Information About Andy - St. Albans teacher

Personal Description:

I have spent almost my entire life dedicated to music, having first started playing at the age of five and now reached the ripe old age of 44! Music has given me many of the most powerful and amazing experiences in my entire life. From singing in Cathedrals in Italy, Germany, and France and playing in the Mansion House or Chateaus in the Loire, though to welcoming Mr David Hasselhoff to a DJ event I helped organise or playing free Jazz in a Polish nightclub (I'm pretty diverse), so many of my most cherished memories are as a result of learning to be a musician!
I studied music right through school, and took part in loads of musical activities (choirs, local and county orchestras). I then went on to study music at the University of York, after which I began to build my teaching practice.
I am able to teach both Classical and Jazz styles, and am able to help students prepare for written theory exams where needed.
As well as teaching, I run the STAJE (St Albans Jazz Ensemble) big band which has now been putting on very successful and well-attended concerts for 10 years. I am also a label partner of the Odysee Recordings D&B imprint.

Tutoring Experience:

I have been teaching private piano students for over 20 years, as well as spending the past 17 years as a peripatetic instrumental teacher. I have a great deal of experience preparing students for both Classical and Jazz piano grades (I use ABRSM, although I have also helped a handful of students prepare for Trinity grades)
Over the past 20 years, I have a built up an extensive knowledge of the piano repertoire across all levels of learning, and as a result I have a comprehensive library of music (including a number of bespoke arrangements) to call upon.
I am also able to give full support to students taking G.C.S.E. and A-Level music courses; my areas of specialty lie in understanding of harmony and composition.
I am fully CRB checked and have also completed regular 3-yearly child protection courses.

Tutoring Approach:

Having myself started learning at an early age, I understand how important it is to encourage young players, and therefore I always aim to create a learning environment that is enjoyable and positive whilst still retaining the thoroughness and attention to detail that is so important when studying music.
I am constantly looking for new ways to tailor my teaching techniques to individual student's specific interests and experiences; for example if a student is a keen dancer, I will try to use dance-orientated analogies when explaining musical processes.
I am a huge advocate of the grade systems as they provide great framework and regular goals to work towards, but am equally happy to operate outside of them if the student is not interested in being assessed in this way! After all, the most important thing is to enjoy the musical experience!
My advertised price is £35 per hour but most lessons are taught as 1/2 hours which are currently £18 per session. I offer a sibling discount (so 2 or more brothers or sisters are £16 per 1/2 hour session).