Home TCM Sales Composition Biography Performance Teaching Commission Contact
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Home TCM Sales Composition Biography Performance Teaching Commission Contact |
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Tony Cliff BMus (Hons), MPhil, ALCM, FLCM, Cert.Ed has a wide and varied teaching experience having worked for many years as Senior Lecturer in Music at the University of Salford where he taught composition and arranging, music history and analysis as well as practical music-making to undergraduates. Since moving to Cornwall Tony has established a piano teaching practice which is limited to a fairly small number of students due to the demands of his other music work.
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Age and
Level Tony is happy to teach the entire range from younger children to adults and from complete beginners to advanced levels and lessons are always given in a friendly and supportive manner. The only essential requirements are a desire to learn, ability to concentrate, possession of a suitable instrument and a willingness to practice regularly. |
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Exams and Music
Theory
Many students opt to take exams when they are ready as it is often both a useful motivator and a helpful recognition of achievement and all pupils are strongly encouraged to study some music theory to promote an overall understanding of the language of music to support their practical performance work. Tony enters students for either the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music or Trinity Guildhall practical exams together with work for any music theory examination which may be required. It is important to note that Grade 5 theory is necessary in order to proceed to the Associated Board practical grades 6 and beyond. However, as an alternative to Grade 5 theory students may opt for Grade 5 Practical Musicianship or Grade 5 jazz piano as a suitable qualifying exam for the higher grades. Apart from classical piano Tony also teaches jazz piano and at present the Associated Board offers jazz grades up to grade 5 level. It is worth noting that achievements in both practical music and theory examinations contribute valuable UCAS points for UK University entrance. Someone who has achieved both Associated Board grade 8 practical and grade 8 theory may be considered for university music departments or music conservatoires even if they have not actually taken 'A' level music as these examinations are so highly regarded. In many cases, however, students may not wish to take examinations and they are certainly not compelled to do so. Many adult students prefer to learn without the pressure of examinations whilst others may opt for this challenge. In every case it is entirely left to individual choice. If you require further information about piano arrangements tuition then please write, telephone or email and all these detailes are available by clicking the 'Contact' link above. Fees These are currently £26 per hour and are paid in advance for a series of lessons, for example 4, 6 or 8 at a time. Half an hour is the minimum lesson duration and lessons must take place weekly. There should also be adequate notice given about missing a lesson for example through illness or some other reason. Holidays In general normal school holidays for teaching are followed but extra lessons may be organised in the holidays as and when required. Sometimes it is desirable to have some tuition over the long summer break to maintain progress. Waiting List Since Tony's teaching hours are restricted the number of students he can accept is limited and so there may be a waiting list for lessons. In this case Tony will contact parents or students as soon as places become available. Composition & Arranging Tuition Tony is an experienced composer and arranger with numerous publications, many of which have been recorded and broadcast, and is available to teach aspects of composition, arranging and orchestration to students with appropriate background knowledge. You can read more about his compositional work within the 'Composition' pages of this web site. Unlike instrumental teaching it is not necessarily a requirement for composition or arranging lessons to take place weekly. Sessions instead may be organised on an ad hoc basis with advice on reading, listening and private study together with completion of set composition/arranging tasks. The lessons are geared entirely to the needs of the individual and the focus will depend on particular interests of the student. For example the focus might be choral writing, big band, brass or wind arranging, chamber music, orchestral writing and so on. If you require further information about composition or arranging sessions then please write, telephone or email. Click 'Contact' above for all these details. Tony has worked with many vocalists, particularly in the fields of jazz
and popular music and vocal coaching classes aim to build confidence,
improve technique and expand repertoire together with
developing presentation skills and appropriate repertoire is explored with key and
vocal range adjusted to suit the individual. Tony also offers
personalised CD recordings with full piano accompaniments of selected
material in the correct keys for the individual singer which is an invaluable aid for rehearsing. For an extra
fee, Tony can also make a CD with fuller arrangements which might include
rhythm section, strings, big band backing or other styles of
accompaniment. In addition should you wish to make a professional demo
recording of your own vocal performance, either with piano only or with
fuller accompaniment, then this can be arranged. Tony has a digital
multi-track recording studio where broadcast quality recordings of your
own vocals, complete with full instrumental backing, may be be made and
then mastered onto an audio CD.
f you require further information about vocal
coaching or recording then please write, telephone or email and click 'Contact' above
for all these details. Finally If you visit
www.tonycliffsongs.com there
are some original jazz, pop, folk and blues songs which are available to play
and download. |
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