Sophie Corbey

My teaching methods include patience and hard work. I believe that learning an instrument can teach independence and discipline from a young age. I am incredibly approachable and enjoy having a friendly relationship with my students where they are comfortable asking questions or for help. I also understand that everyone needs a different approach to learning and I adjust my teaching methods to suit the student best. Along with this I encourage them towards the aspect of music they find the most interesting, such as composition and creativity, or technique and discipline.

Most of my students take ABRSM graded exams with me as they are a good motivator and goal to work towards. In those lessons I start with scales for a warm-up, exercises from the technique book Dozen a Day, then learning whatever pieces they choose for their exam. I end the lessons with sight-reading, rhythm, listening or singing exercises. Doing all these provides them with a well-rounded musical education. If we aren't working for an exam we learn a piece of their choice within the standard of their playing. I still work on technical exercises with them but the lesson structure is much more flexible I allow the student to choose what aspects of their musical ability they'd like to work on.

Some of my students enjoy writing their own pieces of music, and as a composer myself I encourage this. Together, we have recorded some of their pieces using my music equipment, and I have provided them with a mixed mp3 file of their piece.