Information About Robert - Reading teacher

Personal Description:

I've been involved in music performance since boyhood, and began composing in my teens. I've played in almost every kind of ensemble over the years - as a bassoonist in orchestras large and small, chamber groups, soloist and accompanist. I've sung in groups from choir to barbershop quartet. I've been involved in a jazz band, a rock band, church music modern and traditional. I've composed for large orchestras, chamber orchestras, smaller instrumental groups, vocal and instrumental soloists with piano accompaniment, and had public performances of many of my pieces. I've used the traditional pencil-and-paper method as well as notation and sequencing software with virtual instruments. I'm a pianist, mainly, but also a bassoonist, plus a few other instruments in varying levels of skill. As a person I'm friendly, open and adaptable, and I'm used to working with people from all walks of life.

Tutoring Experience:

I have a Postgraduate Certificate of Education centred around classroom teaching. 2 years' experience training classes of adults
I've spent the last 15 years training adults in small groups all over the world, mainly face to face but latterly online. I've taught GCSE music with a significant component of composition, and I've also led composition workshops for 'A' level students. I've also done one-to-one teaching of harmony and improvisation.

Tutoring Approach:

So much of composition tuition is about building confidence. It's a matter of gently persuading a student to try new ideas alongside learning the craft of composing, and seeing them progress. I would encourage a student to use some of the traditional forms as a way of trying out ideas within a structure; They might explore other composers' methods of creating ideas, or develop their own method; to be honestly self critical about what works and what doesn't; personally I often begin with improvisation when composing, and would be happy for a student to do the same, but any method which produces good results is valid - the proof of the pudding is in the eating, and the proof of the composition is in the hearing. It doesn't matter what style the student wants to write in; jazz, classical, rock, liturgical, experimental - I'm happy to guide a student in any style.