At long last I've been able to arrange my studio to suit my personal preference and style of teaching!

The social-distancing measures have been all but relegated to distant memory as a rare several hours presented itself, providing the opportunity to relocate my teaching space within my studio.

I need to say how wonderful it feels to return to my preferred layout and approach that I have been developing since 2003. I acquired this current, spacious, studio in 2020 but we are now only just beginning to understand the full potential. There are still bits of furniture which need to move to a more suitable position, such as a bookcase on which I store my lesson materials (I like having it within reach), but the teaching space is pretty much ready to go!

I'll be sending out pictures of the space to those who have requested them - watch your inboxes - and I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the new layout.

N.B. For those who prefer a dividing screen, please know this remains in the studio for use at any point and I'll have it ready before you enter the space.

- MMF

Tags: Education, Face-to-face

This is just a quick update to let you know how much I'm enjoying providing recorded video feedback to students seeking professional advice and:

• are unable to attend lessons in person

• are unable to access streamed lessons (Zoom, Skype, etc.) due to living in different time zones to myself

• want to receive feedback from a professional musician and music educator who works across several sectors in music education without the need for regular lessons

If this sounds like you, please send me an email with your request and I'll show you how to send your video to me!

See you in the next update!

-MMF

Tags: Education

Hello all and Happy New Year!

No doubt everyone's winter holiday has been relaxing and you're now ready and renewed to get back into the swing of things!

I've taken some time to relax but I've also been examining international candidates over the winter break and thinking of ways I can offer better music education to everyone.

I'm really pleased to announce that new for 2022 is Recorded Video Feedback (working title in progress...)! This is a great opportunity for existing students and anyone else to receive feedback tailored to anything they need without leaving their home.

I've noticed that some people enjoy learning online, using platforms such as YouTube. However, often they're unable to receive feedback on their progress or are just unsure if what they're doing is right. This is where I can help...!

It's very simple: record a video of you demonstrating what you'd like feedback on using your phone / tablet / computer camera, send it to me along with an email containing sheet music or anything else as needed - simple!

Some popular topics for recorded video feedback include:

• advice on which grade to sit now or next (this option is very popular!)
• preparing to enter a music exam with any board (online or face-to-face exams) for both practical and theory of music exams
• proper technique: answering your 'am I doing this right??' questions
• checking speed and accuracy
• reading / understanding / playing written music (checking your understanding and accuracy)
• checking whether a song you've learned via online lessons or by yourself is accurately performed

Pricing is flexible and much more affordable than committing to regular or scheduled lessons!

So, if this sounds like something you'd be keen on trying, please check out my info for Recorded Video Feedback

Tags: Advice, Education

It's been a difficult period for us all, being locked down and staying home. Thank you to everyone who stuck with their tuition through the 14 months I delivered from home, and another huge thank you and welcome to all new students!

It's not been easy for any of us but thankfully we've got through it.

In my custom teaching studio I now have COVID-safe measures in place: 

• a large mobile screen so we can conduct any lesson, including sight-singing
• 2m distancing for students and accompanying adults
• adequate ventilation
• hand sanitising and regular cleaning after every session

I also now have a digital solution to passing pages and working from books: a clear monitor on which I can put sight reading or other exercises for you to see in lesson! (This also doubles as a handy solution for forgetting your music!)

If you're not yet ready to recommence with face-to-face, or would prefer to continue online lessons, you're more than welcome to continue online!

I look forward to seeing you all soon.

Tags: Education, Face-to-face

Well done, everyone! 10 students sat 10 exams and 10 exams were passed: 1 Pass; 3 at Merit and 6 at Distinction including Grade 5 theory (ABRSM)! Congratulations everyone and keep up the hard work! Online video lessons are still going strong.

Photo by Jason Leung

Tags: Congratulations, Education, Exams