Category: Latest News

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!

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 2Concert 1

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.

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 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

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

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.

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

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.

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 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…

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.‘

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.

Today’s featured new tutor is singing teacher Melissa. Singing lessons not only teach you how to use your voice as an instrument, but are a great way to improve confidence, musical knowledge and stage presence. Below you can find Melissa’s teaching profile, here you can find out about her teaching styles, influences, experiences and much more. Melissa 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:

Melissa is a classically trained singer and professional singer/songwriter recently graduated from studying Music at the University of Sussex, where she gained a 1st in performance and film composition. In 2012 she released her debut album Beyond The Frame, and is currently working on her second album. As well as classical music, Melissa loves popular music, folk and musical theatre, and has had the privilege of working with some of the top West End performers and directors in the recent production Love Beyond at the Brighton Centre. She has also hosted numerous performances promoting her work as a songwriter, and her songs have featured on radio in Ireland over the past few years. Melissa loves inspiring people of all ages to be creative, whether in singing, composition, song writing or performance.  She is passionate about encouraging students to find their own unique style whilst teaching them to learn to love the spotlight. By tailoring lessons to suit each individual, Melissa helps to ensure students improve their vocal abilities whilst maintaining a fun and relaxed environment that enables them to  grow in confidence and enhance their performance skills.

Time for another piano teacher… todays featured new tutor is Sam. Sam is a very highly qualified music teacher and he teaches a broad range of styles. Below you can find Sam’s teaching profile, here you can find out about his teaching styles, influences, experiences and much more. Sam 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:

Sam is a pianist, composer, singer-songwriter and teacher. He has a BA(hons) in Music from University of York (2009) and has Piano Teaching Certification from The European Piano Teachers Association (2009) and a Grade 8 Piano with Distinction (2004). Aside from his qualifications, both of his parents are musicians (composer/flautist and singer) so he grew up in a hugely musical environment. Sam been teaching piano privately, to all ages and abilities, for around 6 years. He also teaches Music and Performing Arts A-level at a local sixth form college. Sam has a lot of performing experience including being a finalist in national classical piano competitions and playing concerts abroad (USA and India). Outside of his classical background he also has experience in Jazz, Hip Hop, Pop, Musical Theatre, Folk, Motown, Latin-American Music and Electronic Music by playing in several bands and regularly collaborating with other musicians.

Sam’s lessons are designed around each individual student, based on their ability and the ways in which they learn most successfully, as well as their musical ambitions and interests. Lessons often include Composition, Improvisation, Technique, Theory, Sight-reading/Notation, Aural Training, Singing, Music History, Listening, Performances and Interpretation. The majority of his students play classical repertoire and half of these opt for taking exams and so far he has had a 100% pass rate with many getting merits and distinctions. As well as piano/theory/composition lessons Sam has worked with many instrumental teachers to help them improve their teaching.