Information About Rob - Holmfirth teacher

Personal Description:

I am a highly experienced multi-instrumentalist, composer, and arranger. I have performed in a number of ensembles, playing a wide variety of music, including classical, pop, jazz, folk, and Southern African music. I have composed and arranged over 2000 pieces, mostly for educational ensembles. I have a BA honours degree in Performing Arts (majoring in music) and a PGCE Music teaching qualification.

Tutoring Experience:

I have been a classroom music teacher for over 25 years - 23 of them as a highly successful head of department at Bradfield Secondary School in Sheffield. I have taught GCSE and A Level music, and my students have consistently achieved well above the national average. I have also organised a large number of concerts, shows, and festivals. I was Classic FM’s inaugural Music Teacher of the Year in 1999.

Tutoring Approach:

I have an inclusive approach to music education, encouraging all students, regardless of ability, to fulfil their potential. I consider it vital that students enjoy making music and I always make sure that their learning is tailored to their musical interests. In terms of instrumental lessons I am happy for students to progress through graded exams but I am equally happy to design a progressive route that avoids the potential stress of formal assessment.
With regards to composition, I am mainly offering my services as extra help for those many students who find the GCSE or A Level composition element difficult. I am a highly experienced teacher of composition at these levels.