Information About Ben - Forest Hill teacher

Personal Description:

I am an award-winning, conservatoire trained pianist, composer and teacher based in London. Originally from Yorkshire, I am a friendly, warm teacher who has experience teaching students at all levels and ages, regardless of skillset or background. My training in Composition from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance (with a secondary focus on Piano) has led me to have a lucrative freelance career. Some highlights include performances at Southbank Centre, Edinburgh Fringe, The Place, Lyric Hammersmith and National Youth Theatre Rep Company. I am very passionate about music education and believe there should be no limits to what each individual student can achieve.

Tutoring Experience:

I teach piano for beginners to advanced students of all ages. I've been a freelance piano and composition teacher for 4 years and also hold a teaching post at The Conservatoire, Blackheath. I frequently perform concerts and premiere my own works.

As a composer, I received world-class training at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, taught under Errollyn Wallen and Stephen Montague. I am a skilled orchestrator, having written multiple orchestral works with premieres at Southbank Centre and Edinburgh Fringe. I am also a singer/songwriter with a strong knowledge in traditional and contemporary songs.

My knowledge as a composer and as a teacher also means I have a very in-depth knowledge of music theory with knowledge of most genres of classical and popular styles of music.

Tutoring Approach:

My teaching style is always warm, generous and tailored to your individual needs. Some students need a more goal orientated structure, some students simply want to have fun. On a first lesson we will set aims regarding what you want to get out of music lessons, and from that I can build a lesson plan perfect for you.

PIANO TEACHING:
In a piano lesson we will cover:
- Fun and interesting repertoire - part prescribed by myself, but also including any requests the student may have
- Note reading
- Rhythm exercises
- Musical expression
- Improvisation
- Possible singing and piano
- Working towards doing grades (if the student wishes)
- Students can request arrangements of songs that I can create for the students current playing level.

COMPOSITION TEACHING:
In the lesson we would cover:
- Harmony
- Techniques
- Orchestration
- Arranging
- Improvisation
- History
- Electronic music writing
Usually, the student would bring Ben works they are working on and they can have a discussion about the piece(s), but Ben can also set composition tasks to help further the student’s aims.

THEORY LESSONS:
As mentioned earlier, as a composer I have a deep knowledge of music theory, so whether it's working through theory grades, or helping you understand why and how music works, I can help.