From all of us here at SCMT we would just like to say Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We have had a brilliant year and it has just been topped of by an amazing set of exam results, so well done guys. Thanks to everyone for all their support and to all our lovely tutus for their on going hard work! See you in 2015!
Author: Susanna Cassam
Concert Success… December
A huge thank you and well done to all our lovely students who performed in this year’s SCMT Christmas Concert. We had some outstanding performances. It was great to see the little one’s who have only just begun and also the more experienced players side by side. What a great way to see in the Christmas holiday. We managed to take a picture of all performers in each concert too!
Concert 3
Concert 2
Concert 1
SCMT CHRISTMAS CONCERT – THIS SUNDAY (7TH DEC)
Eeek, only 2 days to go till our Christmas concert, excited is an understatement. By now all students taking part should be well prepared and know which concert they are in. All the details are below… we can’t wait to see you all there!
Date: Sunday 7th Dec
Venue: St Nicholas Church Brighton
Times:
Concert 1 – 2pm
Concert 2 – 3.30pm
Concert 3 – 5pm
Adult tickets are £5 on the door and there will, as usual, be refreshments served.
Some thoughts from Susanna this November….
Did you know that the 6th November saw the birthdays of two very influential figures in the musical instrument world? Adolphe Sax, inventor of the saxophone and John Philip Sousa, inventor of the sousaphone were both born on this day. Musical instruments have evolved over hundreds of years and we are now at a stage where we have so many to choose from. But how do we know which instrument is the right one for us, or our child?
Many of our potential pupils already know which instrument they would like to start when first calling us, as they have seen them played before or heard them on the radio or recordings… or it may be a family tradition. Whatever the instrument, we can help put them in contact with a suitable tutor straight away. There is a possibility that they may find they don’t get on with their chosen instrument, in which case we can discuss other options and help them come to a decision.
Others love music but simply have no idea where to start. Fear not, this is where we can also help. We can chat through all the instrument and tutor options over the phone or send out some detailed information by email to be mulled over.
Why don’t we make November the month to explore the different musical instruments out there… we certainly will be here at SCMT. Keep an eye on our blogs and social media site (you can keep up to date on all SCMT news here: https://www.facebook.com/susannacassammusictuition?ref=hl) for information about all of the musical instruments, you never know, you might find just the one for you.
Music in Brighton and Hove from the SCMT community – Tutor Jacqui Attwood and band ‘Woodrock’
Our lovely and very talented piano and clarinet tutor Jacqui has got a new band. It is a duo called Woodrock. You can hear them here https://soundcloud.com/woodrock-1. Here at SCMT we just love them, hopefully you will too! There are two websites at the bottom you can use to get in contact with the duo if you might like to book them.
Band Profile:
“Woodrock” is a newly formed collaborative duo with Tamás Rock, from Budapest, Hungary and Jacqui Attwood from Brighton.
Their music is a combination of self composed pieces and music from diverse lands including Bossa Nova from Brazil, Latin-Jazz, Tango from Argentinia as well as French Musette 
and Balkan Sevdalinka melodies from Bosnia.
Tamás plays classical guitar and Jacqui saxophone, clarinet and accordion. For more information on their careers and future gigs/bookings; please visit:
www.cirkuszka.com and www.jacquelineattwoodmusic.com
If you’re looking for a music school in Brighton, SCMT might be just what you’re looking for. Get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.
November’s Composer/Musician of the Month…
November the 6th sees the birthday of not one but two very influential figures within the musical instrument world. Adolphe sax, inventor of the saxophone and John Philip Sousa, inventor of the sousaphone. So in honour of that, this month SCMT will be focusing on instrument inventors as part of our ‘Composer/Musician of the Month’ feature. Watch this space to find out more on the people who invented the musical instruments of today….
Adolphe Sax John Philip Sousa
Music in Brighton and Hove from the SCMT community – Tutor Vicky Tremain and band.
Our lovely sax/clarinet teacher, Vicky (pictured) and her brilliant band Neon Saints Brass Band will be putting on a free show in Brighton this Friday. This is of course Halloween, so we should all get our costumes on and hit the town (over 18s only I’m afraid). Details are as follows:
Date: Friday 31st October
Venue: The Worlds End, London Road, Brighton
Time: 9pm onwards
Price: FREE!
You can find out all the details, here on their Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/861163430569180/?ref=22
Half term activities – The Band Project Vocal Workshop.
If you are stuck for something to do this half term why not try this workshop, hosted by The Band Workshop. They have got a guest vocal coach in on Thursday 30th October at the Brighton Electric music studios. Well worth looking into if you are interested in singing or already taking singing lessons.
For more information on The Band Project or to register for workshop visit www.thebandproject.co.uk, email [email protected] or call 07771 456955.
Music in Brighton and Hove from the SCMT community – Tutor Ian Radcliffe
![Shine_On_Wedding_Band_East_Sussex_home_5-[1]](http://cassam.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Shine_On_Wedding_Band_East_Sussex_home_5-1.jpg)
Our amazingly talented piano and trumpet teacher Ian plays in a brilliant function band called Shine On. They are available for all sorts of functions/parties. Here at SCMT we love their music!
Here’s what the band have to say about themselves on their website:
‘We are an experienced 5-piece rock, pop, britpop and indie band regining from Brighton in East Sussex. We all met while studying music at Brighton’s Institute of Modern Music college. Since then we have gone professional and have played at loads of private events, weddings and corporate events, both in the UK and overseas in Germany & Sweden.’
‘We’ll provide you and your guests with 2 hours of live music as standard, along with party music between sets via our pre-made playlists on our laptop. The PA and lighting we use is suitable for up to 350 people. We also offer the option to upgrade some services, but you can get all the essential services at the lower price range. ‘
‘Our repertoire is brimming with rock, pop, britpop and indie covers. You can expect to hear tracks from: Arctic Monkeys, Blur, The Clash, The Beatles, Kasabian, Kings of Leon and many more.’
For more information or to book this band please check out their website: https://www.shineonband.co.uk/.
You can also catch them in action here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-1TW-g2_VQ
Some thoughts from Susanna this October…
This month we’re celebrating the great institution that is ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music). I’m sure many of our students will be familiar with them as they are the main exam board that we use for graded music exams (practical and theory). SCMT enters over 100 of our students into these exams every year.
This year ABRSM is celebrating 125 years of music exams. In recognition of this, throughout October, we will be featuring this exam board in depth. But are exams an important part of learning a musical instrument or do we put too much emphasis on musical grading?
The answer to this lies with the student. The good thing about sitting exams is it gives the student motivation to practice, and therefore progress faster. The ABRSM exams consist of 4 parts. You must learn 3 pieces of music from the syllabus and be able to play all the way through without mistakes. You must learn a set of scales outlined in the syllabus, a section of sight-reading (playing a short extract of music unseen beforehand) and a listening test. This involves timing, singing and general ear training. All of these subject areas must be mastered in order to become a good musician. So with the help and motivation of the graded exams, teachers can produce well rounded, confident students.
There is of course another side to this as there are students who do not work well under pressure… as we all know exams aren’t for everyone! But even without sitting exams, the ABRSM exam syllabus can still be followed in it’s various parts, used as a tool… and you can then be assured all subject areas are covered within your learning.
Most universities and other advanced musical positions require an ABRSM grade 8 exam certificate. They have set the musical standard across the world, so although they may not be for everyone the reputation they hold within musical examinations is second to none. I can highly recommend ABRSM exams to all of our students! For more information on the exams please feel free to contact me direct or talk to your tutor.
Have you met our brilliant new piano teacher – William?
William is one of our most engaging, inspired and talented young piano teachers. Have you seen his profile yet? Check it out below! He travels out to lessons within Brighton and Hove and has some spaces left. What are you waiting for? A brilliant choice of teacher for young beginners and teens…
Profile:
William was classically trained in both Piano and Jazz Clarinet from an early age, but soon discovered that his passion was to become an all-round musician. He loves to constantly challenge himself and extend his knowledge about music at all levels, and spends a lot of time composing, both with the piano and using synthesizers.
Will recently graduated with an upper class honours degree in Music from the University of Sussex, where he ventured into the areas of music and visual programming, musicology and music technology. In the past year, Will has worked as an intern at Brownswood Records, an international record label managed by Radio One DJ, Gilles Peterson, whom he worked with closely. There he learned critical skills in marketing, artists and repertoire, and data management.
Will’s lessons will be designed around each student’s needs and he has a reputation for spotting areas of talent and strength in a student. William’s arrangements are flexible, he is able to come to the students house or make arrangements elsewhere.
Music in Brighton and Hove from the SCMT community – FRIDAY 17TH OCTOBER
As you may already know SCMT have an ongoing feature, whereby we will be promoting gigs, bands, albums and much more from the SCMT musicians….
Next Friday (17th October) our lovely singing teacher Zara (pictured), will be performing at Sticky Mike’s Frog Bar, Brighton. Doors open at 19:00 and there is an age restriction: Over 18s only. Tickets cost £5 and can be purchased here: https://lout.gigantic.com/brighton-rocks/sticky-mikes-frog-bar/2014-10-17-19-00. It should be a brilliant night, well worth checking it out!
Zara is a solo artist, you can find out more on her website here: www.zarakershaw.com and on her Facebook page: www.facebook.com/zarakershawmusic.
This month SCMT are celebrating the great institution that is ABRSM…
This month we’re celebrating the great institution that is ABRSM. ABRSM stands for Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. I’m sure that a lot of our students will be familiar with ABRSM as they are the main exam board that we use for students wanting to take graded music exams.
This year ABRSM are celebrating 125 years of music their music exams. In recognition of this, throughout October, we will be featuring this exam board in depth, more information and history. Even some exam practice and performance tips…. this will come in handy for all our students taking exams in November! Watch this space…
*New Feature* – Music in Brighton and Hove from the SCMT community…
Here at SCMT we are so excited about our new feature we have named ‘ Music in Brighton and Hove from the SCMT community’. In the SCMT ranks we have some fantastic musicians, they perform all over the country in all different types of groups or on their own and we want everyone to know about it. So we will be promoting gigs, bands, albums and much more from the SCMT musicians….
Starting with a gig from one of our brilliantly talented piano teachers happening today. Al Scott and his jazz band will be performing tonight at the Bristol Arms in Brighton from 8pm. You can find all of the details here: https://www.facebook.com/events/720415844673734/
Please watch this space for more on Al Scott and his band and the rest of the amazing musicians we have working with us!
You have seen our 15 new tutors… what next?
As part of our new tutor month SCMT have been posting the profiles of our 15 new music teachers. All of our tutors old and new can be found on the teachers page of our website. Here you can find out all about each individual music teacher. So if you are looking for music lessons for your child or yourself this is a great place to start. Bit what happens once you have taken a look and found the teacher you would like to have lessons with?
Once you have picked the tutor you feel suits your needs the best simply call Susanna direct on 01273 504505/07720 771053. Susanna will personally match you and the tutor together and talk you through what happens next. You can also email [email protected]. All of our tutors offer a free introduction lesson with no obligation to book, so you can make sure you have found the right tutor!
Featured new tutor – William (piano teacher)
Today sees the last of our new tutors for our new tutor feature. William has come on board with us as a piano teacher. Below you can find William’s teaching profile, here you can find out about his teaching styles, influences, experiences and much more. William is ready and waiting to take on new students, so please contact Susanna direct on 01273 504505/07720 771053 or email [email protected] to book your free into lesson.
Profile:
William was classically trained in both Piano and Jazz Clarinet from an early age, but soon discovered that his passion was to become an all-round musician. He loves to constantly challenge himself and extend his knowledge about music at all levels, and spends a lot of time composing, both with the piano and using synthesizers.
Will recently graduated with an upper class honours degree in Music from the University of Sussex, where he ventured into the areas of music and visual programming, musicology and music technology. In the past year, Will has worked as an intern at Brownswood Records, an international record label managed by Radio One DJ, Gilles Peterson, whom he worked with closely. There he learned critical skills in marketing, artists and repertoire, and data management.
Will’s lessons will be designed around each student’s needs and he has a reputation for spotting areas of talent and strength in a student. William’s arrangements are flexible, he is able to come to the students house or make arrangements elsewhere.
Featured new tutor – Jinny (piano and violin teacher)
Today’s featured new tutor is multi instrumental teacher, Jinny. Jinny teaches violin and piano lessons. Below you can find Jinny’s teaching profile, here you can find out about her teaching styles, influences, experiences and much more. Jinny is ready and waiting to take on new students, so please contact Susanna direct on 01273 504505/07720 771053 or email [email protected] to book your free into lesson.
Profile:
Jinny is a piano and violin teacher with over twenty five years’ experience working alongside children and young people. Following completion of a foundation course at Leeds College of Music she graduated from Bretton Hall College, University of Leeds, with a B.Ed. (Hons) in education and music (1989). Since then she has taught in many schools, both as an instrumental teacher working for two Music Services and a Primary and Middle School music teacher. She has also worked as a class teacher in mainstream and SEN settings. With 100% pass rate for students wishing to take ABRSM and Trinity Guildhall examinations, with many achieving merits and distinctions, Jinny has also successfully prepared students for the performance elements of their GCSE Music exams.
She strongly believes that everyone should be given the opportunity to participate in music activities and has an inclusive approach, incorporating different teaching strategies and genres into lessons enabling students to draw on their strengths and different learning styles. She has experience teaching children with Special Educational Needs, including those on the autistic spectrum and uses Makaton signing where appropriate.
Performing plays a large part in Jinny’s life. She is a founder member of Sussex Symphony Orchestra (1st violin), where she has performed for the BBC, and with artists such as Katherine Jenkins, Aled Jones and Blake. She also sings in the Brighton Festival Chorus and plays piano and organ in church services. In addition to a degree where violin and piano were joint first studies she holds Grade 8s in viola and music theory.
Having just graduated with an MA in Music Education from the IOE, University of London (the world’s leading centre for education and applied social science, 2014), Jinny is thrilled to have studied alongside those at the forefront of educational research and to have had the opportunity to enhance her knowledge and teaching skills in light of current pedagogical practices.
Featured new tutor – Jo (piano teacher)
Today’s featured new tutor is the lovely piano teacher, Jo. Jo teaches music lessons to beginners through to advanced. Below you can find Jo’s teaching profile, here you can find out about her teaching styles, influences, experiences and much more. Jo is ready and waiting to take on new students, so please contact Susanna direct on 01273 504505/07720 771053 or email [email protected] to book your free into lesson.
Profile:
Jo has been teaching for 15 years and has pupils from the age of 6 up to 83! Some – especially her adults – are learning for fun and personal pleasure, but she also teaches for the associated Board exams (practical and theory). Although most of her pupils are beginner to intermediate standard, she also has a pupil who is due to take her Grade 8 practical this winter, and recently helped someone achieve their grade 8 theory. Jo believes in teaching at the pace of the pupil and has been told that she has the patience of a saint!
Jo was taught piano by Christine Pembridge when she was head of piano at Roedean School and took her grade 8 piano exam during her first year reading for a degree in Psychology. She aims to combine the classical teaching tradition with an appreciation of, and love for, all musical styles and genres.
Featured new tutor – Matt (trumpet teacher)
Today’s featured new tutor is the brilliant Matt. Matt teaches trumpet and a range of genres. The trumpet is a great instrument to learn, there are so many different styles of music you can play. Below you can find Matt’s teaching profile, here you can find out about his teaching styles, influences, experiences and much more. Matt is ready and waiting to take on new students, so please contact Susanna direct on 01273 504505/07720 771053 or email [email protected] to book your free into lesson.
Profile:
Matt has a passion for performing music of many genres. He has a background in classical music, completing his grades and performing with such ensembles as the National Children’s Wind Orchestra before enrolling on the renowned Middlesex University jazz course. He has spent the last five years as a peripatetic brass teacher for the West Sussex Music Service, teaching a broad level of standards and interests. He also teaches in several private schools.
He prides himself on being a diverse musician and is out most evenings rehearsing and gigging with the many ensembles he’s part of, spanning jazz, pop, rock and ska. He also sings backing vocals in several of these groups and is the Musical Director or Band Leader with several bands, both in and out of schools.
‘I feel it is important to maintain a good relationship at all times with students and, where applicable, parents. I encourage parents to be in frequent contact about their child’s progress. I try to encourage my pupils to take graded examinations as I believe they are good targets to aim for and they bring focus into learning but I don’t consider them a necessity. Most of all I believe music should be fun and each person must go down their own musical path. To this end I aim to guide and encourage but always keep your goals in mind.‘
Featured new tutor – Zara (singing teacher)
First up on this week’s new tutor feature is the lovely singing teacher, Zara. Zara has a home studio, great for budding pop stars! Below you can find Zara’s teaching profile, here you can find out about her teaching styles, influences, experiences and much more. Zara is ready and waiting to take on new students, so please contact Susanna direct on 01273 504505/07720 771053 or email [email protected] to book your free into lesson.
Profile:
Zara is a singer, songwriter, producer and accredited vocal coach who teaches from her home studio near Preston Park, Brighton.
Whether you are currently a beginner wanting to take that first step vocally, or perhaps an advanced singer looking to learn more and keep your voice in great condition, Zara is a voice expert who teaches all ages and caters each lesson to the individual student. With Zara you don’t just learn great vocal technique and performance skills, she focuses on expanding every student’s own unique voice, instead of demanding a uniform style or sound.
Her background includes training at the prestigious BRIT School of Performing Arts and University of Westminster where she has studied commercial music with a focus on vocal teaching. Zara also specialises in songwriting and producing her own music using industry standard software and can help those looking to do the same.