Author: Susanna Cassam

We’re delighted to announce that our singing teacher Ramona has taken on 20 new students at Wolvercote Primary School in Oxford.

Would you like to hear more about the options for 1 on 1 music lessons in your school?

1. 1 on 1 instrumental lessons
2. Half termly payments in advance
3. Free no obligation trial for each child
4. 30 mins @ £20 (approx) inclusive of books/materials
5. Fully qualified and vetted teachers

Contact us via the website, or email Susanna (head of school) directly at susanna@cassam.co.uk

SCMT is recruiting in Brighton and Oxford. Instrumental teachers are required on a wide range of instruments:

• 1 on 1 lessons
• excellent rates of pay
• full vetting provided
• hours to suit every schedule

Do get in touch, you can find more info on this page of the website:

Looking to become a teacher with us?

A slightly belated welcome to the new autumn term! We hope you all had a lovely summer. There is lots going on between now and Christmas so we’ll be in touch again soon with more details. In the meantime, here are some quick reminders and dates for your diaries.

EXAMS

ABRSM, Trinity and RSL exams are open for entry (sessions running in Nov and Dec). Most of our students still choose to sit their exams face to face, but all boards now offer online alternatives.

Our tutors are fully up to date with regards to dates, venues, preparation and syllabuses, but if you’d like some more detailed information or reassurances, please get in touch with Susanna directly.

Good luck to all those hoping to pass an exam before Christmas!

CONCERTS

Next week we’ll be sending out full details regarding the Christmas 2023 concerts, so that you all have lots of time to prepare. We know so many of you love the atmosphere, applause, achievement… and of course the incentive it provides to improve and learn music that means the most to you. The concerts in Brighton are a little earlier this year and we’re hoping that’ll mean most people can come along. Brighton – Sunday 26th Nov. Oxford – Saturday 2nd Dec. See you there!

WE NEED YOUR FEEDBACK

Please get in touch to let us know how things are going with your lessons. We rely on you to tell us what you love and the things that need improving; be it with your teacher or the SCMT support and services. You can do this by emailing us directly, writing a testimonial for the website, writing a google review or calling 01444 214934.

Exams are in full swing and continuing into July. Good luck everyone!

Don’t forget to check these links before the big day if you’re with ABRSM:
https://gb.abrsm.org/en/exam-support/apps-and-practice-tools/
https://gb.abrsm.org/en/our-exams/instrumental-and-singing-exams/practical-grades/
https://gb.abrsm.org/en/exam-support/on-the-exam-day/t

We also have lots of certificates that have arrived and are waiting to be displayed in your homes… so please get in touch if you have one missing (we’ve emailed separately regarding names/grades etc).

This month is SCMT’s 20th Birthday! 20 years of musical joy and inspiration.

20 years of young musicians learning, thriving and playing their music for us. It feels rather ridiculous to think I was 26 when all this started. So much has happened with SCMT and for me personally too. Time has flown so fast. Our whole team is feeling so grateful for the opportunities, support and friendships that are bound up in our SCMT journey.

SCMT is running ABRSM music theory bootcamps over the summer holidays. These are especially beneficial to those looking to achieve grade 5 theory in order to progress to grade 6/7/8 on their instrument. Although our tutors cover theory in the lessons, once the standard of play reaches intermediate level most require extra help.

These sessions are structured to maximise knowledge of the ABRSM exam syllabus and test papers, rather than a broader approach that applies to lessons generally.

Please get in touch if you are interested! We have availability for groups and 1 on 1 sessions.

‘An incredible year and a half with Ehsan who has been teaching our son (9) Piano. He is incredibly patient and has been able to continuously keep him engaged – quite a challenge for a kid with ADHD and Dyslexia. He has covered many genres of music, as well as sight reading and composition. He always looks forward to his lessons.’

SAOIRSE, BRIGHTON

The 5 star review above was left on Google for Ehsan (piano teacher in Brighton), but there are various ways you can help us understand how we are getting things right and how we can make things better:

Review us on Google:
Brighton: Here
Oxford: Here

Follow us on Instagram (SCMT.Music.Tuition)

Write a testimonial for the website (send directly to [email protected]),
OR… Send specific feedback (see below, that can be dealt with in confidence if you’d prefer).

How well does your tutor demonstrate the following:

• Dedication to a pupil’s progress on their instrument
• Inspired and engaging teaching methods
• Good time keeping
• Good rapport with pupils
• Ongoing regularity of lessons
• Friendly, polite, professional attitude

These options all lead to increased motivation and positive change amongst our tutors and
mentors, so please be sure to keep us posted.

We’ve had more tutors than ever join us since January this year, which has been an amazing feeling since the quiet times of COVID.

So many talented and inspired people are springing up locally in Brighton and Oxford (pictured, new recruits May 2023; Roan, Holly, Alex and Asha)

Don’t forget to let your friends and family know that we have new tutors with new spaces.
We absolutely love it when you recommend us. It’s how we gain almost all of our new students nowadays…

CONCERTS

The concerts in May were as lovely as ever. So much variety and some incredibly brave first-timers. We struggled with dates this time and the only options clashed for many. We’re so sorry for that. Thankfully we managed to accommodate some smaller recitals to make up for it. There are more concerts at Christmas and for next year the venues are already booked for March and June. More smaller opportunities to perform are upcoming too.

Pictured: Benjy, Sam, Albie and Florrie all played piano in the May concerts in Brighton

Looking to become a teacher with us?  Do you have grade 8 on your instrument and a music degree, either completed on in progress?  We have local families waiting for you!

SCMT is recruiting teachers in Oxford and Brighton for Sept,Oct,Nov,Dec ’23 and Jan ’24.

Required in Brighton:  Piano, singing, violin, clarinet, trumpet, cello teachers.

Required in Oxford:  Violin piano, singing, saxophone teachers.

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SCMT has been recruiting the best music teachers in the South for more than 20 years and we’re always looking for new, inspired, committed talent.  

*  Our rates of pay are VERY competitive, flexible and reflect your true worth.  You set your own fees with our approval, based on your experience, qualifications and skills (and in line with guidelines from ISM and the Musicians Union).  Coming on board is free.  A percentage from the client is allocated to SCMT for our services, so we make sure that is considered when ensuring you achieve the maximum per hour from your teaching.

*  All teaching is 1 on 1 and tailored to suit you… and you can take on as little or as much as you like! 

*  All teachers are personally supported by our local community team.  

*  Every new recruit is interviewed by Susanna in person.

*  SCMT provides a fully enhanced DBS should you not have one already on the update service.

*  We mentor where required.  

* Once officially approved, you simply send us your vetting items (see bottom) items and you’ll immediately be welcomed onto the team and issued with a ‘first referral’ (a student picked by yourself and ourselves that will enable you to experience the process that will apply to ALL of your new students as the time passes).  

*  Our client care and processes are very straightforward and streamlined.

*  Your availability is entirely your choice, alongside the grades, styles, ages and ability levels you would like to teach.   

*  Some of our tutors are new to teaching and are gradually introduced to students. Others have up to 30 years of experience and are filling small gaps in their finely-tuned schedules. There is room for everyone…

*  SCMT has a comprehensive care package for all of our students and teachers.  This means that whenever there is an issue (a late payment, a misunderstanding, confusion, disappointment, or overwhelm) we can directly step in to take over or guide you through, either to fully resolve things or mediate. It’s a huge reassurance for most in an industry that has become very detached and remote.

*  We provide free mock exams and also professional accompanists for your students undertaking ABRSM, trinity exams, auditions and other important performances.

*  You will have full, free, unlimited access for ALL of your students (SCMT and otherwise) to perform in our incredible concerts that take place centrally in June and December (main/large-scale)… and Feb/March/May/Oct (smaller and more be-spoke opportunities to perform). Here are listed some of the incentives for you and your students to get involved:

• Perform for the first time in a very relaxed environment
• Run through an exam
• Build confidence generally (brilliant for adults too!)
• Steinway grand piano for the pianists
• Amazing acoustics
• Equipment (mics/amps etc) provided
• Duets/ensembles with tutor/family/other musicians
• Meet other musicians yourself
• Film your performances

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There is nothing quite like a local community of musicians.  We meet in person regularly, to socialise but also to help each other through and offer advice when teaching is challenging.  

‘Connection and support through music and conversation is so important to us at SCMT.  It’s why we are still here after 20 years… and why we continue to proudly stand apart from numerous generic online teaching agencies’.   Susanna

Here are some comments from some of our long-standing SCMT tutors…

Andrea. Piano and violin teacher…

“I have been teaching for SCMT for over 12 years and it has always been extremely professional, supportive and friendly. SCMT is very committed to providing good quality music education and ensuring that tutors, parents and pupils are all happy with how lessons are progressing. The summer and Christmas concerts are always a great success and my pupils have really enjoyed taking part. Parents have mentioned to me that they really appreciate their children having this opportunity to perform in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere outside of a school setting. I would not hesitate at all to recommend SCMT to anyone who is looking for a music tutor.“

Laura. Piano teacher…

“I have been teaching for Susanna for over 5 years now and SCMT has continued to be supportive and informative, and more importantly very friendly and down to earth. SCMT has found me lovely clients to teach for, who I have built up a very good relationship with over time. Susanna works very hard in organising and hosting concerts for all pupils to showcase their hard work, which also provides us valuable opportunities to meet other tutors and chat about our experiences, and generally get to know everyone at SCMT better. I’m sure I will stay with SCMT for a long time to come, being a self employed piano teacher it is nice to feel part of a big network of tutors.“

Phil. Piano teacher…

“Susanna is extremely organised, super friendly and very knowledgeable about teaching music and all it entails. She’s super easy to work for and is highly committed to Music education.
She has a huge range of teachers and ensures students progress and keeps good relationships with parents and teachers. She also puts on great concerts which is an important part of music training.“

Please enquire through the Contact Us page or email Susanna directly and we’ll send you more info.

We can’t wait to hear from you!

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Vetting and ID requirements:

•  Passport photo page or other photo ID (i.e. driving licence).
• Two references.
• CV
• Proof of address (ie, a utility bill or bank statement)
• Signed contract (freelance and flexible to suit!)
• Your current enhanced DBS.  If you do not have one that was issued within the last 2 years, we will apply fresh on your behalf (you must have a NI number).
• A jpeg photo of yourself for the website.
• A short, personal bio to accompany your picture (see ‘music teachers’ page on our website for examples). This doesn’t have to be perfect as we edit and extend them before uploading.

I think the most important element of ‘performance art’ sometimes gets lost in the learning process. Our musical journey can become a private one, rarely witnessed. We seek out other people’s performances, but shy away from gifting our own achievements to others. Yet you cannot underestimate the power of having a regular incentive to improve that goes beyond impressing your teacher or taking a music exam… Susanna Cassam, head of school ?
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Our concerts are now monthly and informal, meaning you can use the allocated time and space to play your music to others in away that suits you best. Join us! ?

Another amazing weekend of concerts in Brighton…  as ever bringing so much joy!

It’s heart-warming to see everyone performing their music for friends and family.  Concerts provide an incentive to improve skills, build confidence and ultimately ensure music-making is fun and engaging.  Musicians are constantly inspired by watching other performers too.

From January 2023 we will be offering all SCMT musicians monthly opportunities to perform their music at the Brighton Unitarian Church (City Centre).   At the beginning of each month we’ll send a prompt regarding the date and time, and either yourself or your tutor can put your name down to play.  Free of charge, free choice, flexible timings.  We will continue to offer our bigger, more formally arranged Summer and Christmas Concerts which also cater for all ages and abilities but with a much larger audience.

Just look at some of the opportunities these smaller monthly concerts will bring:

Building confidence

Trying out ensembles

Practising for an exam

Steinway piano experience

Filming your performance

Surprising a loved one

Meeting other musical families

Hearing your tutor play

Duets with other learners

Rehearsing for auditions

Photo:  Brighton siblings Florrie, Albie, Sam and Benjy all performed on Sunday in Concert 2.  Left to right:  Albie and Sam have their ABRSM grade 1 exam next week!  Benjy is preparing for ABRSM grade 4.  Florrie played Jingle Bells and this was her first ever performance.

PIANO AND SINGING TEACHERS REQUIRED IN OXFORD AND BRIGHTON

Traditional, local, specialist music school, since 2004

University locations, private studios, schools, client premises

Full and part time positions available

Flexible working hours if needed

£32 plus per hour

1 on 1 tuition

Mentoring where required

Full vetting provided

Enquire direct:  [email protected] or use the ‘contact us‘ page now…

What an incredible two weekends of charity concerts!  We’re so proud of everyone that performed in Oxford and Brighton.  From very young beginners to advanced teens, the joy and inspiration was sheer magic…

Performing music for others is so important.  It gives young musicians focus, an incentive to improve and a strong purpose to their learning which stays with them forever.  As for those that witness it (family and friends in this instance), the smiles and applause say it all. 

Thank you to all of the performers, the tutors that prepared them so well, the audiences for their support on the day, our sponsors at Ackerman Music and the venues (BUC in Brighton and Wesley Memorial in Oxford) for looking after us throughout.

We raised over £500 for Wishing Well Music for Health, supporting their team in providing live music experiences within Children’s Hospital ICU departments (specifically the Royal Alex in Brighton, close to our hearts). <3 (Heart Icon if possible).

“We’ve recently been specifically inundated with enquires for 1 on 1 piano and singing lessons and although actively recruiting, are struggling to keep up with the flow in Oxford and Brighton!

Although many pro musicians and students are away for the summer, most of these families are requesting weekly lessons after school or at the weekend from September… and pupils can be provisionally referred even if a new tutor cannot firm up the arrangement straight away (delayed start etc). In addition, September is our busiest month so there will be numerous more opportunities up-coming… for both daytimes and after school. There is no minimum allocation of pupils and of course excellent rates of pay.

Are you interested in coming on board with SCMT?! Contact us at [email protected].

SCMT is the largest and most highly SCMT is the largest and most highly recommended private instrumental teaching service for children and adults in Oxford and Brighton. Join us!

• Music teachers required for local 1 on 1 tuition
• In universities, schools, local studios, at home
• From 2 – 30 hours a week available. You decide!
• Brilliant rates of pay
• Undergraduates welcome – mentoring provided
• Enquire now for Sept/Oct start
• [email protected]

Instruments & Skills

INSTRUMENTAL
Piano
Violin
Singing
Cello
Guitar
Brass
Woodwind

OTHER ROLES
Music Theory
GCSE Music
A Level Music
Composition
Audition Prep
ABRSM Exam Prep

www.cassam.co.uk @scmt.music.tuition 01273 831554