Information About Richard - Billingham teacher

Personal Description:

Hi. I'm Richard. Guitar Teacher & Maths Tutor at TeesTutors.
I have been a Teacher and Tutor for more than half of my life. I was born in Darlington in the 1960s, the youngest of five. My family moved and I was raised and schooled in Eston in the 1970s. Aged 19 I left home to study in Leeds in the 1980s. Then I ventured south and started my teaching career in London in the 1990s. I returned to my native North-East just before the 2000s where I have lived and worked ever since.
Teacher and Tutor Career - Summary
Primary
In 1990 I started teacher training. By 1991 I was fully qualified and headed to the bright lights of London to begin my career. For the next ten years I taught in primary schools at all ages and all levels, from Reception to Year 6.
Special Needs
I was fortunate to work in two wonderful schools dedicated to providing first class education for children with physical, learning and behavioural needs. The character, resilience and positivity shown by many of these children was inspiring and I developed a strong passion for the work. To improve my skills I undertook specialist training relevant to teaching children with a range of Special Educational Needs.
Mathematics
Other interests and passions then led me to a change of direction. I moved across to work as a subject specialist Maths teacher in secondary schools. In that role I could make full use of my expertise in the subject. During a year-long sabbatical from school teaching I had fantastic success as a Maths Tutor in a local college of further education teaching Functional Skills Maths to adults.
Guitar
I have played guitar since my early teenage years and enjoyed teaching many people to learn to play from the very first beginner steps. For eight years I have worked as part of the team on justinguitar – one of the world’s largest guitar tuition websites. In that role I have mentored and coached countless students and written many articles about learning guitar. I have helped to run the forum dedicated to supporting guitar students.

Tutoring Experience:

I have been a school teacher for over 30 years (non-music) and a guitar player for over 35 years. I have taught beginner guitar formally and informally and seen many of my students go on to become fluent guitarists.
I want you to have confidence and trust in my abilities and skill as your tutor. I have over twenty-five years experience working as an effective and successful school teacher.
For eight years I have worked as part of the team on justinguitar - one of the world’s largest online guitar tuition websites. I have mentored and coached countless students online, many of whom I maintain regular contact with. Over several years I have formally and informally tutored many school-children and adults.
I have taught Maths students looking to improve their understanding or prepare for exams. I have taught guitarists seeking to g
For me, being an effective tutor is all about getting to know a student; listening, questioning, assessing and forming an understanding of their current level, then building upon this in clear, progressive steps, teaching and encouraging and creating a positive sense of achievement and success.

Testimonials:
"Richard has been very very helpful in my guitar journey. Knowing the guitar and how to teach are important of course, and he has that, but even more important to me is the way he encourages you. He hears what you're playing and identifies the good things there, and points out what you've learned, and then suggests where to go to get to the next level. I find his feedback very motivating, and that's what you want, because above all you want learning guitar, and playing guitar, to be fun. And I'm having lots of fun!" Mari B

"Richard has played an invaluable part in helping me to learn and improve, to be able to play with greater confidence. He has the rare ability of being able to give feedback that is both encouraging and educational while also being constructive in highlighting mistakes and areas to improve. He has the gift of being able to tune his feedback to perfectly match my ability, providing guidance that is inspiring rather than overwhelming. I have no hesitation or reservation in recommending Richard." David P

"I was a beginner guitar student who took up the hobby much later in life. Richard is one of the best human resources available. His knowledge of guitar and music in general is second to none. I have benefitted tremendously from his extensive knowledge as he has offered up many valuable bits of knowledge to compliment my learning. Without this extra help, I feel I would not have progressed as quickly as I have." Dave T

"Thank you for the support, guidance, tips and tricks you have provided me with in my journey in guitar and music. You are patient and have a unique way in teaching. I really do appreciate all the help during the past two years. I know where to go when I’m stuck." Omar

"Richard is very encouraging and helpful, always willing to offer advice to a beginner such as myself. He’s certainly helped me out since I began the guitar and his feedback has always been insightful and very welcome. He has a very broad knowledge of the guitar and is familiar with different styles, playing techniques and theory. He has also got a very good knowledge of equipment." Gareth

"Richard has helped me on several occasions with playing and technical issues. There's no doubt he really knows his stuff. He's always ready to help and to provide answers or feedback. He's someone to rely upon when in doubt." L-G

"I took up guitar a little over two years ago and Richard has been immensely helpful to me by providing very insightful guidance and encouragement when it was most needed. I have thoroughly enjoyed the learning experience and am very grateful to Richard for his help on this splendid journey to becoming a proficient player." Paraic O'

"I've been learning to play the guitar for the last 4 or so years. There will always be times where you need some additional help or just plain need to ask some questions. Richard is one of those guys go to guys. Over the years I've hit many a hurdle that I needed to get over. New chords, rhythm patterns, scales you name it I've tripped on it and needed help. Richard has always been there - giving guidance, knowledgeable answers and insight based on experience and his understanding of the guitar, but most of all support and encouragement. I would not hesitate in recommending Richard as a guitar teacher. What more can I say?" Toby J

"Richard is very knowledgeable and can explain tricky concepts well. He has greatly helped my understanding of music theory which in turn has helped my playing. Having a guitar teacher who not only knows his stuff but is also able to (patiently) explain it in a easy to understand way is invaluable." Jonathan H

"Whether you are a total beginner, or someone looking to advance and develop your playing and perhaps even performance, Richard has what you’re looking for. He has a way of seeing your strengths and building on them, drawing out the best in you. He is patient, fantastic at explaining things and very encouraging. His knowledge of theory leaves me dazzled, but in his clever way, he breaks it down so I can understand and even more important l use what he has taught me. Richard’s years of experience as a teacher brings something extra special to your lessons with him. Richard is a fine musician as well as a fine teacher which to me is a winning combination. If you’re looking for a guitar teacher who will take you to and then beyond what you can only dream about, Richard is your man!" Maggie G

"Richard is a kind and insightful guitar tutor. He sees your strengths as well as the areas that need attention, and gives advice that will help you improve thoughtfully and with compassion. I definitely recommend him!" Lynn P

"Richard has a knack for giving friendly and really useful feedback on your playing. He knows what it’s like to be a beginner and manages to be unfailingly supportive while still identifying useful points for you to work on. Basically, he gives good advice that you want to take." Laila H

Tutoring Approach:

For beginners, I start with basic melodies, chords, strumming and techniques to get you playing tunes and songs as soon as possible! For Intermediate players or those that have tried to learn before I will take you help you consolidate your skills by making sure you have good technique, good rhythm, and can play a selection of songs and look at extending by teaching different styles according to tas**Contact Detail Removed**arning music theory is not essential but I am happy to teach some practical aspects alongside to help you understand what you are doing.
I have played acoustic and electric guitar for over 35 years. I have taught many beginner guitarists to play the instrument. For eight years I have worked as part of the team on **Web Address Removed** - one of the world’s largest online guitar instructional resources. I am one of four select teachers to feature as a JustinGuitar Approved Teacher.