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About Me
Tutoring Course I completed a Rock/Pop tutoring workshop course in March 1998. The course modules covered the following areas: Unit One - Core Sessions history of rock and pop (blues, jazz, funk, reggae, rock) introduction to different musical styles (Samba, reggae, jazz, world) basic notation (crochet, minim, quaver, semi-quaver, semibreve) planning (short and long term programmes of music workshops) monitoring and evaluation (setting learning targets into w/shops) equal opportunities (anti-discriminatory practice) disability equality training (understanding barriers to participation) working in partnership (assessing/addressing the needs of a host) Unit Two - Schools Related Sessions understanding the curriculum (GCSE and key stages) making an assessment (building learning targets into w/shops) basic teaching skills (one to one, groups, discipline, plans) working with the teacher/school (understanding needs/priorities) legal responsibilities (child protection, position as w/shop leader) placement outline (requirements of how to meet the targets) post-placement outline (assessment, amendments) Unit Three - Youth Services Related Sessions understanding the curriculum priorities making an assessment (learning targets, recording achievement) working in a youth work setting (utilising youth work skills) making evaluation of sessions working with the youth worker/club (understanding youth work) legal responsibilities (level of responsibility, child protection) placement outline (what they will be required to teach) post-placement outline (critical awareness of placement success) Unit Four - Careers Related Sessions working as a teacher/tutor (pitching workshops at different markets) working in the music industry (what kind of careers are available) being self-employed (tax, national insurance) self-promotion (marketing, press, making contacts, market research) setting up a company (legal implications and obligations) business planning (time management, cash-flow, costing a service) further training options (courses in teaching and/or music skills) I also had a police history check and my two placements were with Higham Ferrers School and Northants Dillons Youth Centre Brackley. I was one of only ten people in the whole of Northants to be picked for the workshop and who completed the course (Lewis Hubbard - famous person - being another) The work we were about to embark on never happened, as the Lottery funding for us to tutor in schools and youth centres was withdrawn. Talk about feeling a little letdown! If you are interested in lessons on guitar please click here for details. History Below is a brief history about me, including bands and all things music related!
1965	First guitar aged 10 years - started writing songs.
1965-1971	Played in various bands (on drums/guitar) and recorded several demo records in various recording studios.
1971	First paid live gig (on drums) - still writing songs.
1971-1976	Various rock/pop bands - lots of gigs and recordings.
1976-1980	Joined first semi-professional rock band called 'Chrome Molly', won through to the quarter finals of 'Melody Maker Best of Bands' contest (played bass guitar - then double neck base, 6 string guitar and backing vocals).
1981	Launched 'The Tapes' band - wrote all original material myself and released 4 track recorded tape of the band on my own record label 'FA Tapes' which sold copies worldwide (lead vocals and 6 string guitar).
1982	Promotional radio interviews on BBC Northampton and Hereward Radio playing tracks from the tape. Purchased 4 track TEAC portostudio for home recording.
1983	Meeting with Dave Edwards, Managing Director, Glass Records in London for advice and contacts.
1984	Second 'The Tapes' tape released and met with management at Pinnacle Records in Orpington, Kent for distribution deal for 'FA Tapes' but unfortunately this fell through.
1985-1988	Played club band circuit (vocals and 6 string guitar) in various bands, still writing, producing and recording songs.
1989	Joined 'Bronson Brothers' band (on keyboard) and played local gigs and also recorded backing tracks for local club band.
1990	Recorded, wrote and performed songs for local charity tape and filmed music video for charity.
1991-1996	Set up a 4 track midi based studio and reformed 'The Tapes' as front man (lead vocals and 6 string guitar).
1997	Commenced with a Rock/Pop Workshop Course.
March 1998	Completed Rock/Pop Workshop course through the auspices of Ms Alison Brown (Course Leader) and Mr Peter Dunkley (Northampton Music Services) gaining a certificate from the National Open College Network, registration No 13032, 4 credits at level 3.
June 1998	Advised and recorded three songs with a young local 4 piece heavy metal grunge band on 4 track Portostudio at the Connaughty Centre in Corby.
July 1998	Richard Oliff (famous person!!) and I created Beatlesson for a KCBC Radio charity promotional CD - co-wrote and recorded 2 songs on 24 track, released Christmas 1998.
1999	Guitar and song writing tutorial given to a colleague from Rock/Pop Workshop resulting in recording her original song on 4 track. Joined 5 piece rock/pop band on vocals, electric guitar, and keyboard used midi and the internet. Access to 8-track studio recording old and new song material.
2000	Reformed 'The Tapes' for 24 track recording project.
2001	Completed ten track CD project (songs can be found Here!) and embarked on a two year sabbatical.
2003	Purchased a hard disk recorder (Zoom 1266CDR).
2004/2005	Giving guitar lessons to a nine year old student.
2005-present	Still writing and recording new material.
March 2006/2007	More private teaching and I am now working in the music tutoring world for KCAP based at Kingswood Arts Specialist School in Corby and enjoying the experience. I am also CRB checked.