Information About Bertram - Pinner teacher

Personal Description:

I am a young, enthusiastic musician and teacher based in North London. My primary instrument is the Drum Kit but I also possess intermediate skills on both Bass Guitar and Piano. As a recent graduate from City University London, I received 3 years tuition in Jazz Drum Kit Studies from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. I frequently gig around the country with a number of function and original bands performing in a variety of styles and genres. My playing has taken me to venues such as the Victoria Embankment Gardens, the Tower of London and the Barbican Centre as well as a number of music tours to Italy. I am happy to provide lessons to prepare students for grades (Trinity & Rockschool), or on a casual basis for someone looking to enjoy their instrument.

Tutoring Experience:

I have previous teaching experience at the Archbishop Lanfranc School in Croydon. I prepared a number of students for grades ranging from debut to grade 8. I was also able to teach those students simply wishing to pursue a instrument as a hobby whether that be learning a favourite song off the radio or helping with their musical independence.

I taught a number of workshops on African Percussion for children aged 5-8 at the St Agnes’ Catholic Primary School. The workshop particularly focused on fundamental musicianship qualities such as listening and call and response. This position allowed me to focus on the basic independence skills required for the Drum Kit. Students abilities varied from complete beginners to those with a number of years of previous tuition.

I have taught a number of students privately from my home studio in North London. I have two facing drum kits set up to allow for quick demonstrations and drum duets. Students ages varied from 11 to 50, I was able to help mature students either discover a new instrument or to rekindle their previous love of the Drum Kit.

Tutoring Approach:

My approach to music is one of pure enjoyment. Music is an expressive field, anyone can learn if they have a desire to express something. Technique and rhythmic capabilities are important but if you do not enjoy the learning process then it will be harder to progress. I like to create a relaxed atmosphere in which every student is allowed to express their own views through music. I imagine the drum kit as another voice for each student. Whether it is Metal, Rock, Funk or Jazz, my experiences have helped me to form a strong basis to help teach and help students from every musical approach.