Information About Richard - Sevenoaks teacher

Personal Description:

I am a professional performer and experienced music teacher dedicated to helping students of all ages and abilities discover the joy of music and achieve their full potential.
My professional journey began at the Royal College of Music, where I was joint first study in French horn and piano.+ After graduating, I taught at Hampton School and Lady Eleanor Holles School before going on to establish a thriving private teaching practice in London. Over my 30years as a music teacher, I’ve worked with around 150 students, from beginners to professional musicians, some of whom now hold jobs with orchestras like the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
My 15 years as a grading and Diploma ABRSM examiner allows me to guide students with precision and efficiency, ensuring they not only pass their exams but excel.
I have experience in a wide range of educational projects, such as mentoring for the Royal Opera House Overture Scheme, autism projects and coaching brass sections for youth orchestras, such as London Schools Symphony Orchestra, Ealing Youth Orchestra, and the National Youth Orchestra. I've also given a mixture of horn classes, audition coaching, final recitals and competition adjudication at GSMD, Trinity Laban, RCM, South Bank Sinfonia.
Alongside my teaching, I’ve been fortunate enough to enjoy a successful performing career. I began as Principal Horn with English Touring Opera in the early 1990s before joining the Royal Opera House Orchestra in 2000, where I remain a full-time member. In addition I've worked with most of the UK symphony orchestras, as well as in TV, film and radio. This dual role as a performer and teacher enables me to offer my students practical insights, equipping them with the skills and confidence to thrive in any musical setting.
Now settled in Sevenoaks, Kent with my wife, Claire, and our little Cocker Spaniel, Josie, I am excited to share my expertise with the local community and look forward to welcoming new students.

Tutoring Experience:

After graduating, I taught at Hampton School and Lady Eleanor Holles School before going on to establish a thriving private teaching practice in London. Over my 30years as a music teacher.
My 15 years as a grading and Diploma ABRSM examiner allows me to guide students with precision and efficiency, ensuring they not only pass their exams but excel.

Tutoring Approach:

Piano lessons
£60 - 1 hour £30 - 30 mins
I offer piano lessons for students from beginners to Diploma level. As a former ABRSM examiner, I understand how to guide students efficiently through the process while ensuring they enjoy making music. Lessons are customized to the student and take place on a Yamaha C3 grand piano.

French horn lessons

£75 - 1 hour £40 - 30 mins
With 35 years as a full-time performer, 30 years of teaching experience, and 15 years as an ABRSM examiner, I bring a wealth of knowledge to my lessons. Each session is tailored to the student's needs, which we will discuss in an initial consultation. I welcome players of all levels, from beginners to professionals.

Music theory

£60 - 1 hour £30 - 30 mins
I teach music theory up to ABRSM Grade 5, the prerequisite for continuing with practical exams at Grades 6–8. My approach is structured and efficient, focusing on identifying knowledge gaps and progressing quickly to exam-level papers. The aim is to help students complete their theory requirements in the shortest possible time.

Coaching

£120 - 90 mins £80 - 1 hour
I offer short-term, intensive coaching to help students manage performance anxiety for scholarship and orchestral auditions, exams etc… I am uniquely placed to understand the challenges and provide targeted strategies to build confidence. My approach combines physical and psychological techniques. Sessions are designed to deliver results quickly.