I am a multi-instrumentalist music teacher, with ABRSM Grade 8 in piano, classical guitar, flute, double bass and classical singing. Before my recent move to the West Country my employer was Hertfordshire Music Services. At HMS I taught in both primary and secondary schools as well as ‘music centres’ around the Hertfordshire area, including ‘one on one’ lessons, small groups, whole class guitar and ukulele and I also ran/conducted a intermediate level string orchestra. Piano and guitar (classical, rock & pop, bass) are my principal instruments, although I have sometimes been called upon to teach flute, double bass, voice, beginner cello and ukulele. I am passionate about educating young students and sharing my love of all genres of music. Nonetheless, by way of private teaching, I have taught many adult learners and find this equally rewarding. I always make lessons fun and tailor them to the individual student/group.
Ged Camille
I have led singing groups since 2005 and facilitated drum circles since 2015. I have delivered Mindful Drum Circles since 2019 Drum Circles foster creativity, confidence in music making and cooperation, as well as the more obvious percussion, rhythm and vocal skills Mindful Drum Circles do all of the above but in a framework of mindfulness which helps cultivate calm, presence and a healthy nervous system. I am a qualified Village Drum Circles facilitator, Yoga & Meditation teacher, musician of over 30 years experience and Sound Healer. I play guitar and sing as a soloist and with various bands. I have a special interest in South and Central American music having lived there for 5 years. I am passionate about music as a means of nurturing our mental health and building community.
Paul Norley
Paul Norley MA (Class Stud) BA (Mus) LRSM LDBBA CNCB MCGI Paul Norley began his musical career at the age of eight, learning to play the cornet and, later, tenor horn with the Devon based Totnes Band. In 1982 he joined the Army immediately on leaving school, enlisting into the Band of The Junior Leaders Regiment, Royal Armoured Corps; it was here that he learned clarinet, saxophone and violin. On completion of training he joined the Regimental Band of The First Royal Tank Regiment and was posted to Germany. During this period he served with 5 Armoured Field Ambulance in the first Gulf War. In 1994 Paul was posted to The Band of The Royal Lancers. Prior to this he enjoyed two years as musical director to the Hungerford Town Band. In 1996 he was selected to attend the Bandmaster’s course at the Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall, graduating in 1998 with prizes for instrumental performance and composition. He was also awarded a Licentiate Royal School of Music Diploma in Bandmastership and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music. During his time at Kneller Hall he became Musical Director of Thames Brass. In January 2000 Paul Norley took up position as Bandmaster of the Band of The Light Division, the first Bandmaster appointment of the new millennium. Whilst in this post he studied with the University of Salford and was awarded the Licentiate Diploma in Brass Band Adjudication. In 2004 he graduated from the Open University with a Masters Degree in Classical Studies and was also awarded the Licentiate National College of Brass Diploma in Conducting. A Staff Appointment saw him become the Training Design Team Warrant Officer at Headquarters Corps of Army Music, Kneller Hall. In his spare time he enjoyed a run of contest successes as the Musical Director of Verwood Concert Brass. He is a member of the National Association of Brass Band Conductors and was accepted as a member of the Association of Brass Band Adjudicators in 2004. Paul was commissioned as Captain in 2006 to become the Director of Music of The Band of The Royal Irish Regiment. Upon the disbandment of the Regular Band in October 2007, The North Irish Territorial Army Band was renamed and equipped as The Band of The Royal Irish Regiment (TA), he was appointed as its first Director of Music. This was followed by appointment as Director of Music of The Band of The Kings Division, based in Weeton, Lancashire in 2008. During this year he accepted the post of Musical Director to the National Youth Marching Band, an ongoing and immensely rewarding role. He was promoted to Major and appointed as Officer Commanding Training Development Team, Headquarters Corps of Army Music, Kneller Hall in September 2010, acting as the Chief Examiner and Testing Standards Authority for all the musicians in the British Army. A further move in 2013 saw him become Director of Music of The Brigade of Gurkhas, successfully delivering the musical and ceremonial backdrop to the celebrations of 200 year’s Gurkha service to the British Army. He returned to Kneller Hall in 2016 as Staff Officer Plans for the Corps of Army Music. 2019 saw him appointed as Director of Music of The Band of The Coldstream Guards; he retired to civilian life in Devon from this prestigious appointment in 2021. This same year he was invited to become President of the Traditional Marching Band Association (TYMBA). Delighted to accept, he now finds himself involved with Youth Marching Bands across the whole of the UK. He regularly adjudicates at various Brass Band Regional Qualifiers and is also in demand at numerous local contests across the UK and overseas. Happy to step ‘outside of the box’, he often undertakes workshops and masterclasses for both bands and conductors.
Hazel Carter
I have played music since I was a child and have been teaching for about 20 years. I’ve worked for Berkshire Music Trust, Music for Schools Foundation and tge Early Music Centre. I’ve taught individual, group and whole class lessons. I’ve also conducted bands and ensembles including the Bershire Jazz Ensemble. Whilst working for a Seniot tutor for MFSF I was in charge of all teachers and schools in Oxfordshire.
Catherine Drew
BA(Hons) QTS music, drama, educational studies. Previous head of music in large independent school in Sussex. Now specialising in piano and vocal lessons plus children’s singing ensembles and choirs. Involved as a parent in Devon Youth Orchestra
John Mathews
Since 2016, I’ve been privileged to share my passion and enthusiasm for music, teaching hundreds of students across a very wide range of age and ability (4 – 70+) and in a number of settings.
Prior to undertaking PGCE studies, freelance peripatetic music tutor, offering guitar, beginner piano and beginner ukulele lessons to primary schools in Devon and Somerset. Each week I guided 70+ students through the excitement of discovering music, building and/or developing upon the rudimentary foundations of musical practice, inspiring and preparing them for a long, fulfilling relationship with music.
My lessons are highly personalised to fit the abilities and temperament of each student (or group of students) and I’m happy to log and communicate their progress as is deemed appropriate. In encouraging musical problem-solving, I draw upon developing knowledge of music, as well as other areas of the curriculum such as mathematics and language.
During my previous engagement as ‘Session Manager’ at five private music schools for The Rock Project in Devon, I was entrusted with guiding, inspiring and safeguarding over 120 students per week, managing a team of five tutors, preparing sessions and leading groups of 20-30 young musicians in musical activities such as guided rehearsals, as well as providing instrumental tuition to smaller groups.
From 2016 – 2019 I enjoyed fulfilling the same functions for The Rock Project in Surrey, leading sessions for adults in addition to those for children. During both tenures, I supported and presented regular public performances, preparing and encouraging the students through coached rehearsals, enthusiastically developing musicianship and stagecraft.
A scarcity of resources delayed the start of my own musical journey proper, but in so doing, created the opportunity to spark a love-story that continues to this day. With little chance of buying my first instrument, I built a bass guitar for a GCSE Technology project and taught myself to play it from a book. Although my ‘homemade’ bass has long since been retired (full disclosure: it was a terrible instrument), the passion it fuelled will remain with me for life.
Seizing upon a single, fleeting opportunity ultimately led me to a BMus and out into the world on an enthralling adventure to far-flung countries, revered stages and studios, sharing countless thrilling musical experiences with many wonderful musicians, connecting with a combined audience of several lifetimes of humans. My bass gave me a creative voice, opportunities to contribute to numerous recordings and original compositions and a vehicle through which to forge lifelong friendships. I am deeply committed to opening the door to ‘the opportunity of a lifetime’ for others.
Tony Jones
Ex military musician with exemplary record. 2 years kneeler hall training and instruction. BA hons mus completed in under 2 years.
I have taught for Cornwall Music Service Trust and brass bands for several brass bands. I have experience of performing at a very high level. I am friendly, approachable and always make my lessons fun, entertaining and innovative.
Sarah Jones
An experienced and keen musician with a passion for the arts who works well under pressure and is a committed team player. Possesses strong leadership, management and communication skills being adept at prioritising demands and meeting deadlines. Inventive and adaptable to change, ensuring learners of all ages are motivated to reach their full potential, whilst gaining an understanding of musical disciplines through enjoyable, active participation. 100% exam pass rate for 37 years. Accomplished male voice musical director of 22 years.
CAREER HISTORY
1987 – 1997 Gwent Music Service: Peripatetic Brass/KS3 & 4 Music Teacher
1997 – 2001 Private Music Teacher
2001 – 2014 Gwent Music Service: Peripatetic Brass/Steel Pan/Piano/Theory Teacher
2002 – 2010 Rougemont School Newport: Infant School Music Co-ordinator
2011 – 2015 Bridgend Music Service: Peripatetic Brass/Samba Teacher
2015 – 2016 Somerset Music: WCET Teacher
2016 – 2022 Merthyr Tydfil Music Service: Head of Music Service & Brass/Curriculum Music Teacher
2020 – 2023 Christ College Brecon: VMT French Horn
2020 – 2024 Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama: Junior Conservatoire Assistant/Cover Tutor
2021 – 2024 Musical Director: Pontnewydd Male Choir
2022 – 2023 Bridgend Music Service: Peripatetic Brass Teacher
2022 – present Gwent Music Service: Brass/WCET/Curriculum Music Teacher
2023 – present Musical Director: City of Newport Male Choir
2023 – present Torfaen Music: WCET Teacher
2023 – present Charanga Associate Trainer
2023 – present Educa on Supply Pool: Music Teacher
2024 – present Somerset Music: WCET Teacher
EDUCATION
Bath College of H.E. Sept 1983 – July 1986 B.A. (Hons) Music (II/i) (Bath University)
Cardiff University Sept 1986 – July 1987 P.G.C.E. Secondary Music
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
NASUWT 1987 ISM 1989 (FISM)
Musicians’ Union 2024
EWC 2015
SKILLS & TRAINING
French Horn
Piano
Conductor/Musical Director
Trinity Arts Award Adviser
Safeguarding Level 3
Licensed Chaperone
HOBBIES & INTERESTS
Live music and theatre
Gardening, sewing, languages
Joe Lannon
I have been playing guitar for many years and have been a professional guitar teacher and tutor since 2006.
I am a qualified secondary school teacher with a PGCE and also am a Licentiate of the London College of Music – LLCM(TD). I have worked as a peripatetic in Northumberland and Torbay and also as an examiner for guitar for LCM/RGT grades and guitar diplomas.
I can teach all levels from beginners to advanced including RGT/LCM grades up to diploma. I teach acoustic, electric and bass guitar and also Ukulele. I can help you to obtain the desired level of playing to obtain a place in a music college/university. My specialism is improvisation and understanding how theory aids better playing.
I am a member of Sound Sense, the UK professional Association for Community Music and a member of the Registry of Guitar Tutors.
Emelia McNeill
Dedicated Music Educator with 20 years of classroom teaching experience. Experienced in planning and delivering creative curriculum content and leading music initiatives across educational settings. Passionate about vocal development, and performance, with a strong commitment to holistic teaching methods that build confidence and help students achieve their full potential. Proficient at fostering confidence and musical talent in children from early years through to 16 years, using a creative and nurturing approach that meets individual needs.
Professional Experience:
Music Educator & Department Lead – Various Educational Settings | 2004 – Present
• Curriculum Development & Delivery: Designed and implemented comprehensive music curricula tailored to students from Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) to 16 years old, ensuring content is engaging and appropriate for diverse abilities.
• Leadership & Management: Successfully led music departments, managed peripatetic timetables, and facilitated collaborations between staff, parents, and external professional bodies to enhance the educational experience.
• Vocal Coaching & Peripatetic Lessons: Delivered one-on-one and group vocal tuition, focusing on vocal technique, health, and performance. Helped students overcome technical challenges and develop their musical abilities and confidence with a holistic teaching approach.
• Musical Productions & Performances: Directed and collaborated on a range of school-wide productions and community projects, utilising musical theatre and performance as tools to boost student confidence and skill development.
• Community Engagement: Organised, led and collaborated upon various musical projects, such as school choirs and performances, which involved collaboration with the local community, contributing to a vibrant and inclusive musical culture.
• Project Management: Planned and executed a variety of musical projects, often under tight time constraints, delivering high-quality performances that engaged and inspired the community.
• Teachers Rock Collaboration: Led school choirs into various performances for the community, recently engaging with Teachers Rock projects, enabling choir students to participate in prestigious events such as recordings at Abbey Road Studios, BGT auditions in London, and performances at Exeter Cathedral. From September, to lead a new Teacher Rock Youth Choir. Musical Director (MD) Barnstaple Male Voice Choir | Ongoing
• Leadership & Collaboration: Selected relevant repertoire, directed and coordinated a number of choir performances each year, helping build a community of musicians of all experience levels to create successful and enjoyable musical events. Events include participation in the National Cornish Male Voice Choir Festival, hosting international choirs in joint concert and collaborations with local choirs to raise money for charities. ________________________________________
Skills
• Music Education & Curriculum Design: Expertise in planning and delivering music curricula for a broad age range, with a focus on individual learning needs and creative engagement.
• Vocal Coaching & Performance: Specialise in peripatetic vocal tuition, vocal health, and holistic approaches to singing and performance.
• Leadership & Department Management: Experience in leading music departments, managing teams, and fostering positive relationships with students, parents, and staff.
• Musical Theatre & Drama: Passionate about musical theatre, with experience directing and performing in amateur dramatics, enhancing students’ performance abilities.
• Event Planning & Community Engagement: Skilled in organising and leading musical events that involve collaboration with the local community and beyond.
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Additional Experience
• Head of Department & House: Demonstrated leadership in managing teams, overseeing curriculum delivery, and organising school-wide music initiatives.
• Music CPD sessions for Swift (South West Institute for Training)
• Amateur Dramatics: Active involvement in directing and performing within community theatre groups, with a focus on musical theatre productions.
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Education & Certifications
• Certificate of Secondary Music Education, (GTP) [Wolverhampton University]
• BA (HONS) Contemporary Arts [Nottingham Trent University] ________________________________________
Services Offered
• Peripatetic Singing Lessons: Available to all schools for individual or group vocal tuition, focusing on vocal technique, health, and performance.
• Primary Music Educational Workshops: For small and large groups, tailored to request (EYFS/ KS1/KS2). Workshops consider curriculum demands, the needs of the school and the children and are designed to inspire, enhance musical knowledge and skills and promote creativity.
• Staff CPD Training and group/1:1 support: Providing professional development for non-specialists, focusing on music education strategies, successful curriculum engagement, the importance and impact of Music on individuals, and integrating music into the broader curriculum.
• Music teacher: Offering whole class music lessons and vocal tuition for children.
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Interests
• Vocal Health & Development: Committed to ongoing learning in vocal health and teaching methodologies.
• Musical impact upon individuals and groups
• Musical Theatre: Directing and performing in musical theatre productions.
• Choir Leadership: Leading choirs and organising community-based musical events.
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References available upon request.