I am a friendly, patient, and professional Piano, Composition, Production, Music Theory, and DJ teacher from London, based in Cambridge. I have 12 years of teaching experience, and have taught pupils from 5 years old to 65!
I began composition lessons with Darren Bloom at Forest School, Snaresbrook, and was awarded a scholarship to the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, followed by a place at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam, where I completed an MMus in Composition in 2019. My previous tutors include Richard Ayres, Wim Henderickx, Richard Causton, Edwin Roxburgh, Ed Bennett, Joe Cutler, and Howard Skempton. I have also taken master classes from Rebecca Saunders, Mario Garuti, Anna Korsun, and Colin Matthews.
I was the winner of the Orchestre Nouvelle Generation Composers Competition 2016/17, and the Birmingham Conservatoire Orchestral Composition Prize 2015. Distinguished ensembles and performers who have performed my works include the DoelenKwartet, HERMESensemble, Syzygy Quartet, Ossian Ensemble, Noszferatu, Decibel, David Le Page, Patrick Johnson, Sara Minelli, Rowland Sutherland, and Colin Alexander. My compositions have been featured at world-famous festivals including the String Quartet Biennale Amsterdam and TROMP Percussion Festival and at venues such as Kings Place and Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ, as well as various venues throughout Europe, North America, and South Africa.
In addition to classical composition, I also write advert soundtracks on a regular basis for clients such as GHD, Lanvin, Japanese Vogue, Mariana Jungman (London Fashion Week), Cent Magazine, and Face Lace. I have completed a number of scores for award-winning short films 'Wanted' by Graeme Montgomery, and 'Genesis' by Beatrix Haxby.
I am also a bassoonist, having studied with Adam Mackenzie (New London Chamber Ensemble) and John Orford (London Sinfonietta). I was a member of Essex Youth Orchestra for four years, and have written a new repertoire for the instrument including a number of Concert Studies and also a Bassoon Quartet.
I am also an active DJ under the alias 'Delian Sound', playing eclectic sets from Garage to Jungle. I studied with international artists including Kasey Riot and Noah Priddle at the London Sound Academy and have performed in venues such as SET, Dalston alongside artists including Chiminyo and D’vo.
Tutoring Experience:
From 2009-2011 I taught Drumkit to students aged between 10-15 at a local Rock & Pop School. I've also been involved in a number of music courses for children between 2009-2014 as a Supervisor / Sound Technician.
In 2016 I began giving private lessons and built up a group of over 20 pupils ranging from 5-year-olds to adults through positive word-of-mouth. Between April-July 2017, I was contacted by a local primary school to give small group lessons in Piano and Guitar. Alongside my studies in Amsterdam, I continued to teach a similarly wide age range of pupils.
Since 2019 I have taught Composition & Musicianship at the Saffron Walden Centre for Young Musicians.
I have an Enhanced DBS check, available upon request.
Tutoring Approach:
My philosophy in Music Tuition is to improve the student's technique through exercises and pieces which they enjoy. I also provide general music education as I believe in a holistic approach, and increasing their passion for music which will increase their motivation for practice and improvement.
Reviews (6)
Great first lesson with Leon
My first piano class and absolutely loved it. Thank you Leon!
Leon was amazing teacher..he has patience, knowledge and gives you motivation to keep on practicing. I strongly recommend him as your maestro!
Super patient and knowledgeable, a great first lesson. Cheers!
great experience so far!
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