Information About Jonathan - Bristol teacher -

(14 reviews)

Personal Description:

Hi! I'm Jonathan, a passionate and friendly professional musician, teacher, composer and performer. I completed BA Music at University of Southampton, where I was trained by Helen Cawthorne and David Owen Norris (RCM, BBC Radio 3). I then completed a Masters Degree in Music at City University London under Miguel Mera.

I have been playing the piano for 25 years, achieving Grade 8 in 2009.
Since graduating with First Class marks in performance, I have applied my knowledge in teaching, as well as performing and composing.
I am passionate about helping others gain confidence through music.

Although classically trained, I have performance experience in a wide variety of styles - so whether you are looking to start from the beginning, work towards classical grades, find out the chords to your favourite pop piece, or even learn how to improvise, it would be my pleasure to assist you in your journey.

Tutoring Experience:

I have more than 10 years experience teaching the piano, mostly with younger people. I teach grades, aural skills and theory across all levels. I also work with adults, which sometimes calls for a more casual approach to teaching, depending on the individual. At times, I have taught up to fifteen students on a weekly basis, and, for me, it's the most rewarding part of being a musician.

I have experience in working with children in schools, both whole classes and 1:1. I worked at a leading Prep School as the assistant Music Teacher, taking whole classes between the ages of 7 and 11 and covering many aspects of musicianship, singing and performance. I also volunteered in a number of primary schools, engaging young ears in the fundamentals of music.

I have also spent time in secondary schools, providing support for individuals in the classroom and encouraging enthusiasm for the subject and its potential for creativity. I taught the children keyboard skills 1:1, and helping them complete classroom tasks, which required help with understanding basic theory.

I very much enjoy what I do as a professional musician, particularly the process of helping others learn.

Where it is right for the individual, I use ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music) for exams and tend to complete all the administration/paperwork myself to make things easier for you.

Every student I have entered into exams has passed - many with merits and distinctions.

Tutoring Approach:

I adapt to individuals with ease, teaching in a relaxed, supportive and friendly way. I'm a dedicated and passionate teacher with a thorough approach, always getting the best out of the individual. I strive for accuracy and detail where necessary, but without it becoming repetitive - for me, the most important objective of a lesson is that they are fun, engaging, and rewarding.
I am intuitive and always work efficiently, trying to make the most of the time available.

In my experience, one-to-one tutoring is effective in the sense that a topic or playing technique can be explained fully without classroom distractions or a hurried school schedule. Although I enjoy inspiring a learner with a particularly stimulating aspect of a topic, I also like them to discover the mysteries of it themselves, which reinforces their own understanding of what they are playing.

Above all, I like to challenge my pupils, especially if they show me they are working hard. If I think a child is capable of something, I will encourage them to try it, even if it seems a little daunting to them. Because more often than not, the quality of the result exceeds their own personal expectation, which motivates them and fuels success. The most rewarding part of the job, for me, is seeing a student pleased with themselves in what they have achieved.

All my rates include travel and a half-hour lesson costs £25.

Happy to teach remotely, if preferred - during the 2 years of the pandemic I taught exclusively online.

I have a valid DBS (up to date, 2023) which I am happy to provide if requested.

Please get in touch for more information or to arrange a trial lesson. I would be delighted to hear from you!