Information About Nathan - Cardiff teacher -

(5 reviews)

Personal Description:

I began playing piano during primary school, after being inspired by the school music teacher. I studied GSCE and A-level music during my teenage years before choosing to study music at Cardiff University in 2011.
Whilst at Cardiff University I studied the organ with Robert Court and participated in several university ensembles, playing percussion and the organ in the Cardiff University Symphony Orchestra and singing bass in the Cardiff University Symphony Chorus. I graduated in July 2014 with a degree in music.
In 2016 I completed a Post Graduated Certificate of Education at Cardiff Metropolitan University, specialising in music (secondary).
I have been an active musician in South Wales since 2012. I am the Director of Music at St Augustine's Church, Rumney, where I play the organ and run a successful choristership scheme for young people aged 7-14. I previously held the position of organist at Christ Church, Pant, Merthyr Tydfil. I was also the Musical Director of The Tydfil Singers (formally Merthyr Tydfil Ladies Choir).

Tutoring Experience:

I have experience of teaching all ages (from aged 6-86!) and all abilities. I offer weekly lessons in singing, piano, organ or music theory, usually following the ABRSM syllabus.
My experience in teaching in secondary schools, and various choirs, has given experience of teaching a wide range of abilities, from beginner to advanced.

Tutoring Approach:

I firmly believe that music lessons should be fun and accessible to all.
I help my students to build their confidence quickly by creating an encouraging and positive atmosphere in lessons which enables them to explore the music they are learning without worrying about mistakes. One of the first things I establish with my students is that mistakes always help us to get better!
I use a wide variety of different teaching strategies to ensure that lessons are varied and interesting - there is nothing worse than a boring lesson that seems to last for ever!
I aim for my students to learn all of their music during their lessons - this means they only have to practice at home. I don't expect my students to prepare lots of new music before the lesson.
I usually follow the ABRSM syllabuses for all of my lessons, whilst also being flexible, allowing my students to follow their own musical interests. For piano and organ beginners I usually follow John Thompson's Easiest Piano Course.
Does this mean that all my students have to take the ABRSM exams? In short, no. I would always encourage those students who have potential to do well in exams to take them, but this is not a requirement. I always leave the decision to take exams up to my students (and their parents!). Exams are not for everyone - music should always be fun, never stressful.