Tuition on the melodeon (D/G or one-row in D or C)
I have taught traditional music on the melodeon (both D/G two-row and D or C single-row) for 25 years, and worked for all the major folk development organisations in England and a couple of further-flung commissions to Aberdeen and the Netherlands. I have been a regular tutor for Hands On Music in Witney and have tutored at Halsway Manor, Melodeons in Wensleydale and many other such events, as well as festival workshops. From 2001-2017 I taught, designed and managed evening classes for the East Anglian Traditional Music Trust. This included training some younger tutors. I also programmed and managed the much-loved and respected Melodeons and More annual workshop event for EATMT in the same period.
As a former teacher and trainer of teachers, I’m able to incorporate teaching skills I’ve acquired through both practice and the study of learning styles. Structured learning, building in development and outcomes, individualised learning techniques and plans all form part of my teaching toolkit, plus a sense of humour and empathy!
I now teach occasionally at workshops and festivals. If you would be interested in inviting me to run a workshop at your festival or other event, please get in touch via the Contact page. Here are some examples of subjects I can offer.
Please note, I no longer offer one-to-one tuition online or in person.
Subjects
Previous subjects have included both repertoire and technique – here are a few examples with suggested levels (B = Beginners/inexperienced; I = Intermediate; E = experienced):
If It Ain’t Got that Swing – how to ensure your playing has oomph even if it ain’t got oompah (I/E)
Fast Hornpipes for Stepdancing – the East Anglian stepdance repertoire (E)
Waltzing over the Waters – waltzes from near and far (B/I)
Quirky tunes (I/E)
Stretching Your Fingers – using the full reach of the keyboard (single-row or two-row) (I)
Crossing Rows for Chords on the D/G box (I)
Tunes in More than One Key (B/I)
Making the Most of One Row (B/I)
An introduction to East Anglian music (B/I)
An introduction to Sliabh Luachra music for D/G players (I/E)
In the Mood (B/I/E)
Out of the Comfort Zone – playing in second position (I/E)
A La Mode – investigating the A Dorian mode (similar to A minor) (I/E)
Pace and Place: Polkas – investigating different styles of polka playing (I/E)
Other subjects are available by negotiation. If you commission me for some teaching, you will get a custom-made workshop. As an example, in 2018, I developed a set of classes looking at different styles of polkas (from Suffolk, Cork and Newfoundland) to fit in with the theme at the Borderbox event.
Click on the images below for the full picture.
