Isabella Strydom
About
An experienced music teacher, specializing in all types of guitar! I began guitar lessons at age 10, and have been playing for over a decade. I studied a Bachelor of Music degree at the University of Cape Town, specializing in Classical Guitar, and I graduated in 2023 with a Cum Laude. I am also a classical percussionist, and I am apart of the UCT Symphonic Wind Ensemble. During my undergraduate degree, I received a scholarship to embark on an International Exchange program. I went to the University of North Carolina Greensboro, and during my semester abroad, I was placed on the Dean's Merit List. I was apart of the Percussion Ensemble, and I played oud in the Middle Eastern Ensemble.
I am currently studying a Postgraduate Certificate in Education at the University of Cape Town, to become a qualified full-time music teacher, and I will graduate in 2024. Alongside my studies, I teach guitar at Wynberg Girls Junior School and United Herzlia Schools, and I also teach private students of all ages located in Cape Town.
Some of the productions I have been involved in include:
-South African College of Music - Guitar Studio: 29 October 2021; 24 October 2023
-South African College of Music - Symphonic Wind Band: 9 May 2022; 16 May 2023, 3 October 2023, 7 May 2024
-University of North Carolina Greensboro - Percussion Ensemble: 6 November 2022
-University of North Carolina Greensboro - Middle Eastern Ensemble: 22 November 2022
Teaching Style
I believe that creating a safe and inclusive teaching environment will allow my pedagogy to inspire pupils to achieve to their fullest potential. I would describe myself as patient, nurturing, and enthusiastic, and I believe that anyone can learn an instrument. My teaching style will cater to your needs, but typically, I teach using demonstrative and facilitating methods. I will demonstrate the piece we are learning, and there after, I will help guide you to be able to play the piece on your own! I promote self-learning, self-actualization, and critical thinking skills within my lessons.
Curriculum
Textbooks I use include:
-Enjoy Playing Guitar Tutor Book 1 by Debbie Cracknell
-Trinity Classical Guitar Grades 1-8
-Trinity Rock and Pop Electric Guitar/Bass Guitar Grades 1-8
-Mel Bay's Modern Guitar Method
-Hal Leonard's Ukulele for Kids/Adults Book
Credentials & Affiliations
Bachelor of Music Degree at the University of Cape Town - The degree was awarded with distinction in Advanced Topics in African & World Music and Music in History & Society, and the overall degree with distinction. 2020-2023
International Exchange at the University of North Carolina Greensboro - 2022
Postgraduate Certificate in Education (specializing in Music Theory and History SP&FET and Choir Training SP&FET) at the University of Cape Town. 2024-Current
