Composing your own music has always been a very rewarding task. This has never been so true as the present day when you can hear what you compose instantly by using computers to generate and play back your own music. However, to ensure that your music sounds really great there are many principles to be considered. I have had a great interest in composing for over 40 years, composing in a wide variety of styles. Having been a music teacher in a comprehensive school for over 30 years, I have had a lot of very relevant experience in teaching composition to a wide range of different ages and abilities. The class will be personalized to your particular standard and chosen style of composition. If you are a complete novice and have not used computers to create music we can use a web-based programme or a free downloadable programme. On the other hand, if you are familiar with a particular programme that you have installed on your computer we can work through screen sharing and sound sharing to enhance your compositions using my experience. I will tailor-make the class to suit you.

The theory of everything tends to be really scary and music theory can be too. I am very keen to make music theory easy for everyone. For some people there is only one way to tackle the unmentionable but I believe there are many different approaches and one of them will click with you. It is simply finding out what is best for each person. Once we find the key we can unlock the problems that have puzzled you for ages. Music theory needs to be more than a requirement, it needs to be the way to really appreciate the music you are playing. Certain aspects can also lead to additional practical skills such as improvisation which can be very useful as well as very enjoyable. Whether you want to understand a particular aspect of music theory or If you struggle with music theory in general, then this is the class for you - why not give it a try?

For many people improvisation is a scary word and having to improvise in a group or band is an alarming prospect. However, this really does not need to be the case. As long as you have a basic knowledge of how to play your instrument you will be able to improvise. Once you know the principle of how chords are formed you will soon be improvising with ease. If you play a keyboard instrument you will be able to improvise your own pieces and be able to entertain your friends at a moments notice. On the other hand if you play in a band or a group you will be well equipped to do a real 'jam' session. Whether you play a single line instrument (flute, saxophone, trumpet, violin etc.) or keyboard instruments, this class is for you.

Have you ever wanted to learn to play the piano/keyboard but don't know where to start? Are you regretting giving up learning the piano/keyboard when you were younger? Do you feel that your current progress in playing the piano/keyboard is being held back? If the answer to any of these questions is yes then please contact me. I always try to ensure that each individual student's interests are catered for. If you want to play for pleasure then I will encourage you to learn pieces that you like. Alternatively, if you are more interested in achievement, in terms of taking graded exams, then this is the pathway that we will take. Enjoyment is the key to success as it leads to a desire to practise. So tayloring the class to your needs is absolutely essential and I am very keen to work with you to achieve this goal.

Wanting some extra help in preparing for a music exam? Would you like some extra advice on performance techniques? Struggling with your composition tasks? Finding analysis of a piece of music confusing? I am here to help. I worked in a comprehensive school teaching music for over 35 years. In that time I engaged with many different exam boards at GCSE and A level delivering a range of different courses. I am passionate about all aspects of music, whether it be performing, composing or listening and analysis. Whatever you need help with, I am very keen to be able to offer my expertise in any or all of these areas. Each of the three disciplines is intrinsically connected with the other two and having a good grasp of all three will enable you to improve your ability overall.