EXPERIENCE

I have been teaching privately since 2011 and have enjoyed working with a wide range of ages and abilities ever since. In my 1-1 teaching I have taught over 100 private students from 4 to 80+ years-old, and from complete beginners to advanced lessons. I have taught many styles, exams and fun personal aims. My aims are enjoyment and progress that's rewarding for each unique student.

I have worked with both Southend Music Service and Severn Arts music service as well as several schools and colleges. My further experience includes leading groups of children, and running my own classes on how to read music for adults, using my own new resources. I have also worked in a rural orphanage in South Africa working with children aged from 0-18 and have taught several students in the UK with financial limitations on a volutary basis.

Musical organisations I've worked with include Worcester Intermediate Youth Orchestra, Music For Youth, Town Hall Symphony Hall Birmingham, BBC Radio 3, the Welsh National Opera, the Aldeburgh Festival, and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. As a practising musician, I have performed in several bands, orchestras, jazz ensembles, chamber groups, weddings, recitals, exams, accompanied soloists, and played in recording sessions.

I currently lead a choir and an orchestra. Further work includes composing, recording, community work and performing. I believe my teaching is enhanced and informed by a very wide range of experience and that I can pass on to my students with a real understanding of the music world.

You can also see my external website for my music work outside of teaching here.

BELIEFS AND AIMS

I believe in the many benefits of music:

  • Encourage creativity
  • Positively affects the whole school curriculum for children
  • Can lead to lifelong loving of music
  • Increase in intelligence, memory, dexterity, self-discipline, empathy, expression and confidence
  • Improved wellbeing for all ages
  • Fun, social, relaxing and exciting
  • Helps with many other areas of life
  • Can be a blessing to other people around you

I believe that music can be accessed by everyone and should be available as an opportunity regardless of any age, ability or background.

I've taught many students who have started from scratch or re-started as adults with great satisfaction and progress.

I love teaching people with different learning styles and personalities but all having fun as they progress. Please get in touch if you have any questions as I'd love to start teaching lessons tailed for you.

QUALIFICATIONS
  • Masters degreewith distinction – Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
  • 1st class music degree with honours – University of Birmingham
  • Grade 8 Piano – Distinction
  • Grade 8 Trumpet – Merit
  • Grade 8 Music Theory
  • A-level Music – Grade A
  • A-level Music Technology – Grade A
  • Up-to-date DBS certificate and child safeguarding training
  • Member of the IMS (Incorporated Society of Musicians)
TESTIMONIALS

"In my school lessons I only learnt 3 notes in an whole hour but in your first lesson I learnt several chords, improvisation, scales and note reading in 45 minutes"
(Sean, age 10)

"Thank you so much!! Zaynab LOVED that and has been literally jumping up and down since and practicing. Many thanks again!!"
(Genevieve, new student's mum)

Student: "GarageBand is my favourite part of the lesson... Actually everything's my favourite part of the lesson!" Me: "Wow that's great to hear. I should add that to my website." Student: "Go for it."  (John, age 9)

"You are so patient with me. I'm so grateful for your knowledge and expertise." (Jenny, age 25, from China)


"Thank you very much. Many things you taught me helped" (Arwa, 24, Saudi Arabia)

"Chris is a brilliant tutor! He is reliable, trustworthy and very patient! His lessons are really good fun, with just the right amount of challenge! I would highly recommend!!" (Omabe Obasi, mother of two young students)

"Chris is very professional and makes my 9-year-old son feel comfortable. He is patient and understanding." (Emma)

"Thank you, you've been a great piano teacher" (Georgie, age 11)

"Thank you for being the best piano teacher ever!" (Phoebe, age 7)

"Thank you for all your support" (Sally, age 38)

"A real pleasure. You bring great focus, generosity and detail. Outstanding work!" (Martin, age 39)

"Thank you Chris. Without you none of this would have been possible. Thank you for pushing us and believing in our ability as a random bunch of people who just love to sing." (Northfield Notes Community Choir)

"Thanks for the journey" (Mel, age 58)

"Chris, you are fantastic and so patient with me. Music makes me forget about all my worries" (JD, aged 80)

"Imran really enjoyes his lessons with you!" (Imran's mum when he was 6)

"Cheers Chris! I definitely couldn't have got my grades without your help. I'll let you know how I do in uni!" (Ben, age 18)

Prices 

In-person (my home in Roath or your home in Cardiff), or online

£38 – 60 minutes 

£33 – 45 minutes 

£28 – 30 minutes

Other lengths of times, locations, group lessons and other requests can be arranged so please feel free to ask.

Prices based on the Musician Union recommendations, including tax and public liability insurance.

© Copyright Chris Holley 2024