Information About James - Tooting teacher -

(1 review)

Personal Description:

I'm primarily a Jazz pianist with a strong foundation of classical training, and I hope to offer students just a taste of the vast world of music on offer. I have a first class honours degree in Music and Sound Recording (Tonmeister) from the University of Surrey. I aim to teach pupils how to be the best all round musician possible, including ear training and how to play in solo and ensemble contexts. I've played Piano since the age of 7, and among other training attended the Sheffield Music Academy for 2 years. I also have a grade 7 certificate in Drums and play guitar to a similar standard. I have achieved an ABRSM Grade 8 distinction in Classical Piano, and have been playing mostly Jazz ever since. During my time at university I played Piano and Keyboards in the University of Surrey Big Band for 2 years. Before University I was offered a place at the Berklee college of music in Massachusetts with scholarship.

Tutoring Experience:

I've been teaching since 2017 - mostly piano, but also music tech and guitar. I also have experience teaching English in South Korea. I'm used to teaching a broad range of ages, from 7 years old all the way up to 27 - it really is just a number!

Tutoring Approach:

I emphasise the importance of listening, and hearing everything that you play. My goal is to become completely free on the instrument to play whatever I hear, and to be able to produce every colour possible at the Piano. In my opinion, improvisation is at the heart of musicianship. Being classically trained is important, since to learn more advanced concepts in Jazz a basic knowledge of harmony and scales is required. I can provide that foundation as well as giving the student direction in Jazz studies and improvisation.