Information About Leif - Knightsbridge teacher

Personal Description:

Leif is a baritone, conductor and composer who has recently graduated from Guildhall School of Music and Drama with a first class BMus (Hons) degree. Starting his musical training with the piano at the age of five, Leif took on singing in his teens, first in the style of Musical Theatre before focusing on Classical technique. Attaining the highest IGCSE Music mark in Hong Kong, he took the initiative to coach and lead his school's choirs and orchestras during Sixth Form. As a conductor, he is Music Director of St. Bartholomew's Orchestra and Freude Orchestra, conducted the Maldon Festival Opera Double Bill 2022: "Une éducation manquée" and "Cox and Box", and has assisted Toby Purser on "Così fan tutte" at the Vienna Opera Academy 2021 and 2022. In 2019, Leif was awarded the Joyce Budd Second Prize in the Kathleen Ferrier Society's Bursary for Young Singers, competing on behalf of Guildhall.

Tutoring Experience:

After years of assisting teachers in piano lessons and classroom GCSE/A Level music lessons, I now have one year of experience teaching my own students, consisting of beginner pianists and singers ranging from an intermediate to an advanced level. The many years of receiving and observing music tuition in addition to the 'teaching module' at Guildhall (where we investigated 'how' to teach), I am keen to take on more students of my own to share my passion and knowledge.

I offer lessons in singing, piano, theory/musicianship, conducting and composition. First trial lessons are 50% off at £22.50, then £45/hour.

Tutoring Approach:

First and foremost, my aim is to imbue students with a love and passion for music. I will adapt to individual needs and give students the tools and inspiration to have the discipline to practice, to become critical thinkers and self-learners. I believe music should be taught holistically; piano lessons inevitably involve theory, singing involves aural and sight-reading skills and conducting involves compositional techniques. I want to build well-rounded musicians with practical skills that they can apply in music making, whether for exams, long-term career goals or for fun! All I ask is curiosity and an open-mind. Let's explore the joys of music together!