Phillippa (Tutor)

 Music (primary, ks3, gcse, degree, adult-learner, a-level)

 Musictheory (teacher)

 Saxophone (primary)

I am a dedicated and diligent teacher with eight years of experience and tertiary level qualifications. I endeavour to offer the best service possible by putting considerable thought, research and planning into my teaching practice.

I draw on the pedagogical approach of Paul Harris as well as the Suzuki and Kodaly musical education methods to deliver lessons that are practical, varied and ear-focussed. Pieces remain the core musical activity in my lessons and any technical exercises, such as scales, are only introduced in the context of actual music. Additionally, I emphasize the primacy of aural skills, teaching techniques with which to learn music by ear. Nevertheless, I can teach students how to read music , but I put less emphasis on this practice than traditional teaching methods. In contrast, I aim to free students from dependency upon notation.

When teaching, I maintain a flexible and open approach that can be shaped according to the particular needs of the specific pupil. For instance, I cater for different learning and processing styles by presenting and demonstrating music from all angles (eg aurally, visually, kinetically and theoretically). I also ensure pupils stay motivated by letting them choose pieces they would like to learn and not insisting on them taking grades.

More detailed information about my teaching method, along with free handouts that I use to support my lessons, are available on my website [contact detail removed]
I take on pupils of any age from beginners to advanced. No previous experience or musical knowledge is required. I teach pupils from Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Northamptonshire and can travel to students houses for lessons.

Availability: Daytimes or evening, weekdays or weekends.

Willing to travel: 30 miles

Experience: Teaching Experience

- I have provided tuition for 8 years to pupils of school, university and adult age.
- I am also familiar with teaching groups having assisted with youth music development on behalf of the Berkshire Youth Jazz Orchestra and delivered musical analysis seminars in the classroom.
- Additionally, I have experience leading ensembles of chamber to big band size both independently and within institutional settings. As band leader, I have staged regular performances for my ensembles including single-handedly co-ordinating a performance tour to New York.

Education

- I am a music graduate of the University of Oxford where I achieved an overall grade of 2.i, scoring 1st class marks in Performance and Analysis modules.
During my degree, I was awarded the Denis Stevens Prize for my academic achievements and a Collections prize for exam success.
- I have also studied with faculty members of the Manhattan School of Music and Amsterdam Conservatoire, and received one-on-one tuition from nationally-renowned jazz musicians and educators Patrick Kelly, Ben Castle, Stan Sulzmann and Mark Lockheart.

Performance Credits

- My credits include having performed on saxophone with the Pendulum Jazz Orchestra, Peter King, Guy Barker, Don Weller, Clark Tracey, Mark Lockhart, Julian Siegel, Christian Garrick, Steve Waterman, Pete Churchill, Henry Lowther, Tina May, Nikki Illes, Mark Nightingale, Mornington Lockett, Mike Bradley, Laurence Cottle, Alexander Hawkins, Mick Quinn (of Supergrass), Oxford Operatic Society, the Paul Jordanous Big Band, The Brazilianos, AJ’s Calypso Tent House Band, the Paul Jordanous sextet, the Anne Marie Nelson Quartet, Boulevard Swing, the Paul Jefferies quartet, Fabios Jazz, the Take Five jazz quintet, the Soul Purpose jazz sextet, the Donut Kings big band, Miles Ahead, Alamakota, and the Phat Sessions Collective.
- I have performed in the Royal Festival Hall and the Bulls Head jazz venue in London, Brecon Jazz Festival, Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Amsterdam Conservatoire’s Blue Note, the Russian Tea Rooms and Bryant Park (both in New York City), and The New Theatre in Oxford.
- I also have experience playing and have taken examinations in Piano, Oboe, Drum kit, ‘Cello, and Theory of Music.

Qualifications: BA (Oxon) - Music

CRB Check: No

Has References: Yes

Will Tutor Online: Yes