Chris

I am an experienced drummer, engineer, producer and teacher. My passion is undoubtedly Music Technology, completing an A Level (Grade A), BA (2:1) and a MA (Merit). My particular interest is the use of the studio as creative tool and the recording/producing process. In this area, I have engineered a wide variety of music for different outputs, some of which have been commercially released. This has ranged from rock/alternative tracks to classical piano recitals. As a drummer I have performed around the UK, Europe and events in New York and been part of a signed act, function band and performed on several adverts (including one for Sony).

Tutoring Experience

I have been working in education in some form for 13 years. I began as a music technician in Christ The King Sixth Form College. During my time there I taught the Ed Excel Music Technology A-Level as well as Graphic Design AS and Media Level 3 BTEC. During this time I completed my MA in Audio Technology. I left and joined St Michaels College in Bermondsey and trained via schools direct to be a secondary Music teacher. During my 5 years here, I established the Music Technology A-Level with a 100% A-C rate and also taught Media AS/A Level with 80% A-C and 100% A*-C respectively. I left this post in 2017 and became the Head of Music at Hurstmere Boys school. In my time here, I have established Music as one of the highest performing GCSEs with a positive residual. Uptake of the subject has more than doubled at GCSE in this time with 30 students in 2017 and now close to 80. I have also established a NCFE Music Technology course across KS4. I have since become Assistant Principal at this school specialising in teaching and learning.

My expertise is undoubtedly Music Technology, Drum Kit and Music GCSE Composition/Performance. I can offer tutoring for Music up to GCSE, Music Technology up to Degree Level and Media Studies up to A-Level. I have acquired advanced level knowledge of Pro Tools, Logic, Ableton and a working knowledge of Sibelius and Max MSP. I can offer piano lessons but must stress that this is my secondary study and have only achieved an ABSRM Grade 7 qualification in this.

Tutoring Approach

Being a secondary music teacher has really helped me learn my craft so to speak as an educator. Teaching is all about understanding the needs of the individual and then tailoring the content and delivery so that they can access it. Along with this, it is important that your students enjoy and feel comfortable to learn and thrive in the environment that you establish. One of my strongest points is my ability to forge relationships with students so that they indeed feel comfortable and enthused within the subject.