Information About Stathis - Tower Hamlets teacher

Personal Description:

Originally from Greece, I have been living in London since 2002. I have been a performing/conducting member in a number of London-based music groups and youth projects over the years, frequently taking part in music performances within the UK and abroad.

For the last several years, apart from composing with my synthesizers, I work towards broadening my computer programming skills with a view to writing music software. Currently I study a postgraduate degree in Sound/Music Computing.

Tutoring Experience:

I have developed an ongoing 10-year-long teaching work experience, working for various London-based organisations (mostly primary and secondary schools) as a visiting music tutor, teaching the following subjects/instruments:
- drumkit (one-to-one tuition)
- African drumming, samba drumming (small groups, whole classes)
- music technology (small groups, whole classes)

My work experience includes working with young persons of a wide age range - from teaching African drumming to Year 1 pupils, to preparing GCSE and A-Level students for their Grade 8 drumkit exams. It also includes working with SEND pupils/students, as well as youth projects addressed to young persons 'at risk'.

I am more than happy to disclose my most recent Enhanced DBS certificate to prospective students.

Tutoring Approach:

I keep lessons simple and fun, putting an effort in making students enthusiastic and see them progress. I don't promote a competitive or 'athlete'-like stance in my students' musical development, neither do I make use of complicated terminology or 'mind-trick' exercises.

I use exam syllabus books (e.g… by Trinity College, Rockschool etc), because this provides students with a clear development path. The underlying goal is always to help students progress so as to make music and perform to an audience; not to pass exams for the sake of acquiring a "Grade 5" label. Which is the reason why I sometimes like to close the exam book, and jam with the student or get them to play/solo to a backing track.

Moreover, I like to draw connections to other disciplines (such as maths, physics, computer science) if it helps the student better understand a music theory concept, and also to broaden the students' vision and future progression e.g… music technology could lead a student to having a career in software development.

I also make equal use of visual and auditory methods (written music, beatboxing etc); I address students' weaknesses with constructive criticism and get them to improve on those through systematic and fun practice.

I am punctual with lesson times, well-organised and highly committed to delivering the lessons agreed with prospective students.