Michael

Hi there,

I’m an experienced educator, composer, researcher, and multi-instrumentalist. I offer tuition in exam technique, essay writing skills, music theory, composition, ear training and dictation, music technology, and more.

I have taught students at all levels and all ages, from those needing a bit of help with music theory through to those studying music at GCSE, A level, or for their degree. I hold an MPhil in Music from Cambridge University and a PhD in Music from Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. I am currently an Associate Lecturer in Music, Sound, and Technology for the Open University and a Teaching Fellow at the School of Music, University of Leeds.

I am experienced in tailoring each lesson to the goals and abilities of each student, and I create bespoke exercises and teaching tools. This means that whatever stage you’re at, and whatever you’re looking to achieve, I can certainly help. Please send me a message, and I look forward to meeting you soon!

Tutoring Experience

I have extensive experience teaching in person and online, from pre-GCSE to post-graduate, with 5 star reviews from students and parents who have seen their grades (and their enjoyment of music!) increase. Here are some of those reviews:

"My son went from getting D or E grades to achieving a A an A level, after around 9 months tutoring with Michael. Although I didn’t get too involved, my son always seemed quite happy with the lessons and was given stuff to do outside them so the learning continued through the week, which I think was a real benefit."

"Michael has been an excellent tutor. We were looking for support in exam techniques and general learning support as the A level exam approached. Michael has made a very noticeable difference and very much improved Daniel’s confidence. We would be very happy to recommend Michael as a tutor."

"Michael's help has been invaluable to me, and I feel I really understand how to better write in a way that will earn me marks. I am also feeling much more confident about the exam. He has provided me with everything I need in order to construct better arguments and produce an essay that will score very highly, from a vast range of wider listening spanning all facets of music, to common musical techniques/features that are particularly relevant to the content of the exam."

Tutoring Approach

I offer:

· Composition tuition from GCSE through A level to postgraduate level.

· Music theory tuition from ABRSM Grades 1-8 through GCSE and A level to postgraduate level.

· Ear training and dictation skill development up to and including undergraduate level (essential for ABRSM theory and GCSEs/A Levels).

· Music technology teaching (including Edexcel Music Technology A Level and BTECs) up to and including undergraduate level.

· Exam technique coaching at all levels, including all GCSE/A Level exam boards.

· Essay writing skills up to and including postgraduate level, including exam essay writing for GCSE/A level students across all areas of music.

Each session will be tailored to your individual needs and learning style, and this will ensure that you get the most possible out of each session. I create bespoke exercises and teaching tools for each student. I am also happy to set work between sessions and go through it in the next session.