Information About Mark - Wigston teacher

Personal Description:

I'm 45 and have played the guitar for 30 years. I'm a prolific songwriter and have written over 300 songs and recorded two albums professionally - one with my 10 piece funk and soul band, the other a solo singer songwriter project. I have a first class degree in sociology and an MA and PhD in the Sociology of Music Culture. I designed and ran courses at Leicester and Loughborough Universities for a few years in Popular Music and Society. Whatever job I have done I have for the past ten to fifteen years always consistently continued to play and teach guitar. My specialist areas are funk/soul/jazz styles but I also enjoy playing and teaching rock, pop, blues, reggae, folk and country styles.

Tutoring Experience:

I have taught guitar to a variety of ages for the last decade, but predominantly primary school children. I initially taught guitar as a sideline to my main career as a university and college lecturer but for the last 6 years it has become my main career. I have taught over 400 pupils at three primary schools and one secondary school and additionally I've taught over 50 pupils privately. Having worked in a variety of schools I do of course have an up to date Enhanced DBS/CRB check.

Tutoring Approach:

My approach to teaching is informal and laid back but with a clear structure in place. I don't do formal grades but I have designed my own tests from the very basics to advanced music theory and technique along with a variety of fun quizzes which kids love and respond to well. I regularly test pupils on chords, chord progressions, scales, riffs, techniques etc. But this is always mixed in with finding out which songs they want to play and working them out! There is no greater reward than seeing a pupil's enthusiasm as they learn to play a riff, tune or chord progression that they love. no matter how obscure, whether it be Ed Sheeran,The Beatles, Bob Marley or film and TV theme tunes! My top student has been with me for 5 years and at 14 he can now play most genres proficiently and has a vast knowledge of music theory, chord progressions, syncopated strumming and techniques. Above all my lessons are fun. Parents regularly message me to say how much their kids are enjoying the lessons. Though I teach all ages, I love working with kids and with all my teaching experience and two musical kids of my own I have a great rapport with them.