Information About Alexei - Paddington teacher

Personal Description:

Hi! I’m the French Horn teacher at the Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School in Holland Park. I thoroughly enjoy helping my students progress through their musical journey, whilst improving and gaining confidence.

I graduated from the Royal Academy of Music with First-Class Honours and a Postgraduate Masters Degree with Distinction. Whilst there I was also awarded the Dennis Brain Horn Prize.

I’m now a freelance professional Horn player and regularly perform with some of the UK’s leading orchestras including the London Symphony Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra and Philharmonia. I also enjoy playing in a variety of other different settings: giving solo recitals across the UK as well as performing chamber music at venues such as the Wigmore Hall and the Bath Mozartfest. I have recorded the soundtracks for films such as Captain America, Dunkirk, Wonder Woman 1984, Cats and also performed with The Who at Wembley Stadium in 2019.

I am a member of the Musicians Union and have public liability insurance which covers any in-person lessons.

Tutoring Experience:

I teach the French Horn at the Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School in Holland Park and preceding this, taught at the Royal Academy of Music Junior Department and coached chamber music.

I’m a friendly, organised and enthusiastic teacher. I enjoy helping my pupils reach their musical goals and achieving success.

I have experience entering students for ABRSM exams and am more than happy to help work towards any grade, ensuring you’re the most possibly prepared. I’m also able to teach on a more casual-basis, depending on your own personal goals. Whatever your standard please do get in touch with me — I work with a varying range of abilities, from beginner through to Grade 8 and beyond. I teach both children and adults, and have an up-to-date enhanced DBS check.

I have experience teaching online through Zoom/Skype and am more than happy to organise online lessons regardless of time zone/distance.

Tutoring Approach:

First and foremost I believe music should be fun, so my main priority for all my students is to enjoy playing and look forward to their lessons. I treat all of my students as individuals and tailor my lessons to each pupil based on their specific goals and needs.

Putting students at ease and creating a relaxed environment, where they feel comfortable to be creative is very important to me. Whilst I always strive to challenge students, I aim to create a feeling that they are not dictated to but instead musically-guided, allowing students to express themselves musically and encourage personal development and enjoyment.