Every lesson will be interactive and practical, working towards the goal of the student's independent learning. The musical journey begins with the student's aims — whether they want to learn to improvise jazz, learn their favourite songs, have a broad understanding of music theory and arranging, or focus on songwriting.

Teaching Methods

The students' aims are the focus and all of the work will be going towards help them to realise them. Once the student's preferred learning style is determined, a program of learning is created in collaboration with the student, so that they are an active participant in their own learning. Lessons are relaxed, informal and tailored to the student. If a student wants to learn Rockschool and Trinity grades, Theo can do this and has a knowledge of the curriculum. To get the most out of lessons, it is recommended that the student commits to at least a 30 minute lesson per week, although this can vary depending on age and ability.

A lesson will typically include —

Warm up
Techniques — legato, picking, vibrato, bending, scales, fretboard knowledge, rhythm and lead playing
Repertoire — learning songs, practicing and refining songs the student has started to learn
Improvisation — applying musical knowledge to music in a 'real world' musical situation
Music Theory — harmony, rhythm, scales, modes, chord progressions, ear training, intervals, sight reading, notation

These areas will be tailored to the student's future goals.

Theo mainly teaches online, but can give in-person lessons to students in the Bristol area with a dedicated studio room in a nice smoke-free home.

Theo is also proficient with software including Logic Pro X and Ableton Live, and can offer students an education in sampling, mixing, synthesis, and experimental songwriting, recording and production techniques. Theo possesses an expert knowledge in granular synthesis, manipulating field recordings, and spectral processing of sound.

Teaching Experience

Theo teaches individual and paired guitar and keyboard at a primary school, and has experience in teaching online and in person lessons to beginner to advanced students. This includes children, teenagers, adults, students who are preparing for graded exams, auditions, and hobbyists.

Professional experience and education

Graduated from BIMM Bristol with a BA (Hons) 2.1 in Professional Musicianship, Theo then went on to achieve an MA (1st) in Popular Music Practice at BIMM Bristol. Having taught for 6 years, assisted university lecturers teaching classes, taught guitar and music production in secondary schools, Theo is a highly experienced music teacher. Theo is also a regular performer and composer, working with several rock, metal, and electronic ensembles.

Theo is a professional musician based in Bristol who works in
Teaching (individual and group lessons)
Songwriting
Music Production
Performance