Information About Curtis - Barnsley teacher

Personal Description:

I am a graduate of the University of Huddersfield holding an Upper Second Class Bachelor of the Arts Honours Degree in Popular Music. I began to play the drums at a young age, and also studied percussion. I have played with many bands, orchestras and ensembles, and have a wide knowledge of different musical genre's. I left school with an A* in music and was successful in attaining a triple distinction in musical performance at college. Finally I have completed a degree in Popular Music in 2011. I have played in amateur and professional performances nationally including functions, pit orchestras and playing session work since 2008.

Tutoring Experience:

I first experienced teaching in school where I worked with a peripatetic drum tutor as part of a work experience project. I took from this experience the basic knowledge of teaching, how to communicate well with students and convey ideas and techniques. From there at the age of sixteen I began percussion samba sessions at a local children's after school and holiday club. In these I taught around twenty five to thirty students different rhythms and techniques, how to play together and perform in front of an audience. It was clear the level of enjoyment the children took from the sessions which inspired me to keep teaching. Recently as part of my degree I taught in junior schools teaching either classes or smaller groups of students how to play percussion instruments. In these classes I had additional time with the children and was able to teach at a more in depth level helping them to read and understand notation and basic musical theory.

Tutoring Approach:

I am able to teach all ages and abilities from a complete novice to an advanced player. The lessons will be one to one and focus on giving a well grounded understanding of technique and music reading incorporating musical theory to ensure a well rounded education at playing the drums. Students will learn to play different sorts of genres to allow them the opportunity to play in any sort of musical performance group developing a wide experience of music.