Information About Helen - Ladbroke Grove teacher

Personal Description:

Currently a french horn student at the Royal Academy of Music studying towards an MA. My current teachers are Michael Thompson, Richard Watkins and Martin Owen who are all at the top of their game in the musical world. I find myself picking up their teaching methods and using them in lessons with my own pupils who quickly flourish and develop in ability. I am also receiving lessons from Paul Harris about how best to teach students of all levels. This will result in an LRAM qualification

Before RAM, I studied a Music BA at the University of Nottingham where I graduated with a 2:1. Here I split my degree between performance and theoretical music. I believe Music Theory is a beauty like Mathematics and is throughly underrated. Not only is it helpful to your progress as a performer, but it shows how the music is made in a form of beauty and maths.

Tutoring Experience:

Nottingham - french horn and trumpet - both 12 yo and reached a grade 4/5 level, also taught music theory to grade 5

London - Brass Peripatetic at Harris Academy Wimbledon - music theory, french horn, trumpet, trombone, euphonium, tuba

Tutoring Approach:

I treat music tuition just as highly as my career as horn player. Having taught many brass beginners, I ensure to teach embouchure set up, the process of 'proper' breathing, posture and theoretical standard with equal importance. If these three aspects are taught to the highest of standards and are maintained, then I believe the rest just comes down to hard work and perseverance.

I am currently on an LRAM course which is a musical instrument teaching qualification. Learning with Paul Harris, an expert in Music Education, has provided me with many ways to approach teaching.

I use the ABRSM graded exam system, if a student would like to enter, to give a sense of progress and pride. Outside of this, I also encourage students to find recordings and music which they are interested in and want to learn.