About
Professional musician with over 20 years experience helping people to get what they want out of playing a musical instrument. I've taught people from 5 to 75, beginners to pros, from sheet music and by ear - everyone welcome!
Bands I’ve played with include gypsy-folk quartet Stan’s Magic Foot on violin, wedding covers band Bad Penny on lead guitar, and 1st violin/leader of string quartet Sonoro. I have performed throughout the UK, at venues that include Earls Court and the Emirates Stadium in London, and at festivals including Beat Herder and Kendal Calling, as well as countless weddings and functions.
After graduating from the University of Sheffield with an honours degree in Music I began teaching in various primary and secondary schools in my local area, as well as building up a roster of private students whom I taught in their own homes.
For 13 years from 2004 I ran a private music school called Greenway Music - https://www.facebook.com/greenwaymusic/ - which provided instrument and theory lessons for people aged between 5 and 75 years old. I headed a team of up to 9 teachers and we regularly gave showcase concerts in which students and teachers performed alongside each other in groups ranging from duets up to a 15 piece jazz/rock ensemble.
During that time I continued teaching in schools, including 7 years at Hartford High School in Cheshire. I was also a co-founder of the Alsager Music Festival - http://alsagermusicfestival.co.uk/about/
I now compose music for film, tv and media, and give online music lessons from my studio in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK. I regularly play on my own recordings and do occasional session work for other composers/producers. My music has been used in programmes that have been broadcast internationally, and I have worked with clients including Sony, Greenpeace and Grey Goose Vodka.
Instruments: Violin, Guitar, Bass Guitar, Mandolin, Music Theory, Improvisation
Successful preparation for ABRSM and Rockschool examinations grades 1 - 8
Supported students through BTEC, GCSE and A-Level qualifications in the UK
First and foremost I believe in making music lessons fun, so that students want to keep practicing and learning. I am a firm believer in the benefits of making music to mind, body and soul, and I always encourage my pupils to enjoy their music-making, as well as working hard to improve their technique and musicality.
Member of Musicians Union, PRS and Federation of Small Businesses.