Information About Paul - Camden teacher

Personal Description:

NOW TAKING STUDENTS FOR SUMMER TERM. LIMITED SPACES! Professional concert Violist (based in London) teaching classical Viola/Violin and theory, in-person and online!

Tutoring Experience:

- Grade 8 Violin (Distinction) at age 13
- Grade 8 Viola (Distinction) at age 15
- ARSM (DipARSM) Associate of the Royal Schools of Music, Performance Diploma with Distinction, at age 16
- Former holder of the Leopold de Rothschild Scholar at the Royal College of Music for my Master’s in Music Performance
- Over 10 years of performance experience
- Soloist at Carnegie Hall, New York (with the New York Concerti Sinfonietta Orchestra) at age 17
- Performed with the Philadelphia Orchestra at age 17
- Soloist at Wigmore Hall, London (February 2023), finalist for the Irish Heritage Bursary
- 6 years of private teaching experience, with expertise in group, individual, and online lessons
- Current teacher with the Royal College of Music Teaching Service

*ENHANCED DBS APPROVED*

Tutoring Approach:

I have dedicated my life to music and am excited to share my knowledge with you in our lessons! While we can discuss your specific goals during our trial lesson, here is an overview of my teaching approach:

1. Ear Training
The first and most essential step for my students is ear training. I encourage listening to a wide range of performances and musical styles to develop a well-rounded understanding and appreciation. This practice not only broadens inspiration but also enhances musical interpretation, allowing students to bring unique perspectives to their own playing. Discovering one’s personal taste and style is an invaluable part of this journey.

2. Developing Internal Rhythm
A strong internal metronome is crucial for any musician. While using a physical metronome occasionally can be beneficial, I emphasise practising by counting out loud to avoid dependence on it. This approach fosters a deeper, more innate sense of rhythm and feel.

3. Notation and Sight Reading
Reading classical music notation is a fundamental skill for classical musicians. The ability to play notes from a stave should become as natural as reading words on a page. I guide my students through consistent sight-reading exercises that build fluency, supported by strong ear training and rhythmic stability.

4. Technique and Mechanics
Once the basics are in place, we move on to developing technical skills for full control over the instrument. This includes finger independence, dexterity, and managing the quality and depth of tone. Mastering these mechanics unlocks expressive possibilities—control over sound means control over musical storytelling. Technique, at its core, is about weight distribution, but I teach that musicality itself is also a form of technique.

5. Additional Areas of Focus
Beyond the essentials, I cover memorisation, repertoire building, improvisation, analytical theory, motivation, and mindset. These elements contribute to comprehensive and versatile musicianship.

For students pursuing grade examinations (ABRSM or Trinity), I provide structured preparation to ensure success. Over 90% of my students who take grade exams achieve a distinction, and a key factor in this success for my young students is strong parental involvement. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THAT ALL PARENTS AND CARERS ATTEND THE LESSON TO OBSERVE AND UNDERSTAND WHAT THEIR CHILD NEEDS TO WORK ON. THIS IS ESSENTIAL FOR STEADY PROGRESS. By reinforcing practice at home and staying engaged in the learning process, students gain confidence, consistency, and the best possible results.

I look forward to embarking on this musical journey with you!

IF I TRAVEL TO YOU, £15 WILL BE ADDED TO MY HOURLY RATE (RESULTING IN £75/HR)

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THAT ALL PARENTS/GUARDIANS/CARERS ATTEND LESSONS WHERE POSSIBLE. OBSERVING LESSONS IS ESSENTIAL FOR UNDERSTANDING WHAT YOUR CHILD NEEDS TO WORK ON AND FOR ENSURING STEADY PROGRESS.

I OPERATE A STRICT 48 HOUR CANCELLATION POLICY. NO EXCEPTIONS. LESSONS MUST BE PAID FOR IN BLOCKS OF 5 IN ADVANCE. ALL LESSONS MUST BE USED WITHIN 3 MONTHS FROM THE DATE OF PAYMENT. A MINIMUM OF ONE MONTH’S NOTICE IS REQUIRED TO STOP LESSONS.

AFTER THE INITIAL PAID TRIAL LESSON, IF ALL PARTIES ARE HAPPY TO CONTINUE, PAYMENT FOR 5 LESSONS IS REQUIRED IN ADVANCE.

I DO NOT OFFER FREE TRIAL LESSONS

LESSON RATES:
30 MINS = £40
45 MINS = £45
60 MINS = £60