Information About Leo - Christchurch tutor -

(6 reviews)

Personal Description:

My current students are learning how to:

Build solid technique on piano, sax, or electric bass
Read music fluently
Play by ear
Play from the heart!
Pass grade exams with flying colours
Learn favourite songs
Develop musical self-expression
Explore improvisation and composition
Understand music theory
Stay motivated and enjoy their practice
Let’s discover what inspires YOU!

More about me:

I’m excited to be settling in Christchurch for the long term and keen to contribute to the local music community as both a performer and a piano teacher.

Recently relocated from England, where I taught around 40 students from age 5 to 60+ in schools and privately.

I’m a lifelong musician who studied jazz sax at university, and have had a varied career performing and teaching on several instruments.

I specialise in jazz, improvisation, and contemporary music, but also love classical music and especially enjoy helping young beginners develop a lifelong love of playing.

I have been teaching full time for around 5 years and continue to be inspired by music education thinkers such as Paul Harris and Kenny Werner.

I’m also a lifelong learner – I still practice the piano every day and am endlessly curious about how people learn, and how learning music can have a positive impact on people.

Tutoring Experience:

5 years experience as a full time music tutor across several instruments (piano, sax, electric bass), to ages 4 - 65+, in schools and private lessons at home.

Tutoring Approach:

I believe music is an instinct, and it’s part of what makes us human. My first stop is always to establish a real human connection with my students, so that the stage is set for music-making. We make music best when we are physically and mentally relaxed, and we have the sense that music is easy.

My teaching isn’t one-size-fits-all. I adapt to how each student learns, thinks, and feels. Some need structure, others need room to explore, and both approaches are valid. My goal is to make music something you love and choose to come back to, not something you feel forced to do.

I believe curiosity is at the heart of good learning. I don’t see teaching as just a series of instructions which a pupil must follow unquestioningly. It’s much more a partnership and a journey of discovery the pupil and teacher undertake together. I have learnt so much through teaching because my students are encouraged to ask good questions which force me to think!

I have also discovered that as well as a deep instinct, music is, in fact, a game! After all, we play music. With my younger students especially, I’ve developed creative ways to make practising a fun, rewarding game. This helps kids stay engaged and keep improving – not because they’re being pushed, but because they genuinely enjoy it.

Music should be a joy, not a chore. I carry this with me at the heart of my teaching.

If you’re curious, get in touch for a no-obligation taster lesson. I’d love to hear from you!