Information About Sam - Glasgow teacher

Personal Description:

While studying for my bachelor's and master's in music at Glasgow University, my primary specialisation was composition, thus equipping me with a good grasp of how music works. However, this specialisation was followed closely by my focus on piano performance, both as a soloist and as an accompanist. Since graduating, I have worked extensively as a musician, both as a performer (as a soloist, as an accompanist, and in bands) and as a teacher. I have performed various musical styles in various different settings, including performing at weddings, funerals, and ceilidhs, with church choirs, and in a local indie band (The Deadline Shakes).
In addition to teaching, I continue actively learning, thus benefitting my teaching through my being on the receiving end of various teaching approaches, and by exploring methods to aid my own learning. For instance, since graduating from my master’s, I have done TEFL and CELTA qualifications, theology modules, and five years of Mandarin Chinese.

Tutoring Experience:

I have taught piano since 2010 - to students of diverse backgrounds, life stages and abilities (complete beginner to Grade 8). This has sometimes included preparing students for ABRSM exams (when students have requested this) and has always involved seeking to find repertoire that the students will enjoy playing.
I have also spent four years working as an English teacher at Nankai University, in Tianjin, China, where I taught students from lower-intermediate to advanced levels in oral English, and academic writing and critical thinking. I also have extensive experience of mentoring university students, helping them to grow in character and to pursue various goals. These other jobs have significantly influenced my teaching, equipping me to work with the students and adapt to their needs as they pursue their goals, as well as enabling me to adopt teaching strategies from other fields.

Tutoring Approach:

My lessons are always tailored to the needs and desires of students. I am particularly keen to work with students in seeking out music they will enjoy playing, as this will motivate them in their own learning. I'm happy to put students through ABRSM exams, but only where this is the desire of the student. And I'm also glad to incorporate teaching on theory where students are interested, as increased grasp of the language of music has many advantages, such as improving sight-reading, improvising and composition. Additionally, I am always enthusiastic about sharing my own love of music with my students and gladly recommend concerts and other opportunities for students to attend to make music come to life.