Matthew

I have been a professional musician since 2010. I run my own ceilidh/scottish dance band which have played all of the UK and beyond for all sorts of functions. In 2017 I was crowned the All Scotland Accordion Champion at the Perth Accordion Festival.

I have played accordion since I was 7 years old. Although I didnt go to university to study music I have gained huge experience in performing and technique in playing at events.

Tutoring Experience

I have taught accordion since 2008 privatley at my home on a one to one basis.

I occasionaly teach for the Royal Conservitoire of Scotland since 2012.

I have taught at the Gaelic Feis. I was a teacher at the "Scots Music Group" in Edinburgh and still occasionally cover the accordion classes.
Some of my pupils have passed the Traditional Music exams ABRSM and have had success in accordion competitions.

Tutoring Approach

I teach traditional scottish music and also teach some european accordion tunes. French/Italian/German folk and virtuosso pieces.

Scales and excersices to get new students started are used in conjunction with tunes. For example if we are working on the D scale I will teach the student a tune in D so they can understand how they work together.

Reading music and theory will be included in lessons.

I will always encourage students to perform to people and to learn pieces themselves.

For students who require help in progressing I will supply pieces that will help them improve their technique.