I specialise in helping individuals find their own way of engaging with the exciting world of music playing. I have a lot of experience working alongside people, helping facilitate through careful listening. It is enormously exciting to watch students discover their musical creativity and gain a passport into a new world.

I find that students have different ways of learning. Some people enjoy and have an aptitude for working through set books in a linear fashion, marking their progress by taking exams; whereas others feel more at home with a more spontaneous approach.

I help my students develop their musical ear, alongside their skills in note-reading from the page. I also encourage students to begin composing their own material and I teach them how to write down what they hear.

I have developed ways of working with younger children, incorporating regular rhythm practice and note recognition, as well as learning to sing notes accurately.

Some of my pupils are interested in Irish trad music. I enjoy helping these pupils work out and learn trad tunes – and then discover chords which can be played to accompany them.  

Many young people are interested in learning to play contemporary songs and I gladly incorporate this into lessons. I find a varied approach, containing material of interest to the pupil, is the best way to nurture a life-long interest in the world of instrumental playing.

 

It’s never to late to learn! I have a number of adult pupils, up to the age of 80. Although learning is different later in life, high levels of proficiency are very possible through commitment and regular practice.