Gail

Hi, my name is Gail. I am friendly, calm, patient, engaging and fun. I love teaching and enjoy creating a relaxed and mutually respectful relationship with my pupils.
Please note that I teach from home at TQ12 6SR or online.

I studied concert Piano & Flute at degree level, having achieved grade 8 Piano, Flute and Theory by 16. Winning a scholarship at the Royal College of Music and 1st Place at the Brighton Music Festival with my Grade 8 Flute results and pieces. I have also been involved in choirs, taking lead soprano in a Gospel choir and leading Choirs in various Schools. I have loved music for as long as I can remember, giving my family and their friends concerts at every opportunity. Music gave me confidence at a time when I struggled at school both academically and socially. I went on to far exceed expectations and thoroughly enjoy sharing the musical experience with others whenever possible. I am married, with 2 grown children, both musicians and 2 lovely Grandchildren. I also love animals and have several cats and 2 dogs, at the moment!

Tutoring Experience

I started teaching Piano and Flute as a teenager. Then went onto doing a Music Degree at Dartington College of Arts, having turned down the Royal College of Music, because I preferred the course and setting. I then studied PGCE Primary and Music at Exeter University.
I was a Primary Teacher and music Co-ordinator for 10 years full time. This included whole school singing, assemblies, choir, orchestra, concerts, musicals and so on. I have experience of teaching KS1, 2, 3 and GCSE and A Level Music. I then decided to go into Private Music Teaching and have not stopped since. I teach Grade 1 – 8 ABRSM Piano, Flute and Theory, I have taught over 200 children and some adults. Most of these have reached Grade 4 or 5, but a dedicated few have achieved their Grade 8 and 3 have gone on to do Music Degrees themselves.
I have 10 years experience as a Primary school teacher and Music Co-ordinator. My last Ofsted inspection Music were graded 1: Excellent

Tutoring Approach

My lessons are well planned and adapted according to the pupils needs and abilities. My teaching style is relaxed, comprehensive, patient and fun. I assess each lesson to inform my next teaching session.
Music is joyful. Lessons should be fun, interactive, interesting, motivating, challenging and rewarding. I like to incorporate theory, singing, aural, improvisation, sight reading, history and listening into lessons. Most important to me is that lessons are suitable for each pupil. Some are better at reading, others at playing by ear. Some pupils need music played and repeated often. Length of lessons can be adapted to suit both age, grade and ability. Some pupils do very well following a graded approach and taking exams, and some just want to play.