I started playing guitar when I was about 15, and got a guitar for my birthday. I was inspired to pick up the guitar after I got into blues music and listened to people like Gary Moore and Stevie Ray Vaughan. So I began getting lessons here at Chalmers and did so for almost 3 years. I also played in one of the many Chalmers Mackay bands which really improved my playing and also allowed me to get to know some of the tutors a bit better.
Previous to playing the guitar I played violin and piano. I started violin in primary school at the age of about 8 and continued with it until I got a grade 4, but stopped after that to pursue my love of the guitar. I still play a bit of piano - it's hard not to with a piano teacher as a Mum - which I find useful in everyday teaching scenarios.
After finishing Secondary School and achieving A's in both Higher and Advanced Higher Music I decided to continue down the music path and go to college. I completed my Music Teaching Diploma at Aberdeen College in 2008. I gained my Grade 8 practical for guitar, and a Diploma in Teaching for guitar in 2007. In 2008 I successfully completed an ATCL (Associate Trinity College London) teaching exam, and a Grade 8 ABRSM (Associated Board Royal School of Music) music theory exam.
Being on such a music course, I had opportunities to try out some different instruments and as a result am now learning trumpet, drums and having some vocal lessons as well. Concerning other hobbies, I am a big football fan and follow it closely, when I get the chance I like to play football with my mates. I also like watching a good film or playing a bit of PlayStation.
My teaching style is relaxed and friendly, as I like to get to know my pupils a bit better and treat them more as friends than as students. I find this helps me understand what they want out of playing the guitar, and this allows me to plan my lessons accordingly. I prefer to teach my students at their own pace, with gentle shoves in certain directions if I would like them to achieve a specific goal. Graded exams take care of themselves when the time comes and the pupil is ready.