Information About Deborah - Stoke-on-Trent teacher - (19 reviews)
References
This is how 3 referees rated Deborah:
Reliability
Trustworthiness
Professionalism
Badges
Instruments Taught
Piano |
Hourly Fee |
| Beginner | £9.00 |
| Intermediate | £9.00 |
| Advanced | £9.00 |
| Expert | £9.00 |
| Casual | £9.00 |
Singing |
Hourly Fee |
| Beginner | £9.00 |
| Intermediate | £9.00 |
| Advanced | £9.00 |
| Expert | £9.00 |
| Casual | £9.00 |
Keyboard |
Hourly Fee |
| Beginner | £9.00 |
| Intermediate | £9.00 |
| Advanced | £9.00 |
| Expert | £9.00 |
| Casual | £9.00 |
Music Theory |
Hourly Fee |
| Beginner | £9.00 |
| Intermediate | £9.00 |
| Advanced | £9.00 |
| Expert | £9.00 |
| Casual | £9.00 |
Composition |
Hourly Fee |
| Beginner | £9.00 |
| Intermediate | £9.00 |
| Advanced | £9.00 |
| Expert | £9.00 |
| Casual | £9.00 |
Map Location
Personal Description:
I HAVE TAUGHT IN SCHOOLS AND PRIVATE PRACTICE FOR THE LAST TEN YEARS, I ENJOY SINGING, PLAYING THE PIANO, KEYBOARD, AND CHORAL DIRECTING MYSELF. I HAVE A GREAT PASSION FOR MUSIC AND ENJOY ENCOURAGING OTHERS TO SHARE WHATEVER LEVEL THEY ARE IN THIS GREAT INTEREST. I WOULD PREFER TO KEEP TECAHING LOCALLY IN NEWCASTLE UNDER LYME. HOWEVER, I DO OFFER ZOOM LESSONS NOW.
Tutoring Experience:
I HAVE TAUGHT IN PRIMARY, JUNIOR AND SENIOR SCHOOLS FOR THE LAST TEN YEARS AS A VOCAL COACH, CHORAL DIRECTOR AND ACCOMPANIST. I HAVE ALSO HAD A PRIVATE PRACTICE OF TEACHING VOICE, KEYBOARD, PIANO AND TUTORING VOICES FOR GCSE EXAMINATIONS, I ALSO ENTER STUDENTS FOR ASSOCIATED GRADED EXAMINATIONS. I HAVE HAD MY OWN CHORAL GROUP FOR SEVEN YEARS, A SCHOOL CHOIR OF BOTH PRIMARY, JUNIOR AND SENIOR LEVEL.
Tutoring Approach:
IN THEIR FIRST LESSON, I ASK THEM TO BUY A TAPE NOTEBOOK AND PENCIL. IN TEACHING SINGING I FIRST BEGIN WITH BREATHING EXERCISES, SHOWING THE STUDENT HOW TO BREATH IN USING THEIR DIAPHRAGM CORRECTLY, THEN I BEGIN WITH VOCAL EXERCISES DEPENDING ON WHAT THE VOCAL RANGE IS SOPRANO, CONTRALTO, TENOR AND BASS. I THEN CHOOSE A SONG FOR THEM TO BEGIN TO WORK ON , FIRST LEARN THE MELODY USING THE DYNAMICS, THEN LOOK AT THE WORDS, WHERE THE BREATHS SHOULD COME, THEN WORKING ON THE SONG AS A WHOLE PROJECT, I THEN RECORD THE MELODY AND ACCOMPANIMENT ON TAPE
Tutor Resources: (free to download)
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Native Language: English (British)
Availability: Weekends / Weekdays (all times)
References Available: Yes (✔ On File)
Availability: Weekends / Weekdays (all times)
References Available: Yes (✔ On File)
Qualifications:
- OPEN UNIVERSITY (2013) - BA OPEN DEGREE (Bachelors) (✘ Not On File)
- ASSOCIATE IN VOICE AT TRINITY COLLEGE LONDON (1999) - DIPLOMA TEACHING (Professional) (✘ Not On File)
Deborah's Feedback
| Total Amount Of Feedback: | 19 |
| Total Positive Feedback: | |
| Total Other Feedback: (not shown) | 1 |
Reply from: Deborah: I also have mixed feelings responding to this horrible review and I need to defend myself find this review unacceptable, it is very strange but all my other students give me a five star rating. The students father was rude to me on the first meeting and because I did not send the contract straight through the daughters father then decided to cancel the lessons. We had only finished the school holidays and I said that contracts would be send through. I send them through. I was under the impression that they already had books that they were studying from. I am a professional teacher and I find this hurtful and unacceptable from somebody who did not only give me a chance. We had only two lessons, the third lesson I missed because I had been in a car accident and I did explain that to the students father. On zoom I could not hear the student, and she did not speak clearly, therefore I struggled in the lessons. It is very hard when a student has been taught by somebody else and you are picking things up for the first time.
I don't appreciate being criticised on an inadequate assessment and I find it unacceptable and unprofessional from somebody who knows nothing about the subject in hand. In over 35 years teaching, this kind review can and will do damage and I do not accept it. Deborah BA and ATCL. Let me tell you that BA's and ATCL Diplomas are not awarded lightly and I have worked hard. His attitude and unprofessionalism are unacceptable. Based on two lessons you cannot over zoom get to the know the student well enough. I always try to give encouragement and if there were any mistakes, I would have corrected them believe you me, I have been doing this job long enough to know what is necessary. I do not think this type of review enhances anything, Zoom is very difficult for lessons and yet I have other students who are more than happy with my professionalism and my teaching. Yes I would agree it was a waste of time because the student did not engage with the teacher and I could not hear what she was saying, it was a very bad connection. I would say no-one has benefited from this review. I find it degrading. Deborah Sumenr BA ATCL
I don't appreciate being criticised on an inadequate assessment and I find it unacceptable and unprofessional from somebody who knows nothing about the subject in hand. In over 35 years teaching, this kind review can and will do damage and I do not accept it. Deborah BA and ATCL. Let me tell you that BA's and ATCL Diplomas are not awarded lightly and I have worked hard. His attitude and unprofessionalism are unacceptable. Based on two lessons you cannot over zoom get to the know the student well enough. I always try to give encouragement and if there were any mistakes, I would have corrected them believe you me, I have been doing this job long enough to know what is necessary. I do not think this type of review enhances anything, Zoom is very difficult for lessons and yet I have other students who are more than happy with my professionalism and my teaching. Yes I would agree it was a waste of time because the student did not engage with the teacher and I could not hear what she was saying, it was a very bad connection. I would say no-one has benefited from this review. I find it degrading. Deborah Sumenr BA ATCL
From Kemisola (/5): Excellent Tutor. Deborah is patient and a very good teacher. My son enjoys his lessons
From Tanya (/5): It was excellent!
Tanya Marples
Tanya Marples
From Silpa (/5): Had 2 lessons so far - Excellent teacher , very flexible and understanding regarding lessons/ time commitments/ lesson goals. Having sessions over zoom as more convenient for me -which I thought initially maybe a problem but not at all. Would definitely recommend and will continue to use.
From Christine (/5): Deborah is a very friendly and cheerful person, and excellent teacher.
From Jane (/5): The tutor was willing to travel 20 miles for a low fee and could only do fri evening.
Reply from: Deborah: Hi Jane,
I did provide you with a list of my availability, but you chose the Friday evening which I was willing to travel to you. You asked for my contact details and I provided them for you but I never heard from you. I trust that you have found somebody, however, if you have not , then I would be more than happy to come and teach your daughter on a different evening.
Thank you
Debbie
Music Teacher BA ATCL
I did provide you with a list of my availability, but you chose the Friday evening which I was willing to travel to you. You asked for my contact details and I provided them for you but I never heard from you. I trust that you have found somebody, however, if you have not , then I would be more than happy to come and teach your daughter on a different evening.
Thank you
Debbie
Music Teacher BA ATCL
From Rhonda (/5): My son has just had his first lesson and Deborah was absolutely amazing. She definitely boosts confidence with continual praise. We can’t wait for next weeks lesson.
From Denise (/5): What a lovely lady, so glad we have connected with her.
From Karen (/5): I love my lessons with Deborah. She makes the lessons fun and her positive attitude gives me the confidence I need to learn new things. I can fully recommend her to anyone wanting to learn piano.
Karen Milligan
Karen Milligan
Reply from: Deborah: Thank you for the lovely comments, I am thrilled that you are enjoying learning about the piano and that you have the lessons fun, informative and you are enjoying your playing.
Debbie
Debbie
From Jody (/5): Since starting piano lessons my daughters have found you to be a caring and inspirational teacher, who is always there for all of your pupils and never pushes anyone to do things that they do not wish to do. Millie-Mae finds it hard to talk to people she doesn’t know as she is very shy and has no confidence, but you have made her feel comfortable in your presence and now she has found the confidence she was missing.
Both my daughters are doing well. Thank you for all your hard work Debbie.
** I would definately recommend you to anyone, 110%, and we are so lucky to have you as our piano teacher and you work really hard and work a lot of hours! **
Both my daughters are doing well. Thank you for all your hard work Debbie.
** I would definately recommend you to anyone, 110%, and we are so lucky to have you as our piano teacher and you work really hard and work a lot of hours! **
From Michael (/5): Myself and my son have just completed our first lesson! Deborah is relaxed, calming, approachable and very encouraging. We can't wait for our next lesson and many more after that.
From Aija (/5): Really friendly, interested, engaging. She is great with our 9 year old daughter.
Reply from: Deborah: Thank you for your comments. I am glad to know Tia is enjoying her piano lesson.
From Liane (/5): Deborah is absolutely fantastic - she can identify where I'm going wrong with singing and then I can go away and correct it for next week - we have a great working friendship and she is patient. She's also really helped to not only work on my voice but also build my confidence so much so I'm preparing for my first show soon!
Reply from: Deborah: I am so pleased that I have been able to guide and help Liane and that she is enjoying the singing lessons and her confidence is improving. So many people had told Liane she could not sing, but she can and we are now moving forwards learning different genres and songs. It is nice to see a person who believes in themselves and that is what performing and singing is all about. Well Done Liane, keep up the good work.
From Amanda (/5): Deborah is lovely, had my first 2 piano lessons, and they have been fantastic, literally from not knowing the notes to learning a piece of music in 2 lessons. Great communication to organise lessons and Deborah is a pleasure to welcome into my home on a weekly basis.
From Caroline (/5): Hi Deborah, its Caroline Gray here. I'm meant to be starting with you tonight at half past six but I am going to have to postpone till next wed. I lost my voice at the weekend and I've just had a tooth out. I have also lost your phone number and was wondering if you could call me **Telephone Number Removed** or **Telephone Number Removed** sorry and thank you, Caroline.
From Jay (/5): Tutor is very friendly and welcoming and bases learning and improving playing around what the learner wants to do.
From Michael (/5): Attitude towards pupil encouraging and instills confidence for the future enjoyment. She is an excellent teacher and as my husband is 78 we thought she would not want to teach him, but he is enjoying every minute of her lessons and this has given him a new way of life. I would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone thinking of playing either piano or keyboard, her input is fantastic.
Reply from: Deborah: Great to know Michael is enjoying playing, my philosopy is that you are never told old to learn or do anything and if you do not try you will never know
From Royden (/5): Excellent Tutor! Gets on very well with students and parents. My neice, Mollie, loves her style and manner of teaching, and I am sure Mollie will do very well under the wing of Deborah!
Reply from: Deborah: I am so delighted and it is good to know that you are pleased with my work, Mollie is a great student, who is going to do so well, she is a very keen student, willing to listen and learn and our music lessons are great. Keep up the good work Mollie.
Positives: The teacher's hourly rate is extremely competitive, lower than a national minimum wage.
Negatives: Unfortunately you are not getting much in return. The review is based on two online lessons, the third lesson was missed by the teacher.
Even though the teacher was asked to, in advance, she didn't not provide any book titles she would like to use during the lessons. So we started with no books. She asked my daughter to play some scales, then some pieces from the book she already owned. The teacher didn't know the pieces, mistakes were made but at the end she only said 'excellent'. She actually keeps saying 'excellent' about everything even when my daughter didn't play anything and just moved her fingers above the keys and no sound was made(!). The teacher has never corrected my daughter even when she made mistakes, no other feedback or advice was given over the two lessons. I had to stop it as it was a waste of time as she was not learning anythig.