LESSONS AVAILABLE
- Music Theory
- Violin
- Viola
- Cello
- Trombone
- Piano
- Contemporary Voice Coaching (Pop, Jazz, Rock etc)*

You/your child is able to take the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music examinations in the above instruments (excepting contemporary voice). Exam preparation and submission (ABRSM and National Curriculum). Classical & Jazz repertoire. 18yrs teaching experience.

LESSON STRUCTURE
Typical lesson is divided into 3 parts: exam preparation, music theory and repertoire for pleasure. Many students take Associated Board music theory exams alongside their practical grades, and so we study the two disciplines together in order to help the student understand the relevance of theory in practice and find enjoyment in study. It is important to play pieces solely for enjoyment as the student develops skills in performing these pieces without the pressure of exam deadlines. Current clients range from primary school age to adults wanting to take up a hobby in later years.

LOCATION & FEES
Liverpool. One to one lesson -£25/€25 per hour. Advance block bookings discounts (10 or more lessons for £20p/h, a saving of 20%)

SHARED LESSONS/BAND COACHING
Students sharing lessons will pay the standard rate x1 plus £10 for each additional student, i.e. £30 for 1st member + £10 for each extra member for an hour session.

WAITING LIST
When I cannot offer you your preferred time you may choose to go on the waiting list. If you are offered a last minute cancellation you are under no obligation to accept it. Should you accept it the usual cancellation criteria will apply.

*IMPORTANT - CANCELLATION AGREEMENT*

The minimum cancellation notification time required by me is 24 HOURS. This gives me time to offer your cancelled hour to someone on the waiting list. A student cancelling with less than 24 hours notification FOR ANY REASON WHATSOEVER will be charged for the missed lesson.

Many working singers do not realise the importance of a coach; they think if a person can already sing, they "don't need a teacher".

Having a voice coach is essential. Just as a professional sportsman/woman will have a coach to maintain safety, health, fitness level and strive to achieve greater accomplishments, a singer should treat his/her voice with the same care.

Strong vocal technique is fundamental to having your voice at your disposal in good condition, allowing you to approach any style you choose from a position of safety. One-to-one singing lessons offer a safe and supportive environment to explore and develop your voice, learning projection and microphone technique (if desired) and working on a wide variety of repertoire and styles.

LESSON STRUCTURE
Lessons are relaxed and informal. My students enjoy their lessons, and I enjoy teaching. I usually spend around 20% of the lesson working through exercises and pieces to place and extend the voice. Lessons are structured around breathing and a good vocal warm up, plus plenty of relaxation. This is followed by work on specific songs & repertoire to give the technique a context. Clients involved in songwriting or studio work will have a portion of the lesson directed at linking their skills.

Choice of repertoire is open, although I will suggest songs & styles as I see fit. I cover audition coaching, presentation, projection, performance skills and microphone technique where appropriate. Singers working towards demo recording in a studio are offered specific studio preparation training.

Contemporary repertoire. Voice preparation & maintenance. Microphone technique basic live sound engineering. Audition coaching. Individual & group lessons to explore and develop your voice in all contemporary styles and genres. Beginners and experienced performers welcome.

Current clients come from a variety of backgrounds, amateur and professional, from TV & the music industry to people starting completely from scratch. I have much experience working with beginner singers and those with confidence issues. My clients sing various popular genres, from music theatre, soul and jazz to pop, rock and metal.to musical theatre and opera. Should you wish to have your lessons at your home, it is advisable that you have a keyboard or piano.

Many people use backing tracks to sing along with, others sing a-capella and some bring sheet music. I have a wide variety of backing CD's and midi-files available, but encourage students to build up their own collection over time. You are welcome to bring an accompanist with you.

I do not work with children's voices, nor with opera students. 14 is a typical age to begin coaching the voice.

There are many goals children and adults aim to achieve by studying with a private tutor. Wishing to overcome weak areas in a subject is a common reason parents and students approach me for lessons. During lessons, we work on literacy and numeracy skills, target specific weaknesses like comprehension and algebra, and I will guide you through set syllabi and exam practice papers.

It is important a student finds the right style of tutoring for him/her. I believe much of a student's progress in a subject is honed or hampered by the personality of the tutor delivering the subject matter and how the tutor and student get along. It is imperative - both with adult and child learners - to make the lessons FUN. My experience in adult education and the mainstream schooling system has given me skills in this area, combined with a natural liking for people. I am excellent at drawing the best out of learners and tailor my teaching style to the needs of the pupil.

The most important thing in a student-teacher relationship is to listen to the learner and give them the opportunity to help direct their educational climb.

Many times, I have had the pleasure of teaching pupils referred to as 'disruptive' and in finding out what motivates them to learn, we have achieved excellent grades. As a result, children previously written off experience an immense boost to their self-esteem which fans out into other areas of previous concern, such as general behaviour and conduct, and social interaction with other children and adults.

I have been a music tutor for 18 yrs, one-to-one and in educational establishments (schools and colleges). I prefer the one-on-one environment, as (a) I can draw the best out of students and enjoy their pleasure at achieving what once seemed insurmountable to them; and (b) I don't believe in the 'one size fits all' method of education. My long period of experience has given me the opportunity to work with learners of varying abilities and ages. I also have enhanced CRB disclosure. Importantly, I request that parents take an active interest in the syllabus and homework as much educational progress is made in the home and parents must ensure children set aside a regular time for homework.

Should you require further information or wish to book a lesson, please contact me on 07904 987 247 or email info(at)potentmusic.co.uk. I am often in the studio, so should you reach my voicemail, please leave a brief message and contact number and I shall get back to you shortly.