I love teaching music, and I am an accomplished piano, keyboard, cello, and brass teacher – including theory. I can bring a wealth of experience and learning to your lessons, whether classical, jazz, or rock and pop.
I hope this site proves helpful to you and answers any questions you might have. If you require further information, then please contact me.
Who I teach
Over the years, I have taught people aged 5 to 94, from beginners to Grade 8 standard. Through years of experience, musical skill, and my natural sociability, I usually build up a good rapport with both pupils and parents, and am able to adapt the lessons to the needs and personality of the pupil.
Though many learn an instrument for pleasure or as a personal goal, a sizeable number of my pupils have gone on to study music in Higher Education, and some have gone on to successful careers in music/audio related industries.
In addition to my private pupils, I also teach or have taught at these excellent public schools:
Dorset House School
Great Ballard School
Slindon College
Seaford College
Conifers School
Lavant House (sadly closed)
Qualifications
- GLCM (Graduate of the London College of Music)
- Piano Grade 8 ABRSM
- Euphonium Grade 8 ABRSM
- Cello Grade 7 ABRSM
- Singing Grade 5 Trinity
Exams
I teach the Associated Board, Trinity, and London College of Music exams. Pupils take exams if they wish, but it is not compulsory. Some pupils fast track, sometimes even skipping a grade, whilst others work at a slower, steadier pace. Those that do not do exams often take them later as their confidence and abilities develop.
I always keep pupils and parents informed of the level of progress whether exams are taken or not. When pupils take an exam, I try to attend to offer my support (this is at no cost to you).
Accompaniment
In my opinion, exam accompaniment should ideally be undertaken by someone with skill, flexibility, and experience. Many of my colleagues, who have good piano playing skills themselves, ask me to accompany their pupils in exams. This gives the pupil an advantage, since I am able to quickly adapt to most problems that arise, and provide the pupil all the musical support they need.
Of course, I always prefer adequate notice; giving me time to practise the piece and understand where problems may arise, but if necessary, I am happy to step in at the last moment.
Scholarships
Over the years, I have gained much experience and in-depth knowledge in preparing pupils for successful scholarships to various educational establishments:
Roedean | Lancing College | Brighton College | Worth School | Bryanston | Bedales | Hurstpierpoint | Ditcham Park | Seaford College
Although a scholarship cannot be guaranteed – it is competitive – I have a strong track record of success.
Child Protection
Since I work in schools as well as privately, I am vetted/checked and trained annually for Child Protection. I take this very seriously, and strongly believe that such checks and training should be compulsory for all private tutors, which unfortunately it is not. The code of conduct gives parents peace of mind that their child is being taught in a friendly and safe environment.
NSPCC: Keeping Children Safe In Music Course
CRB checked previously and DBS checked.
Special Needs
I worked at Slindon College as a one to one music teacher for many years and have taught children with special needs such as Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Dyslexia, Dyscalcula, ADHD and ADD. Over the years I have seen pupils’ confidence grow whilst learning an instrument, and a number of these pupils have gone on to study music in Higher Education.
Membership
I am a member of the ISM (the Incorporated Society of Musicians). The ISM is a professional organisation that promotes and supports the interests of musicians.
Performing
Over the years, I have performed at such venues as the Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Westminster Central Hall, Goodwood House, Hereford Cathedral, and many others in a variety of orchestral, band, and choral roles. Now, I am committed to teaching full-time and consequently will never disappear to go on tour or to perform a few gigs. This is crucial as exams approach or the pupil is preparing for a performance.
I travel out to Chichester, Bognor Regis, Littlehampton, Rustington, Angmering, Felpham, Pagham, Yapton, Barnham, Eastergate, Westergate, Fontwell, Walberton, Arundel, West Chiltington, Storrington, Petworth, Billingshurst, Pulborough, Fishbourne, Sidlesham, and everywhere in between.
If you require further information, or wish to book lessons, then please contact me.
PENNY TEDD MUSIC TEACHER 