Information About Matthew - Maryland teacher -

(1 review)

Personal Description:

I am a composer, guitarist and musicologist based in London with over a decade's experience in music tuition. I recently graduated my masters in Music and Composition from the Royal College of Music, having previously studied music at the University of Manchester. I have significant experience in teaching theory and composition, including music for screen and computer-aided music, with previous tuition roles on the English National Opera Baylis scheme and the Royal College of Music's Sparks Outreach programme.
During my undergraduate degree I trained as a classical guitarist and have performed in jazz ensembles for a number of years. I have experience in teaching electric and acoustic guitar, electric bass and ukulele to a wide range of ages and abilities, including working towards ABRSM and Trinity graded exams.
My lessons are friendly and relaxed, with a focus on practical application and channeling the interests of the student as much as possible. I believe that a huge aspect of learning music is to be exposed to as much of it as possible, and strive to bring variety and exploration into every lesson!

Tutoring Experience:

My recent experience in teaching composition have been as assistant composer with the English National Opera Baylis team; A level tutor at Holland Park School, composition tutor with the Royal College of Music's Sparks team (teaching senior school students in St Pauls School, Pimlico Academy and Kensington Aldridge Academy), as well as private tuition to a wide variety of ages and abilities.
My time as A level tutor for Holland Park School included teaching the AQA music curriculum; covering a wide range of practical, musicological and theoretical skills. I also have experience teaching as a volunteer music tutor to primary school, senior school and SEN students at Grindon Hall Christian School and St Roberts of Newminster.
I also have experience teaching electric and acoustic guitar in schools, music shops and with private students. These lessons have varied from learning basic technique; exploring classical, pop and jazz idioms, as well as covering ABRSM and Trinity grades.

Tutoring Approach:

My approach is very practical and I encourage all students to bring their interests into the lesson - there is always a new way to approach music learning and it often comes from understanding a student's musical background and hobbies!
I also find that engaging with a wide variety of disciplines and time periods can bolster your overall musicianship and help with whatever area of music student's are keen to explore; both in performance and theory.
Composition/theory lessons range from learning the basics of notation to completing written tasks and building a vast toolbox of analytical techniques. Guitar lessons have a similar approach, however it is worth noting that if any student has something that they have been working on or are curious about a certain topic then this will definitely be incorporated into lessons!