Elizabeth

N.B. Classics prices are for 60 minute lessons.
Music prices (piano only) are for 40 minute lessons.

I am a fully qualified secondary school teacher and have been teaching Latin, Ancient Greek, Classical Civilisation and individual music lessons for over 15 years. (For music, see 2nd paragraph.) I love the structure of the Latin and Greek languages and the beauty of their vocabulary, now intertwined in our language. The culture, history, and creativity found in the different sources of literature and artefacts continue to intrigue and inspire. Helping students understand and master the workings of these 'immortal' languages (and realising it's not too complicated after all!), and thereby access texts in their original Latin or Greek rather than a translation, is always a great source of pleasure to me.

Music has always been an important part of my life, in particular the piano (I also play violin, alto saxophone, and piano). For me it is not simply a skill or a subject; it's a source of joy, expression, and connection that I believe should be a lifelong companion. My goal is to install this same love and appreciation in my students. I don't teach with the aim of passing exams (there are other teachers who excel at that), but rather to help others discover the beauty of music as an ongoing, joyful journey. My wish is for my students to experience music as a constant source of fulfilment, creativity, and inspiration throughout their lives, free from anxiety.

Tutoring Experience

I have taught boys and girls in secondary schools (boarding and day, single-sex and co-ed), and have tutored pupils from Y5 onwards. In a school environment I have taught the top year (Y6) in a primary school, and all tiers of secondary school (including GCSE, A-Level, and the International Baccalaureate). I also have a lot of experience helping pupils who are preparing for Common Entrance exams (ISEB) and scholarship exams. I am experienced teaching a wide range of students (from complete beginners to university students), encompassing a broad range of abilities.

I have taught piano to a variety of ages, guiding students to find their unique musical voice and encouraging them to develop their skills at their own pace. Watching my students grow in confidence and passion, and seeing music become a cherished part of their lives, is an incredibly rewarding experience, and reaffirms my belief that it is about nurturing a lifelong love for music.

Tutoring Approach

I use a variety of methods and resources in my teaching, and have experience using a wide range of textbooks and source materials. I supplement these books with my own resources, which I create and tailor to meet the needs of each pupil’s abilities and preferences. I can provide tuition across the full spectrum of age and ability, from those facing particular challenges with their learning to assisting gifted students seeking to extend their studies, to pupils starting from scratch for fun! I always provide an updated 'Scheme of Work' to both pupil and parents after each session, so that everyone is clear what the targets are and what has been achieved. I am flexibile with lessons - have pupils I see on a regular basis; those who want shorter but more intensive revision sessions; and those whom I see on an ad hoc basis, as and when the need arises.

Teaching the piano, my lessons are tailored to each individual, emphasising enjoyment and exploration in an stress-free environment over rigid structures and exam preparation. I am happy to explore areas that students might not have tried before, such as playing with chords, duets, and an emphasis on sight-reading which will allow them to feel more at ease with just picking up some music as and when they feel like it.

For online teaching I use Zoom, I don’t use Skype.
Piano lessons are in person.

Please note that lessons cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice will be charged at the full rate. Lessons cancelled between 24-48 hours beforehand will be charged at 50% of the full rate.#/k#