Music theory
and composition
Music theory and composing are at least as interesting as learning an instrument. I love teaching both subjects too. None of my pupils has ever failed a theory exam, nearly all passing Grade 5 with distinction. Indeed, several of my pupils have achieved 100% in this exam.
At Durham University I was taught by Eric Taylor, who wrote the ABRSM’s ‘Music Theory in Practice’ series (Grades 1-5), the accompanying ‘AB Guide Music Theory’ (Books 1 and 2) and ‘First Steps in Music Theory’.
David Lumsdaine taught me composition at Durham University and then he and his wife, Nicola LeFanu, taught me composition at Kings College London (which is where I studied for my MMus in composition).
Music Theory
Theory tuition covers all the ABRSM grades, all theory required at diploma level, and the theoretical and compositional elements of GCSE and A level music. I teach melody writing, chord construction, chord symbols, harmony and counterpoint, figured bass, and the history of music if required. Help with essay writing is also available.
I offer face to face theory lessons (at my home in Darlington) but also online lessons to people all over the UK and also to those in other countries. Indeed, I have taught music theory to people from countries as varied as Australia, Iran and Jamaica.
I teach the grade syllabi systematically, offering tuition and advice that makes music theory easy, rewarding and interesting. All work sent to me is marked and commented on, and I use tried and trusted methods of teaching the theory required at each grade. Theory lessons are offered (on a less formal basis) at any level requested by the student.
Composition tuition
My passion is composition and I’m thrilled when I get a student who wants to learn composition. I teach original composition and also pastiche composition (both tonal and atonal methods).
I offer tuition in melody writing, harmony, understanding harmonic structure, chord construction and orchestration. These are all aspects of learning composition. I also help pupils with studying the work of other composers, which is an invaluable way of learning.
As with the music theory, I offer face to face tuition in composition at my home (in Darlington) but also online tuition to students in the UK and globally.
Listen to some of my original compositions here.