Information About Alistair - Smethwick teacher

Personal Description:

I have been playing piano since I was 6 and the guitar since my teens. I love singing, improvising and composition as well and can encourage and facilitate these if desired. I can play classical piano to very advanced levels, and I also enjoy teaching pop, rock, folk and some jazz and blues on the piano, my guitar is usually pop and rock orientated and reading from TAB but I can also do teach more formal music reading and classical tunes if wanted. I have played with bands and performed solo over the years. I teach MUSIC theory up to grade 5 ABRSM. I have recent enhanced DBS clearance.

Tutoring Experience:

I taught keyboard and piano in primary and secondary schools in Birmingham for the (then called) Birmingham Music Service for 14 years and also worked as a private piano and guitar tutor. I taught whole classes, small groups and also individuals. Prior to that I had taught English as a foreign language in Spain. I have taught children and adults from all ages, from 4 years old upwards

Tutoring Approach:

I try to help students feel relaxed and comfortable during lessons, and often consult with them to make sure whether they're happy with the lesson and the material. I am flexible, encourage creativity and am open to students bringing their own tunes to a class that they want to learn. I use a variety of books for beginners and more advanced learners. I will usually do a variety of playing and theory activities within one class, I can encourage and facilitate students to sing if they enjoy that. Most of my teaching is online currently and I can travel out for extra charge depending on time and distance. I put on online concerts where my younger students get a chance to demonstrate their skills (if they wish)