Oliver S.

I have been teaching strings and woodwind for around 30 years now. Over this period I have honed my craft and developed the materials and methods I use to makes sure everyone develops as quickly and smoothly as they can. While I have had lots of experience in schools and colleges because I have largely worked privately, visiting students in their homes I have had to develop a wide repertoire and skill set which coveres most common instruments and styles of music. However the bowed strings and woodwind families are the ones I gain the most from teaching.

My approach is flexible. Sometimes I will give detailed instructions and examples but sometimes I will just listen or play along with the student if that is what is helping them develop. I try to make the lessons as involved as possible. An awful lot can be gained at little cost on the internet these days so I always aim to demonstrate through playing myself and playing together with the student as that connection with the music and its performance is something you can't get from videos.

I have taught all ages and abilities from running baby and toddler groups and private tuition for ages 4 and up to doing workshops and lessons for retired people. I have taught across the special needs spectrum too and find many conditions present little obstacle to enjoyable and effective music learning.

All my students gain a thorough grasp of music and its performance and interpretation from reading music, playing by ear, composing and improvising. I guarantee to provide the complete musical experience and enable all learners to tap into something they didn't know they had.

When I was younger I also spent time travelling, studying and teaching English in the far east and developed language skills in 3 of the main languages of that region - Japanese, Mandarin Chinese and Korean. I have experience in teaching a range of learners up to an appropriate level. I have successfully run language programs for UK based companies and individuals in foreign languages as well as companies and individuals learning English abroad. I have tailored my own programs for teaching these languages effectively.

I'm happy to answer any questions potential students might have about any aspect of my teaching so feel free to send a message.