At the weekend I was at a friend’s birthday party when the inevitable question popped up: “Can you teach anyone to sing?” As usual, this question was followed up with a statement that I hear people saying all the time: “I can’t sing. I’m tone deaf.” Once I’ve reassured them that everyone can sing, I would usually go on to… Read more »
Damian OxboroughComments Off on Some lovely student feedback this morning
Here’s what my new student, Keri, sent me in an email over the weekend: Hi Damian, I had to message you to say my Mind. Is. Blown. What a massive difference it makes taking an intentional breathe rather than just singing whilst breathing like you do naturally when talking. Already, I can hold the notes better because I’ve got enough… Read more »
Damian OxboroughComments Off on Primary School Teacher Resource: Classic Assembly Songs
I’ve recorded a whole load of ‘classic’ assembly songs from the 1960’s, 70’s, and 80’s, in the traditional style with piano accompaniment and posted them as a YouTube playlist. There are also lyrics on screen for you / the kids to follow. These are fun to listen to from the perspective of nostalgia, but could also be used by primary… Read more »
Practise scales the right way Over the years I’ve found the students expect to start each lesson with a series of exercises – more often than not, scales. This is especially true of people who have previously been taught by someone else. My view is this: that not every lesson / practise has to start in the same way, and… Read more »
Damian OxboroughComments Off on Update & Nostalgic School Assembly Songs
YouTube Recording Project Partly as a bit of fun (but also to help increase my web presence), I have recently started a little project recording songs that we used to sing at assembly at school. There are loads that people will be familiar with from the 1960’s, 70’s and 80’s. I’ve been playing them on piano and uploading to YouTube… Read more »
Hope everyone’s looking forward to an extra day off on Monday. For me, this effectively means that my normal 5 days of teaching will be compressed into 4 days. And, the upshot of this is that the coming week’s slots are all FULLY BOOKED up. Do keep coming back to this blog each Saturday morning for a list of the… Read more »
Damian OxboroughComments Off on Update: Music lessons needn’t be formal
This week I’ve spent loads of time doing school work with my 8 year old son, while his school is closed. Helping him out with his maths and (particularly) English makes me realise how much I’ve forgotten from my own days at primary school. KS2 literacy certainly seems more complex than it ever was when I was at first school!… Read more »
Damian OxboroughComments Off on Update: Music Theory / Composition
The vast majority of my students first and foremost learn some musical performance skill: how to play piano / guitar / ukulele / bass or to sing. Along the way, most inevitably encounter issues of music theory. Theory is, after all, a lot to do with the written language of music – how we communicate our musical ideas to one… Read more »
With some Skipton schools closing for half term holidays this coming Thursday, I have the prospect of a shorter week of available lesson slots. There are a couple of available spaces, though, should you want to book in: Monday 19th October 17:00 (30 mins) Tuesday 20th October 11:15 (2 x 30 mins) I am taking a week off for half… Read more »
