Information About Dan - Dundee teacher -

(1 review)

Personal Description:

Hi! My name is Dan. I'm an experienced piano player and violinist. My favourite composer is Beethoven. My hobbies include long-distance running and singing badly while doing the washing up. I'm a quiet but friendly person; and a very patient and competent teacher.

Tutoring Experience:

I have a lot of formal and informal teaching experience in various subjects - particularly English as a second language.

Tutoring Approach:

My teaching is grounded in the belief that learning an instrument requires regular practice yet must also be an enjoyable experience. A good music tutor enables their students to both enjoy and excel in their chosen instrument(s). This isn't an either/or choice - i.e. have fun or get good - it should, and can, be both!

My aim with beginner students (grades 1-2) is to give them confidence in the basics of their instrument. Using a mix of my own material/methods and standard course books, students gain confidence in playing, learn to read music, and develop a feel for their instrument. I use different books depending on the age and ability of the student. All lessons are tailored to the needs of the individual student.

For intermedia**Contact Detail Removed**vel students (grades 3-5) the aim is to develop all aspects of their playing. This is an exciting stage as students begin to see for themselves just how much they can play. Using a mix of the current Associated Board exam syllabus for each grade, and pieces drawn from a wider (mainly classical) repertoire, students broaden their musical knowledge while continuing to improve technically. New pieces are carefully chosen to both engage student's interest and develop their musical abilities.

Advanced level students (grades 6-8) are consciously exposed to a wider repertoire - from baroque to the 20th/21st century. Again, using a mix of current Associated Board exam pieces (see note below), and teacher-selected pieces by e.g. Bach, Beethoven, Debussy, Mozart, Schumann, students mature in both their technical competence and their general musicality. Depending on student ability and interest, students have the opportunity to branch out beyond classical music in their choice of pieces. For all students a healthy balance is maintained between increased technical competence and accuracy, and growing in musical awareness and individual interpretation and performance. Students who complete grade 8 will be well-rounded pianists and violinists - solidly grounded in music theory but, more importantly, skilful and versatile performers with the lifelong ability to move and delight both themselves and their hearers.

NB While pieces will sometimes be drawn from ABRSM exam selections (since these books provide an excellent and inexpensive source of suitable material), the decision of whether to sit exams (ABRSM or otherwise) is entirely the students'/their guardians'. There are many pros but some cons (mainly the cost) to sitting or not sitting such exams. My teaching is aligned with, but by no means dependent on, students taking such exams.