Music Lessons
Susan Leigh MA LRSM LLCM FISM
I have been a music teacher for over twenty years and, as well as running a successful private music teaching practice in the East Midlands, UK, I am an author of several books and create music games and for teachers and students around the world (as @learnatune).
“Thank you for teaching me the piano. I love every minute of it. You opened a door for me four years ago, and inside was joy”. Adult piano student
About the Teacher
I love teaching students of all ages, ranging from year one at school to retired adults and enjoy adapting my approach to the age of the student. As well as students of school age, I teach a lot of adults who have taken up an instrument for the first time or returned to lessons after learning as a child.
Whatever the age, and whether students decide they would like to work for exams or purely for pleasure, the enjoyment of learning music is an important part of my teaching.
I have diploma level qualifications in all the instruments I teach and have taught all levels from beginner and those important first steps of learning, to diploma and have successfully guided and mentored students through their teaching or performance diplomas.
As well as private teaching, I have worked in various schools in the East Midlands area of the UK and am currently working as an instrumental teacher in a local independent school.
I have an enhanced DBS check and a certificate in Child Protection in Education (Music) Level 2. I am also a full member of the Independent Society of Musicians; a professional association promoting the art of music and the interests of the music profession.
If you would like to find out more about piano, flute or music theory lessons please contact me to discuss things further.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What instruments do you teach?
I teach flute and piano. I also provide mentoring for teaching diplomas (either online or in person) as well as coaching for ABRSM music theory exams.
What qualifications do you have?
I have professional qualifications in both teaching and performance, and I have teaching diplomas in all of the instruments that I teach. As well as an enhanced DBS check, I have a certificate in Child Protection in Education (Music) Level 2. I am also a full member of the Incorporated Society of Musicians; a professional association promoting the art of music and the interests of the music profession.
What experience do you have?
I have 20+ years of music teaching experience and have taught students of all ages from around six years old to retired adults, and all standards from beginner right up to and including diploma level. I have worked in several schools in the East Midlands area and am currently an instrumental teacher in a local independent school. Please view comments from past and present students here.
What do you include in music lessons?
Every student has a different approach to learning a musical instrument and as such, my music lessons are tailored according to the specific needs of the individual. Whether students wish to take exams or learn purely for pleasure, enjoyment of music is emphasised at all times.
I like to introduce students to a wide variety of repertoire in their lessons, including baroque, classical, romantic, modern, jazz and more popular styles. I am also keen to develop well rounded musicians and ensure that many important skills are covered including sight-reading, aural training and technique, as well as music theory.
As I am a pianist my woodwind students have the opportunity to develop ensemble skills with regular practice playing with live accompaniment.
Do you include music theory in lessons?
Yes. Music theory is such an important part of learning an instrument so it is incorporated into all music lessons in some form. Preparation for the grade 5 ABRSM theory exams is also included should students wish to progress beyond grade 5 practical in their instrument.
As you may see from this website, music theory is somewhat of a passion of mine – particularly making it interesting and fun!
Do you put students in for exams?
All students have a different approach to learning and some may wish to follow exams whereas others may wish to learn purely for pleasure. Should students wish to study for exams they are guided through all aspects of the exam during lessons, including all supplementary tests such as aural tests, sight-reading and scales.
Where are you located?
I teach from a well equipped home-based music room, which includes an upright Zimmermann piano, a digital Kawai piano, shelves/cupboards bursting with sheet music, music games and interactive learning on the computer, all of which are made use of during lessons. I am located in the East Midlands area.
How much do you charge?
Please enquire for details of fees for the current year
When are lessons held?
Lessons are held from Monday to Friday during daytime and evening, and roughly follow the local education authority terms. Mostly lessons last 30 minutes each but more advanced students sometimes prefer longer. Please enquire for current availability.
What is the best way to contact you?
By telephone (01623 408457) or via my contact form. This form is often the best way to contact me about tuition as I prefer not to disturb student lessons by answering the telephone. All enquiries about my @learnatune games can be made via the same form or my Learnatune Facebook page.
Are you a member of any professional associations?
I am a full member and fellow of the Independent Society of Musicians (ISM), a professional association promoting the art of music and the interests of the music profession.
QUALIFICATIONS
MA – Master of Arts
BA(Hons) – Bachelor of Arts
LRSM– Licentiate of the Royal Schools of Music Teaching Diploma (Flute)
LLCM – Licentiate of the London College of Music Performance Diploma (Flute)
ALCM(TD) – Associate of the London College of Music Teaching Diploma (Flute)
DipABRSM – Diploma of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (Piano Teaching)
DipABRSM – Diploma of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (Saxophone Teaching)
DipABRSM – Diploma of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (Clarinet Teaching)
FISM – I am also a Fellow of the Incorporated Society of Musicians