Information About Cole - Oxted teacher

Personal Description:

Music tutor with Master's degree, soon to defend my PhD in Music. I specialise in the voice and in music theory tuition and have 10 years of teaching experience with individuals, ensembles, professional choirs and orchestras working as a vocal coach and conductor in the UK and overseas. I have extensive experience preparing students for scholarship interviews/auditions and for academic examinations for A Level, GCSE, SQA National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher, and University Level.

Tutoring Experience:

I work as a freelance conductor and vocal coach with students online nationwide and a thriving private practice at my teaching site in Oxted. As a conductor, I have worked with professional orchestras (including Academy of Ancient Music, Covent Garden Sinfonia, Lithuanian State Symphony Orchestra), symphonic choirs (Berlin Radio Choir, Hallé Choir, Turkish State Choir) and other leading vocal ensembles. In my day-to-day life, I work with amateur choirs across Surrey and as a peripatetic tutor for Surrey County Council. In 2022, I took over as Musical Director for the Surrey Primary Schools Singing Festival concert series, responsible for directing around 3000 children from across the county in various concerts of vocal music.

Tutoring Approach:

My approach to music-making is that theory informs practice, and vice versa. Lessons with me provide a holistic environment in which I help students develop their practice, their aural skills and their general musicianship. I aim to foster a student-led teaching environment, ensuring that a student feels responsible for their learning and therefore takes pride in their own achievements and successes. I employ a wide range of approaches and materials - including a wide-ranging repertoire - to help the student achieve their goals, be that a theory exam, an audition, academic exams, or longer-term coaching in performance preparing students for ABRSM and Trinity examinations. I also regularly coach students for whom examination and assessment are not priorities - where a student needs to find their voice. I would be delighted to help you find your voice!