General
principles
All students are
taught individually and in an individualised fashion. Aims, aspirations
and motivation of the student are discussed carefully at the outset and
monitored as an on-going process.
We at Milsom School of Music believe that how a pupil begins is of
vital importance. Our aim is to provide a nurturing environment from
the start, giving careful and precise instruction with frequent
discussion and accountability with parents/pupils where applicable. It is easier to establish good habits than
to cure bad ones!
Beginners
Beginners are
taught by established methods, using a range of pedagogic material
chosen for its rigour, its adaptability to each teacher's individual
teaching style and each pupil's learning style. We all believe that a
single 'method' can stifle individuality and following a set syllabus
can be at enmity with sensitive, tailored, student-centered learning.
Young beginners
For young child beginners, we encourage the participation and
involvement of parents in the learning process. Parents are expected
(to varying degrees) to supervise practising and it is vital that they
know how to do this effectively. One-to-one lessons outside school
hours are obviously the best way for this to happen and for this reason
we do not support group lessons for instrumental tuition.
Older
beginners
We have a range
of materials suited to teaching adult beginners and a wealth of
experience in working with pupils of more advanced years. Our adult
students often take part enthusiastically in workshops and concerts
(which are open to all ages) and it has frequently been observed that
young and old learners benefit greatly from each other's participation.
Intermediate to
Advanced students
More advanced
students are encouraged to work with well-known and fundamental
materials, such as Studies by Czerny, Hanon, Kreutzer, Spohr, etc. Our
teachers concentrate on a wide scope of musical training, with the
emphasis not just on learning pieces, but also performance technique,
interpretation, sight-reading, technical exercises and historical
insight.
Specialist
tuition in Historically-Informed Performance
Currently employed
as a Research Fellow at Leeds University Music Department, David Milsom
is able to offer specialist tuition in historically-informed violin and
viola playing. Interest is growing rapidly in this fascinating area of
study and David's scholarly investigations into Classical and Romantic
performing practice are now internationally recognised. (For more
detailed information, please visit www.davidmilsom.net)