I teach several Instruments to Diploma and Degree Entry standard

• Violin
• Viola
• Clarinet
• Saxophone
• Music Theory

I am a great believer that music is FUN and should be taught in that way! For that reason I do not use Susuki Method in my teaching as I personally believe it is restrictive and repetitive.

The Violin Method I use for beginners is Eta Choen up to Book 3. I believe in teaching by playing together and for that reason I also use a lot of duets, sightreading and playing single line pieces along with the student.

With the upper grades I am a great believer in Technical Studies such as Shradieck and Mazas. I incorperate this with fun pieces and Grade music.

For examination students, I use ABRSM up to grade 5, after that point it is your choice and dependant upon the age and aptitude of the student whether we use Trinity or continue with the ABRSM syllabus.

Grade 6 - 8 exams in all boards now allocate UCAS points for each level of pass.

I do not force the issue of Grades but I do believe they are a great benchmark system. If you want to take Grades that is something I fully support, however if you are not certain I am happy to teach without using the Grade System.

ABRSM has recently developed an Adult Assesment exam and I will be looking closely at this.

I try give my students a passion for Music by playing for them and with them. I use a lot of listening in my lessons. As so little listening and music appreciation is now taught in schools I feel it is very important that students get a chance to hear music and learn to understand and enjoy it.

Music is a very empowering subject and many studies have shown that learning an instrument improves the all round academic performance and confidence of students.

For Saxophone and Clarinet I use the Trinity College Exams from Grade 1 to Diploma level.

Teaching Material used for beginners is "Learn as You Play" series of books which gives an excellent technical start whilst also being great fun and filled with Duets. I use this in combination with 80 Graded Studies and Various duet books.

An added bonus of learning a wind instrument is that studies have shown it can greatly help Children and Adults who suffer Asthma. It helps in teaching good breathing technique and increasing lung power.

If you are interested in lessons in any of the instruments above, or theory of music. Please contact  carriephlyons@gmail.com for more details. Alternatively, you can call us on 01892 538736