Richard

I am an experienced tutor, Oxford graduate, and freelance musician, with recent classroom experience. I was born in Southampton, although I have spent much of my life up and down the country, being taught in state, grammar, and private school scenarios (including the world famous Chetham’s School of Music). I studied for my degree at the University of Oxford, and I play lutes and early guitars (professionally), recorder and clarinet (both to Diploma standard), piano (to grade 8 standard, soon to take the ATCL), and violin and viola (both to grade 8 standard, but that was many years ago!). In my childhood I was principal clarinettist with the Nation Children’s Orchestra, and most recently I have issued my first professional recordings and editions. In my holidays I enjoy travelling to visit my parents somewhere in the Mediterranean (guess where!). I have travelled all over Europe both for business and pleasure, and more details about myself can be found at my website: http://www.richardmackenzie.site50.net/

Tutoring Experience

I have been tutoring successfully since 2007, and the age range of my tutees has varied all the way from 7-78(!) (although the majority have been of school age). I have taught small groups, large classes, and the bulk of my teaching has consisted of traditional tuitions. Previously I taught with Oxford’s Blue Tutors, and I have guided pupils through GCSE, A-Levels, and instrumental examinations on the Piano, Recorder and Clarinet. I am keen to take on more entrance level exams for specialist schools entry, as I am sympathetic to the stress it may cause an 11-year-old, having experienced that path in the past myself.

Tutoring Approach

I aim to make my lessons informative, as well as entertaining; there is nothing duller than a monotonous private lesson (no way to escape you see!). Once I get to know the pupil’s strengths and interests lessons can be crafted individually to suit the pupil’s needs and address any weaknesses. There is not just one way to learn.

If the ultimate aim of the tuitions is to improve the pupil’s prospects in an examination, than I will ensure that the pupil has a good grasp of the fundamental techniques required for their exam. This personal attention to detail sadly cannot be attained in the classroom, and represents one of the major advantages in the private educational scenario. However, do not despair, exam technique will form only one of the two main focuses in these scenarios, the other, of course, being the subject itself, and I have a habit of transmitting my enthusiasm for these subjects(!).