Information About Victoria - Skelmersdale teacher -

(3 reviews)

Personal Description:

I started learning the piano at the age of 7 and the guitar at the age of 11. After completing my GCSE''s and A'Levels, I studied Classical Guitar at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama where I gained a BMus (Hons) Degree. I also did some second study piano.
After college I went on to do a PGCE in music teaching - classroom and instrumental at the University of Central England in Birmingham.
As well as teaching, I do some performing in the context of a classical guitar & violin duo. I am also a member of the Incorporated Society of Musicians.

Tutoring Experience:

Throughout my PGCE course I gained teaching experience in the classroom throughout KS3 & 4. I also had weekly training and contact with Birmingham Music Service as part of my PGCE.

After qualifying as a music teacher, I started a job with Sefton Music Service. This was a full time post where I gained my NQT status. I continued working for Sefton Music Sevice for four years during which time I became part time and started to set up my own teaching practice - Allegro Guitar and Piano Tuition.

I have been running my teaching practice for 11 years. During this time I resigned from the music service wanting to concentrate on one-to-one teaching from my home. I have much experience in preparing and entering pupils for exams (which includes regular attendance at exam seminars), organising concerts, practice-a-thons and occasional workshops.
I have built up a variety of teaching strategies and methods which incorporates a large selection of repertoire and tutoring material.

Tutoring Approach:

Allegro Guitar and Piano Tuition aims to provide professional tuition in classical guitar, piano and music theory to a high standard. Lessons for beginners are half an hour long and happen on a weekly basis. As pupils get more advanced they can extend their lesson time to an hour.

Depending on the age range, pupils are encouraged to progress through a variety of teaching strategies/methods. Recognition of achievement is an important part of my tuition and this is highlighted through collecting points/stars for practice, to being entered for various formal exams or internal assessments.
Exams and assessments are optional, as some pupils like to learn their instrument for recreational purposes, without the pressure of these. The emphasis is on making the teaching fun and varied, but at the same time, building up secure foundations in music learning which will last and hopefully transfer to other musical or non-musical learning experiences.

Allegro Guitar & Piano Tuition organises a local yearly concert. This is an semi-formal occasion which gives pupils the opportunity to work towards a performance situation. Sometimes there is an option to take part in a small guitar ensemble in these concerts.
Occasional guitar ensemble workshops are also organised to address the importance of enjoying music performance in a group and experience the different learning opportunities this can bring.