Information About Rachel - Chippenham teacher -

(3 reviews)

Personal Description:

Teaching piano is an ambition I have had since my late teens. At that time I was advised to train as a generalist teacher, and qualified to teach 4 to 11 year olds with a DipHE from the University of Lancaster in Applied Education.
After having four children of my own, I brushed up my knowledge of music theory and piano tuition, and qualified in Piano Performance with a level 4 diploma from London College of Music (University of West London) and a similar diploma in piano teaching (the DipABRSM).
In addition to teaching, I have performed publicly, recorded for ‘Pianist’ magazine, and accompanied other instrumentalists in grade exams and for GCSE.
I am a member and registered teacher with the Incorporated Society of Musicians, and have current and renewing DBS clearance for working with children.
My most recent academic qualification is a Master's Degree in Music Teaching (Piano) which I thoroughly enjoyed studying.

Tutoring Experience:

Whilst I have taught piano in school, most of my piano teaching experience is with pupils in my home. I have taken pupils from the age of 5 to retirees. Every pupil is individual, and I love exploring ways to help each thrive in their musical learning.
Many, but not all of my pupils take piano grade exams. I am open to exploring the material offered by any of the Ofqual regulated grade exam boards, to give each pupil the experience that’s best for them. All my pupils’ exam entries have been successful, with many passing at the highest level ‘with Distinction’.
I also enjoy teaching music theory and have prepared teenagers for theory grade exams, again with excellent results.
My teaching facility is a dedicated room with a grand piano in central Chippenham, very near the fire station and the cinema.

Tutoring Approach:

I am a ‘born teacher’, and naturally break down the material to be learnt into manageable portions that students can understand. I believe in a solid foundation, both of musical understanding and physical technique, as well as encouraging pupils to explore music that they find stimulating.
I love meeting new people and am very patient. Parents receive regular and detailed feedback, and I am always happy to explain the rationale for any teaching I propose.
Each lesson is planned and records are kept of the progress made in lessons. Whilst exam entry is not for every pupil, practice between lessons is required - not optional!