TEACHING & EDUCATING
Teaching since 2003, Tom has worked in a great number of educational environments and across a number of levels, age-groups, purposes and musical style and genres, and is pleased to be able to offer private, bespoke, one-to-one tuition in the following:
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Music Composition
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Music Arranging & Orchestration
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Songwriting
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Music Theory (inc. ABRSM)
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Music Notation (inc. Sibelius Notation Software)
Tom completed a Certificate in Post-Compulsory Education & Training (FENTO Stage 3) in 2006, from the University of Warwick, and has held the following positions in music education:
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Foundation Degree Jazz History Lecturer at The University of Salford
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BA Composition Tutor at Coventry University
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Guest Jazz Orchestra Director at the Leeds College of Music
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Lecturer in Music & Music Technology at Stratford upon Avon College (BTEC, UAL, RSL, A levels)
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BTEC Lead Internal Verifier for Music at Stratford upon Avon College
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Lead Rock School London tutor for Coventry Music / Coventry Work Related Learning
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Talent Development creative project leader with Coventry Performing Arts Service
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Freelance tutor in music composition / arranging & orchestration / songwriting / music theory / notation
TEACHING / EDUCATIONAL TESTIMONIALS
In 2019 I was hit with my worst ever bout of not only writer's block, but crippling lack of self-belief. I reached out to Tom as a mentor and by questioning my process, and causing me to question, explore and take ownership of my ideas, he helped me to once again find my voice; and he helped me find a voice I am proud of.
Tom really guided me through the creative songwriting process, working with my fragments of ideas and encouraging me to explore in directions I would never previously considered. His guidance on one of my songs is evident, as it is the one with over a thousand streams!! I cannot thank Tom enough for giving me back a voice, and believe in what it has to say.
Tom - BTEC student: Tom is the epitome of what it means to be an educator. I studied for many years under Tom’s careful and considered guidance in instrument tuition, composition lecture and general musicianship studies. During my time as a tutee of Tom I was shown unwavering support in my abilities which helped to grow my confidence and nurture my skills, this was especially the case in areas of study that didn’t come naturally to me.
The way in which Tom articulates new topics makes them not only clear and concise but also inspiring. Who would have thought that a set in his ways Heavy Metal-obsessed student such as myself would have been guided towards such fulfilment in experimental composition styles… In short, Tom always bought out the best in me and introduced me to many new areas of study that have hugely enriched my understanding and adoration of music.
I have no doubt that the knowledge gained during my time under Tom’s guidance hugely contributed to many of my proudest achievements in music to date. In my opinion Tom would be a superb tutor and mentor for anyone looking to improve their current skills or to grow their confidence in new areas of study. [Tom Collins BA]
Dan - composing, arranging and orchestration:
I've worked with Tom for a few years now. He's very professional and provides excellent service. I have improved a lot since I met him and I never stopped looking forward to my next lessons
Leeds Conservatoire & UK Jazz Trumpeter:
I had the pleasure of working with Tom when he came and directed the Contemporary Jazz Orchestra at Leeds Conservatoire in the winter semester of 2019. We played an entire concert of Tom's music, which was challenging for the students to get together, but also extremely engaging and accessible to listen to. The students absolutely loved the music and I could tell that they were incredibly inspired from day one. Tom came in for the final few rehearsals and conducted the concert. He was very relaxed and easy to work with, but more importantly was extremely encouraging and inspirational to the students. We had a great concert, the students loved every minute of it (and so did I!). It was an inspirational and educational experience for everyone involved and was one of the best concerts we've had with the CJO here at Leeds Conservatoire.