Alex

I graduated from Cambridge University with a double first in Music, and from Oxford University with a distinction in my Masters in Musicology. I am now working as a private tutor whilst completing my PhD in Music Theory at the Eastman School of Music (NY, USA). I offer tuition in Music, Maths, and all-round support for any university applicants in the humanities, Oxbridge included. Whether you need mock interview training, advice on constructing a portfolio of work, personal statement support, guidance on how to pick the right course, or anything else related to an application, I'd love to help.

In my own studies, I have developed a wide range of academic interests and specialisms, which include: interdisciplinary methods of music analysis; music theory; nineteenth-century Austro-German music; and the music of Chopin. I have also studied piano privately with Prof. Rustem Hayroudinoff at the Royal Academy of Music in London.

Tutoring Experience

I have 100+ hours of of private teaching experience with students between 5 to 18+ years of age, many of whom I have prepared for university applications, as well as exams such as GCSEs and ABRSM grades. I have worked with many independent organizations such as Outlook Education and Holland Park Tutors in order provide support for students in 1-to-1 environments. I have also worked with many young children as a part-time teaching assistant for the SHINE programme on Saturdays, supporting classes of approximately twenty primary school pupils in the subject areas of Maths and English. Within these classes, I supervised small groups, using creative discourse as a means of approaching literary and mathematical problems.

Tutoring Approach

Tuition is about building strong working relationships between people, centring on the joys and aspirations of all learners. Guided by this philosophy, I begin work with students by means of an informal assessment to gauge strengths and interests. A clear foundation then forms, on top of which I devise an individually tailored plan of work to foster intellectual curiosity, confidence and creativity. As full courses of tuition unfold, I routinely re-examine all long-range goals and teaching methods with students, ensuring the best chances of fulfilling their greatest potential. None of this is possible without continual feedback from students themselves – something just as invaluable as their own ideas about all material being covered at every stage in the process.

Alongside my strong academic background, I commenced my piano studies at the age of fifteen, rapidly developing proficiency and achieving Grade 8 in two years before having lessons at the Royal Academy of Music. I therefore understand that all young learners need continual and intensely encouraging support to thrive, to develop their own voice and to achieve their full potential. I provide this support through discursive teaching and with bespoke educational programmes for any students in need of long-term assistance. Simultaneously, I am always available for one-off lessons – whatever your needs, get in contact to discuss what works best for you.