Richard Scarff After graduating from Trinity College of Music where he obtained a music degree and diploma Richard has pursued a dual career of teaching and performing. Richard has over 25 years of experience teaching the piano, drums and percussion. He teaches all styles of music from rock and jazz through to classical. Richard teaches students from beginners through to advanced level and all ages from young children through to adults. His students enter for exams and achieve extremely good results. Professional Qualifications GTCL (hons) - Music degree, Graduate of Trinity College of Music London ALCM (Diploma in Piano Performance) DipLCM (Diploma in Piano Performance) LTCL(PercT) - Diploma of Percussion Teaching LTCL(MusEd) - Diploma of Class Music teaching Key Stage 2 Member of the ISM (Incorporated Society of Musicians). ISM Registered Teacher London College of Music Registered Teacher RSL Awards Teacher DBS checked Lessons I have been teaching the piano, drums and percussion for over twenty five years mainly in schools but also privately at my home. My students have ranged in age from around 5 years old to adults and from beginners to advanced pupils entering for their grade 8 exams. I tailor my lessons to the pupils’ interests and aptitudes and teach a wide range of styles from the traditional / standard ‘classical’ through to jazz and pop. Most of my pupils choose to work towards exams, which I encourage. I use the whole range of exam boards and types which are available and match them to the pupils’ abilities and interests. These include the: London College of Music, Associated Board of Royal Schools of Music (both their ‘standard’ exams and their Jazz exams), Trinity College London Rock School Trinity Rock and Pop. Music Teachers' Board (MTB) Over the years I have been teaching my pupils have achieved virtually a 100% pass rate, many have achieved merits and distinctions. I also teach the Keyboard utilising the facilities that these instruments have. I encourage improvising and I work with my pupils to understand and play from chord symbols as this instils a good understanding of harmony and harmonic progression as well as being a very useful playing facility. I play along with my pupils as much as possible especially in the early stages as this encourages confidence and makes the lesson a more musical experience. I try to demonstrate as much as possible as this is far more effective than using words to describe. We play duets regularly. I also use backing tracks and music technology. I regularly use apps such as Tido and Piano Maestro by Joytunes. These apps provide many practice tools and help with rhythm and timing as well as providing a full musical experience. I use a range of published methods in my teaching: for piano these include the Alfred Premier Piano series, the Bastien method, the Michael Arron piano course, books by Pam Wedgewood, Christopher Norton, John Kember and Olly Wedgewood. I also use the older established methods such as the books by Czerny and the exercise and technique books by Hannon and Tankard. For drums these include the 'Skins Method', Rock School and Trinity Rock and Pop books, The Alfred Kids Drumset course, the Alfred Kids Drum course and my own books and material. I ensure that pupils develop the correct technique and posture right from the outset as it is so much harder to change later. I have regular Alexander Technique lessons and pass these principles on to my pupils as and when required in the lessons. Above all I always aim to make the lessons a positive enjoyable experience. Studying music does so much more than the actual learning of the instrument, instilling a sense of achievement, confidence, working in a team and an appreciation of the wider world and its culture and history.