Information About Joss - Newton Abbot teacher

Personal Description:

Joss was born in the small seaside fishing town of Oban on the north west coast of Scotland and moved to Glasgow at an early age. It was in Glasgow where Joss started to take an interest in jazz, becoming involved with jazz workshops and big band at the Glasgow Arts Centre and performing with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra of Scotland (NYJOS).

Aged seventeen Joss moved to London to study jazz at university. He was taught harmony and theory by Pete Churchill (Jazz Education award 2007) and Nikki Iles (Jazz Education award nominee 2007 & 2009) and had guitar tuition under the guidance of multi-instrumentalist Stuart Hall and Phil Robson (Winner of 'Best Jazz musician of the Year' 2009). Joss also developed his performing skills with tuition by founding members of Loose Tubes - Eddie Parker and jazz educator - trumpeter Chris Batchelor.

After graduating with an honours degree in Jazz (BA Music Jazz Studies) Joss stayed in London for several years working professionally before studying for a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and moving to Devon where he still resides. Joss continues to gig with some of the top musicians in the South West.

Tutoring Experience:

Joss currently provides one-to-one tuition both privately and in schools.

Joss has a Post Graduate Certificate in Educatin (PGCE) and an honours degree in Music (jazz studies) and has been teaching music for the past 15 years with students going on to study at prestigious music colleges such as Trinity and the Guildhall in London.

Joss will teach students of any age provided they have a commitment to learning. The only thing that he asks is that you have a passion for the subject and are willing to practice! Lessons take place in Teignmouth, Devon. A small surcharge will be added should he be required to travel to you. For people who don't live in the local area but still want quality tuition, Joss also offers lessons over Skype.

Regardless of whether you are a complete beginner or an old timer Joss' tuition will provide you with everything you need to develop your skills.

Tutoring Approach:

As a jazz musician, Joss is very keen to explore key concepts such as two, five, one chord progressions and improvisation over jazz standards. Expect to learn tunes, analyse the chord progression, look at key concepts to improvisation with a bit of theory thrown in.