Information About Katie - Sheffield teacher

Personal Description:

Kate is an experienced performer and composer, recently graduating with first class BMus degree from the University of Sheffield. She regularly performs on the UK folk and world music scene and in 2017 was shortlisted for a BBC Young Folk Award nomination. Originally trained in classical piano, she performed in jazz and pop ensembles since a young age. Since then she has gone on to be one of the country's top banjo players and also plays guitar, dobro and sings. Through performing and teaching she has worked with musicians from folk, jazz, Indian, and classical, and with musicians of all ages.

Tutoring Experience:

Kate has taught privately for 3 years, to students of varying ability and from as young as 4 through to adults. She has experience teaching different genres from classical to folk and has taught theory to beginners and experienced musicians looking to improve their theory. From studying herself with various tutors - classical, folk and Indian classical, Kate can implement different teaching approaches best suited to the student.

Tutoring Approach:

Kate's diverse musical experiences stemmed from teachers who allowed her individual creativity to flourish, and believed that learning an instrument is a very personal adventure with no right or wrong outcome. Inspired by this approach she is dedicated to providing students with the tools and guidance they need to fulfill their own creative ambitions.

An important part of the first lesson is chatting about your experiences and interests, what you’re looking to get out of learning an instrument, how you’d like to improve, and also how you best like to learn, using scores or by ear for example. With young children Kate may begin by trading quick questions about general interests to help students feel comfortable. If students already have some experience, Kate will encourage you to get playing soon as you feel comfortable, maybe something you’ve been working on or a piece you feel confident at.