Information About Laila - Barnsbury teacher -

(12 reviews)

Personal Description:

I am an experienced tutor who delivers high quality one-on-one education to my students. My friendly personality, drive, and enthusiasm for the topics I teach allow me to advise and encourage my students as well as fostering an interest in the arts as a wider enterprise. I have particular experience with neurodiverse and SEN pupils.

I have a keen interest in educational psychology and am passionate about engendering good learning practices and study techniques in my students. For each student, I create a unique lesson plan tailored to their needs. I strongly believe in creating a clear plan which allows students to see their progress, and allows me the space to adapt to each students needs and unique learning style as we go.

Please note as of 2024 I am adding a travel fee for students more than 20 minutes travel time from my house (online lessons or lessons at my residence not affected).

Tutoring Experience:

I have been teaching for over eighteen years, and have taught early years through to retired adults. I enter students for exams on a regular basis and have a 100% pass rate, with over 85% of my students achieving a higher level than "Pass" (depending on exam board, e.g. "Merit" or "Gold"). Most recent exam was Summer Term 2024 with a student achieving Merit on Grade 1 piano.

I have completed additional training courses on how to teach children with dyslexia, anxiety, autism, social behavioural issues, and ADHD.

Tutoring Approach:

My approach is quite simple - I believe if pupils have a good foundation in technique you can play practically anything. I want my students to enjoy making music, improving their skills, and feel empowered to follow any musical path they wish. I tailor my lessons plans for each pupil and though I am open to whatever kind of music you would most like to learn. I like to incorporate the preferred music and genres of my pupils with their lessons!

I feel that while a teacher should try to foster an interest in a student, the time outside of the lesson is equally important in nurturing this aspect of development. For this reason I prioritise students who have a genuine interest in learning their instrument and who are keen to practise and progress.

As a teacher I provide structure (practise notes, lesson plans, weekly feedback) while focusing on technique and creative discipline; I have also coached many older students with music GCSE/music college auditions. I generally advise 30 minute lessons for children 7 and under, 45 minutes for age 8+.

In terms of level, I advise 30 minutes for beginners, 45 minutes for students preparing for exams Grade 1 - Grade 3, and an hour minimum for students preparing for Grade 4+. In my experience this is the lesson length best suited for children who are practising regularly; shorter lessons can result either in “not having time for everything” or students feeling unchallenged and bored with not enough to do between lessons.

I generally teach children aged 7 and older, though I do take students from the age of 5 if they are a) keen to learn, and b) able to keep focus for the duration of the lesson. I am happy to arrange a trial lesson for younger students to see if we might be a good fit. I believe part of my job is building on and inspiring the initial enthusiasm of the pupil. In my experience children who have not expressed a particular interest in learning the instrument do not tend to do well in the long term.

I am available to teach via video call and also teach at the students home. I have experience with SEN students and have completed additional training courses on how to teach children with dyslexia, anxiety, autism, social behavioural issues, and ADHD.

As a teacher, it is my job to understand what approaches are most beneficial for my students whilst remaining a constant source of support, guidance, and encouragement throughout.