| Piano tuition |
Christine teaches piano at all
levels.. She takes a broad approach to music,
teaching as many different skills as may be
suitable for the individual pupil. These include
performance, technique, sight-reading, aural
training, ensemble work, and musicianship skills
such as transposition and sight-singing.
Christine's energy and enthusiasm combine with
her pupil-centred approach to give the best
possible experience to the student. |
| Theory |
Christine encourages her pupils
to start written work within six months to a year
so that their understanding of theory progresses
alongside their practical skills. Not only does
this help pupils to understand the music they are
learning, but it also avoids the problem of
last-minute cramming to pass Grade 5 Theory
before taking Grade 6 Practical.
Christine uses the Ted Kirk Theory Worksheets
alongside the Associated Board workbooks, and
helps each pupil to relate their written work to
the piano keyboard. |
| Practical
Musicianship |
For students keen to become
multi-skilled in music, practical musicianship
training offers a fun way to gain a deeper
insight into music. Musicianship skills are a
real help with developing performance at higher
levels, and can also be offered as an alternative
to Theory at Grade 5. |
| Exams |
Christine prepares students for
Associated Board exams when they have reached a
suitable level of confidence and are eager to do
well. She ensures that exam work helps but does
not hinder normal musical progress. Exam
Results 2001-2004
| Practical |
Pass Rate 100% |
Merit 60% |
Distinction 20% |
| Theory |
Pass Rate 100% |
Merit 56% |
Distinction 11% |
|
| Examination
Centre Facilities |
Christine's pupils who enter for
Associated Board exams are fortunate in being
able to take them at her home in Honiton, playing
in a familiar environment on the piano which they
use at their lessons. This is because Christine
takes advantage of the "Special Visits"
offered by the Associated Board, which occur
outside the normal examining periods.
Other local music teachers in East Devon also
have the opportunity to arrange for their pupils
to rehearse and then take their exams at
Christine's house. The benefits of this are:
* the short notice period required - only one
month - which removes the need to make decisions
about possible exam-readiness at the beginning of
the school term
* a comfortable venue with excellent Bluthner
baby grand piano, relaxing waiting room, and a
practice room, away from the exam room, for
instrumentalists to warm up and do some
last-minute scale practice
* arriving for the exam at a place which is
already familiar |
| Accompaniment
and Aural training |
Christine can provide
accompaniment for instrumentalists who take their
exams at the Special Visits. Normally one or two
rehearsals are sufficient, but more can be
arranged if required. Christine also offers aural
training to instrumentalists who have not had the
opportunity to do this elsewhere but need to
reach exam standard in a short time. |