time on. I am here to help and below are some reasons why I am well suited to give you the appropriate advice that you need. I worked in a comprehensive school teaching music for over 35 years. In that time I engaged with many different exam boards at GCSE and A level delivering a range of different courses. This experience and my passion for all aspects of music, whether it be performing, composing or listening and analysis enables me to give you the right advice. Whatever you need help with, I am very keen to be able to offer my expertise in any or all of these areas. Each of the three disciplines is intrinsically connected with the other two and having a good grasp of all three will enable you to improve your ability overall.