• Professional Development
  • Medicine & Nursing
  • Arts & Crafts
  • Health & Wellbeing
  • Personal Development

3928 Educators providing Courses delivered Online

Course Pride

course pride

Derby

Course Pride is an online course platform which offers over 250 online courses to help individuals and business gain new skills, boost their confidence, achieve career goals and gain a certificate of achievement. The online courses from Course Pride help individuals and businesses alike to achieve their study goals. Whether you are an individual working with animals and want to gain an internationally recognised certification in animal care, maybe you are currently working in an office and want to boost your excel skills, perhaps you are a business and want all your staff to do the latest fire safety awareness or first aid at work training. Whatever your study goal here at Course Pride you can find a wide variety of online courses to help meet your needs. Because all our courses are online individuals and businesses can get started with their online training courses in minutes. There is no need to attend a college, incur travel costs or ever miss a lesson again. With the online courses from Course Pride, students can study at anytime day or night, anywhere in the world, 365 days a year. The courses have complete learning flexibility, all you need is an internet connection. One of the best things to know about ordering courses through Course Pride is that you can enjoy exclusive course discounts and savings of up to 95% off the original course price. We offer online courses at amazing low prices, helping you to save more and get started on your learning sooner. Student can gain new skills, knowledge and recognised certifications for an affordable price. At Course Pride, we have a helped thousands of individuals and businesses across the world find their perfect online course. Whether you are looking for training for your staff, to climb the career ladder, returning to the work place, gain new skills or just fancy learning something new, we have the best online courses for you. Take a look through the Course Pride website today, browse from over 250 online courses and find your perfect course today.

Standout Programmes

standout programmes

London

Penny started her career as a corporate lawyer at City firm Freshfields. On a career break she became involved as a volunteer in her local prison which led her to train as a tutor with Prison Fellowship and lead the restorative justice based Sycamore Tree programme in HMP Wandsworth for 12 years. She was involved in rolling out Sycamore Tree in HMP Bronzefield and HMP Pentonville and also has experience of tutoring the course with people in prison long term. Penny was a Trustee of Prison Fellowship for several years and acted as Interim CEO in 2015. Penny has also volunteered with the Prison Reform Trust, supporting work around mental health and criminal justice issues. She has a Masters degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice from King’s College London and believes in second chances and releasing potential. Andy Bater, Head of Operations Andy joined the StandOut team in October 2022 from a community organisation based in Holborn. With a background in project and operations management working with various large corporate organisations, he brings his breadth of experience and knowledge to StandOut. Despite his career achievements, Andy would much rather talk about his time being a mature student in Canada, starting a wellbeing and employment social enterprise and especially about rugby, boxing and the Andrew Kaufman book 'All My Friends are Superheroes’. Rich McStraw, Fundraising Manager Rich joined us in April 2022 from Clinks, the infrastructure organisation for the voluntary sector working in criminal justice. He spent the last three years as Clinks’ Fundraising Officer, and prior to this worked as a freelance fundraiser and sales manager for renewable heating systems. He has previous experience of fundraising regulation and compliance, sales and marketing, and developing training programmes. Louise Harbert, Communications Officer Louise is passionate about supporting people with lived experience to share their stories. Before joining the StandOut team, she worked for a health charity to amplify the voices of volunteers and shine a light on health inequalities. A strong believer in social justice, Louise is determined to change the narrative around prison leavers, and is excited to contribute to StandOut’s development and growth as our first full-time comms officer. Alex Rose, Coaching Manager Alex joined the team in April 2018 from Prospects where he was a National Careers Service advisor. Previously he worked as a behaviour change manager and an achievement coach working on gang prevention and exit programmes. Alex is passionate about helping people who have been in prison back into work and recently completed his OCR Level 6 Diploma in Career Guidance & Development. Amrit Hunjan, Lead Coach HMP Wandsworth Amrit joined the StandOut team in September 2019 having previously worked as part of a council multi-disciplinary team working collectively to improve the well-being, participation and attainment of young people in mainstream education. Amrit connected with StandOut whilst volunteering with the youth mentoring service Trailblazers at HMP Wandsworth and she is passionate about using a relational approach to build confidence and unlock potential. Amy Young, StandOut Coach HMP Wandsworth Amy joined StandOut in November 2022 after completing an English Literature degree at KCL. During and following her degree she voluntarily set up Shakespeare and poetry workshops in HMP Brixton, believing in the power of arts in Criminal Justice. She found she facilitated enlightening and illuminating conversations, using literary themes to generate powerful reflections and increased emotional awareness. She looks forward to coaching at Wandsworth and supporting trainees with a holistic approach, offering guidance and practical help post-release. Hannah Jolley, Lead Coach HMP Pentonville Hannah joined StandOut in February 2022. Prior to this, she was Lead Coach on the Spear Programme, supporting young people who face barriers to employment and also coached corporate delegates on various topics. Hannah graduated from Durham University with BA Criminology, and spent time volunteering with vulnerable people in prison at HMP Durham. She is passionate about reducing reoffending rates, through showing that there is hope and are opportunities out there for those leaving prison. Erin Crombie, Lead StandOut Coach Erin discovered StandOut in 2018 whilst completing her Masters in Criminological Research at the University of Cambridge, when she carried out an evaluation of the charity for her dissertation. On graduating, Erin joined the education department in HMP Pentonville as a Student Support Worker, whilst maintaining contact with StandOut in a voluntary capacity. She joined StandOut at the beginning of 2020 and is now in a new role leading our expansion to a third prison. Erin’s favourite thing about working for StandOut is seeing the trainees’ confidence grow over the duration of the Phase 1 course and getting to celebrate their achievements. Louisa Laven, Lead Community Coach Louisa joined the StandOut team in November 2020. Prior to this she was on the Unlocked Graduates Programme, working as a frontline prison officer for two years while completing a Masters in MSc Leadership and Custodial Environments. Louisa loved the relational and support aspect of the officer role, but wanted to move into the charity sector and focus on the critical resettlement period after prison. She is enthusiastic about helping people leaving prison to get back on their feet and build towards a positive future. Iona Warren, Community Coach Iona joined the StandOut team in September 2022 after spending two years as a prison officer on the Unlocked Graduates programme. Whilst working in a women's prison, she completed a Masters in Applied Custodial Leadership, writing a dissertation on the women's experience of trauma informed practice in their establishment. She loved building relationships with the women on her landing, and relished the opportunity to support them whilst in custody. She is particularly excited to now be working with those transitioning into the community, and is passionate and motivated to see them thrive. StandOut Trustees Joe Froud, Chair Joe is the co-founder of Paloma Capital LLP, a London based real estate private equity business that was established in 2015. Paloma raises equity from foundations and endowments, pensions funds and family offices and invests in UK commercial real estate projects. Prior to this he was the founder and Managing Partner of Columbus Capital Management LLP, a real estate private equity joint venture that he established with Schroders plc in 2008. Joe is married with four children and lives in West London. Liz Delacave, Trustee Liz Delacave is a leadership consultant, experienced in training leaders, developing teams and coaching individuals to excel. She studied Engineering Science at the University of Oxford, worked in Citibank’s global commercial and investment banks, becoming chief of staff for Citibank’s European Private Bank. While Divisional Finance Director of a multinational engineering company, she was responsible for managing a global change programme. As a Non-Executive Director, she has helped turn around an underperforming NHS Foundation Trust hospital in East Anglia. Liz has advised a number of charities, including the International Federation of the Red Cross in Geneva and Prison Fellowship. Marion Peters, Trustee Marion Peters studied English Literature at Reading University before joining the Post Office fast track graduate management scheme. After 4 years in marketing and development roles Marion entered the charitable sector, working for international and small local charities in a generalist capacity. Marion has led client service teams, HR departments and spearheaded major fundraising projects and most recently worked as CEO of a heritage almshouse. Since stepping down from this role, Marion has continued to offer her operational and organisational skills to not for profit organisations on a voluntary basis. Passionately committed to the Justice System, Marion has been a volunteer within Her Majesty’s Court Services for over 20 years and is a great believer that where we have come from does not determine who we are. Joseph Ewing, Trustee Joseph studied Politics, Philosophy and Economics at Oxford University, has worked in a range of research, campaigning and public affairs roles - including three and a half years in public affairs at Cancer Research UK - and now works in policy at the Academy of Medical Sciences. His work includes policy development, advocacy and strategy. He became a trustee in April 2019 and is still inspired by StandOut’s belief in people. StandOut Consultants Jo Fellows, Programme and Coaching Consultant, Co Founder Jo's background is in group facilitation and project management and she has extensive experience leading employability services for those with additional barriers to employment. Her experience includes 4 years working with the award winning Spear course, partnering with IBM through her work with City Gateway and designing a 1-1 service for those leaving custody or care. Jo is passionate about equipping people coming up for release with the tools, skills and confidence to step into sustainable and fulfilling work. Jo has a Postgraduate Diploma in Voluntary Sector Management from CASS Business School. Jo co-founded StandOut with Penny and now supports StandOut as a consultant bringing her expertise in programme design and coaching skills.

The Key - Unlock Potential

the key - unlock potential

London

The Key Unlock Potential is a Bristol-based charity founded by volunteers who were recruited by The Restore Trust. The charity was registered in July 2019, registration number 1184633. Our team is made up of board members including representatives from the Restore Trust and HMP Bristol and volunteers. Find out more on our team page → The story so far The charity was registered by Suzanne Thompson of the Restore Trust Bristol in response to a need to reduce reoffending by providing access to work. Prisoners reported that on release from prison, they face huge challenges in obtaining paid employment. The charity name was chosen by a focus group in the prison, and the board continue to value the importance of the voice of those with lived experience. The Key facts Many people with convictions struggle to obtain work. According to gov.uk, just 17% of ex-offenders secure a job within a year of release. A YouGov survey commissioned by the DWP found that 50% of employers would choose not to employ ex-offenders, deeming them unskilled and untrustworthy. This is despite 86% of companies that employ ex-offenders rating them as “good at their job”, and 81% of consumers stating that companies who employ ex-offenders are positively contributing to society. The lack of stability and lack of security due to unemployment creates a cycle of reoffending and makes successful rehabilitation much more challenging. This must change, and as the statistics above illustrate, tackling this problem can be beneficial for all parties involved. Food with conviction Our vision is to create a safe, welcoming café and retail hub on Bristol’s Gloucester Road that will provide a steppingstone for people transitioning into permanent employment, a destination for the local community, and a mechanism for fundraising. The food for the café will be prepared in the prison’s commercial kitchen, by prisoners. The cafe will operate 5 days a week and will be open between 8:30am and 5:30pm serving “food with conviction”. Interspersed within the café area will be art and handmade items for sale. This will include garden furniture made from pallets, including tables and planters as well as products such as keep cups and cotton bags designed and printed in the prison. We will provide paid employment placements for people released on temporary licence (RoTL) or who have recently left prison. This will help address the most pressing issues facing the prison population, by providing access to work experience and employment, training and rehabilitation support; as a result, beneficiaries will develop transferable skills that will enable them to move on to permanents jobs. Our vision is Key We are on a mission to help people rebuild their lives after they leave prison. We want to give people the tools they need to unlock confidence, pride, and positivity. We want to create a safe space for personal growth and practical experience that will enable people to secure future employment, financial stability, and break the cycle of reoffending.

Wood Green School

wood green school

WITNEY,

Wood Green is a true comprehensive school in the thriving town of Witney, 10 miles west of Oxford. Our motto, ‘Excellence for All’, means that we strive to create a school in which all students are motivated to learn, achieve highly and develop the wider skills and qualities necessary to be happy and successful. We are a school with strong values and everything we do - our curriculum, the wide range of enrichment opportunities and a focus on student achievement and welfare – are based on these values and contribute to ensuring there truly is excellence for all. Some features of Wood Green School include: Our GCSE results in 2018 were the best ever for attainment and progress, demonstrating year-on-year improvement. In February 2017 Wood Green and three other schools in Oxfordshire co-founded the Acer Multi-Academy Trust. This is typical of our desire to collaborate with like-minded schools and brings more opportunities for staff development and student enrichment. Our Sixth Form works in close partnership with Henry Box School and Abingdon and Witney College to ensure our students have the widest choices anywhere in Oxfordshire. Our curriculum and wider enrichment are organised into our Wood Green Baccalaureate, which ensures that every student from year 7 through to year 13 are recognised for their achievements and effort. As a lead school in the National Baccalaureate Trust, we are working with schools nationally to create the very best curriculum for all students. We develop creativity and confidence through our extra-curricular programme, including our specialist Arts provision. Wood Green is a designated provider of the Oxfordshire Excellent Musicians Programme, one of only three such schools in the county. Starting from our bespoke Academic Enrichment programme in year 7, through to our compulsory Extended Project Qualification in Year 12, and many opportunities to participate in public speaking competitions, throughout the school we develop the range of thinking, talking and writing skills to be successful life-long learners. Our excellent links with universities, including the University of Oxford, and businesses ensure that every student develops aspirations beyond school. We believe that wellbeing is vital to being successful. Wood Green was chosen in 2015 by Nuffield Health to be their partner school nationally. Some quotes from our most recent Ofsted report describe the school we are developing: Strong personal relationships between teachers and students contribute to students' learning. Students’ social, spiritual, moral and cultural development is promoted effectively across the school and strongly contributes to the school’s caring ethos All students have an equal opportunity to succeed Over their time at Wood Green School, students gain a broad range of skills and are consequently well prepared for the next stage in their education, employment or training. The more-able students achieve well. The proportion of students attaining A* and A grades is well above average in a range of subjects The conduct of sixth formers in all parts of the school is exemplary and they provide excellent role models for younger students.

Oxford High School

oxford high school

Oxford

elcome to our website and our history. Oxford High School (OHS) to its devotees is a place of scholarship and learning tempered by spirit, fun and community. Justifiably proud of its extraordinary academic outcomes, OHS is a place where young women are prepared for a world where they give back to others who have not had the same opportunities. A place where young women are prepared for the demands of the future, led by committed and dedicated staff absolutely devoted to their students’ wellbeing and achievement. The women who find their way here are curious, sparky and delight in challenge of any kind, whether it is joining the water polo club, singing opera for the first time or managing our very own hives of bees. Leadership opportunities abound and we are so proud that our students lead the school, put on world rivalling conferences, write to world leaders and enable opportunities for all those around us. We are also lucky enough to be in the heart of a city which thrives on curiosity and learning. That is reflected at OHS, where Academics come into school to demonstrate the accessibility of an academic career as well as share the excitement of challenging world constraints, whether forging ahead with a new vaccine (Dr Sarah Gilbert), working to ensure that everyone belongs in a diverse world (Aduke Onafowokan) or even managing a country in the middle of a pandemic (Jacinda Ardern). These are not leaders who speak to the school as requested by staff, but rather our students who are given the confidence and aspiration to put their dreams into action. Don’t make the mistake, however, of believing that OHS is purely academic; we, and the Girls’ Day School Trust, understand how high achieving women learn, thrive and flourish. The Trust enables our young people to access a network of over 25 other schools, conferences run by women for women across the country, and an astonishing alumnae network of over 70,000 former pupils who are extending a hand to help your daughter find her own place in the outside world. Our pastoral care nurtures our young women to ensure that they succeed at their pace. Despite being a bigger school, our staff are absolutely dedicated to the young women in their care, get to know them and their ways of learning and do all they can to support them. That does not mean we lower our expectations but rather extend the safety net to ensure they are lifted towards their dreams. Any website can only give you a flavour of what happens beyond the doors but I urge you to come in, meet me and our dedicated staff whether virtually or in ‘real life’, and, above all, enjoy the sparky, original, curious, lively young women who flourish and thrive here. I look forward to sharing with you the magic of opportunity, fun and spirit that pervades our school.

All Silver Clouds Kmf

all silver clouds kmf

Decluttering to Get Organised With an extensive background in Interior Design and Contemporary Art logistics and installations I have a great eye for detail and plenty of solutions for organisation, styling and storage. I aim to create freedom from things and functionality in spaces that have ceased to fulfil potential. This extends to archiving materials such as photographs and documents; decluttering and packing in preparation for a move; unpacking and dressing a new space. My clients may aspire to a goal such as home decluttering with the view to redecorate afterwards. I really enjoy being part of this fresh start and so we can get stuck into the painting and finishing touches together. In the case of a commercial space, this is something I can organise as a service. I have an initial consultation with new clients to assess the job and needs and wants, and then I’ll go away and devise a plan of action. Once you are happy with the plan the exciting new journey begins. Clients may have suffered a bereavement and find it challenging to go through the emotional process of letting go. Other clients may have a tendency towards collecting, or hoarding, and find it challenging to let go due to the relationship between the items and memories. I manage this in my own life and so I have many techniques and fresh ways of re-looking at your objects and what they represent in your life. I will be sensitive and patient. Objects often unlock memories that you need to take the time to process before you let go and I understand that. We are working together towards success in your long-term goals Professional organising and one-to-one coaching are my passions Many clients choose one-to-one coaching. We spend time together focusing specifically on personal goals and ways of achieving them. With most of my clients I aim to introduce movement and light exercise, new hobbies (I teach calligraphy, digital photography, arts and crafts, writing and poetry, easy to follow dance workouts…), dealing with triggers and developing coping mechanisms (relating to conditions such as anxiety), building confidence, tackling difficult social situations and practical advice on areas such as overcoming anxiety before an exam, e.g. driving, job interview techniques, and managing stress. Don’t worry about the light exercise – it is all feel-good factor and nothing to do with training or learning routines. We are going to have fun together. I will make a programme tailored to you and you will be amazed where you can be in four weeks, three months, six months, a year... I have personal experience with PTSD, anxiety, panic disorder and depression. I know these conditions change your life, but they don’t have to limit it. Please do consult your doctor before making changes to your lifestyle. I always follow their advice and medical judgement. If you have any issues with mobility or certain environments (crowded places, loud noises etc.) please do let me know.

Exploring Choices

exploring choices

Newark

Heather Rushton: Director of Exploring Choices Ltd. Heather has been a teacher, adviser, senior officer with national and international experience. She has extensive experience of working in Children’s Services within the public sector, particularly in Education but also in, partnership working and integrated services. Heather has held very senior positions in schools, local authorities and nationally. Starting working life as a teacher, Heather became a head teacher, adviser, senior adviser and Director for School Improvement. Heather has worked with and for children in areas of high social deprivation, she has a sincere desire to give children the very best start in life. She has worked in large Local Authorities, metropolitan areas and across regions as a Children’s Services Adviser. Her experience includes improving departmental performance, Health, Children’s Social care, Youth and Education. Heather is curious about what is happening in children’s lives and exploring why it has happened. Her skills to evaluate lead to pertinent identification of changes that need to be made to help them easily benefit from education, care or health programmes. Heather has significant experience with SEN, Literacy and Early Years, Prior to becoming an independent consultant Heather lead the national improvement programme with the Centre for Excellence and Outcomes working with 152 Local Authorities, and 64 voluntary agencies, SCIE, RIP, NfER and RIP. As an independent consultant. Heather inspires confidence in individuals, supports staff to see new ways of working and improve outcomes. Picture David Connor has extensive experience of working in Children’s Services within the public sector, particularly in Education but also in commissioning, partnership working and integrated services. David's experience includes over twenty years in teaching including Headships in three schools, university lecturing with a specialism in Early Years education and work in Eastern Europe developing systems and structures for the delivery of effective education. Following his work in schools, David joined a Local Authority advisory service, initially as an adviser for primary education and then as a senior adviser with responsibility for a team of forty advisers and consultants before eventually becoming Chief Adviser for a large Local Authority with over 430 schools. After a spell as Deputy Director of Education, he was promoted to the post of Strategic Deputy Director of Children’s Services with responsibility for departmental planning, evaluation and quality assurance (Education and Social Care), information and data, external partnerships, commissioning – public, private and voluntary sectors, oversight of schools and workforce development. Since 2010, David has worked as an Independent Consultant undertaking commissions for the Centre for Excellence, National Children’s Bureau, National College and Children’s Improvement Board. This has included evaluations of Local Authority structures and services and assessment against the Test of Assurance, support to Local Authorities to develop new systems and structures for Children’s services and school improvement systems, a scoping study for the development of a Knowledge Transfer Centre in Northern Ireland and the provision of support to aspiring leaders in Children’s Services.

Student Partners

student partners

London

s one of the most respected aspects of an individual, education is an essential step that we work to provide you with. We operate based on delivering Higher Education to individuals who may have found difficulty in accessing it through conventional organizations. Founded in 2020, we focus on ensuring that your application to Universities across the UK are prioritized by entering it through a fast-track service. We work closely with students and the institution they are part of to offer the support they need. We trust both the institutions and the students who attend them to take full advantage of our services. We have an extensive array of experienced professionals to assist you in any requirement you may have; this gives us a broad knowledge of the education system and how we can make it work for you. Our commitment is to ensure that UK and EU students have a more outstanding quality of life while studying. Discretion is our highest priority; we ensure that all inquiries will be handled with utmost privacy and confidentiality. Day or night – sun or rain, our qualified recruiters are always available to handle your concerns. So, feel free to give us a call to see what we can do for you. Fastrack Your Application We will fastrack your application through one of our many partner universities, with a range of courses to suit you. Whether you are taking the traditional route via your qualifications or gaining access through your work experience you can be rest assured that your transition into your chosen university will be seamless. CV Writing Universities always ask for a Curriculum Vitae (CV) it is an essential part of the application process. The term ‘curriculum vitae’ is Latin for ‘the story of your life’, so your CV, or resume, should be a fundamental document in your professional arsenal. When applying for university , it can literally be the difference between your life going one way or another. It’s a story that stars you alone, so needs to be shown in the best possible light. Our team is on standby to help you get your CV up to the best standard. Student Finance Support You may be able to borrow money to help pay for university or college tuition fees and to help with living costs. You might get extra help on top of this, for example if you’re on a low income, are disabled or have children. Let our experience admission consultants guide you through the full process. Ongoing Support Typically, a bachelor's degree takes three to four years depending on whether you are doing a foundation year. We are here to offer our support and services to you throughout the full duration of your course, however long that may be. Interview Preparation Trust us to guide in the right direction. Our skilled advisors know exactly how to bring out your confidence, so that you may pass you interview with ease.

Tutorland

tutorland

Blandford Forum

Making a Difference At Tutorland, we do things differently and better. Each student joins Tutorland as a member for a small weekly subscription of £5.50 per week (*additional student from the same family subscriptions is £4p.w. per week, and £13.50p.w. for 4 students from the same family) and there is no notice period if you want to cancel membership. Whether your child is preparing for exams, struggling with school or looking to catch up or get ahead in time for 11+ or GCSEs we can help. If you want to give the tuition help yourself, or have someone else do it, the Study Programme provided within the weekly subscription is itself a valuable learning resource. Subscription Benefits * Our Special Great Value Tuition Prices are only available to members. We offer a variety of tuition options - online, or in the home, or in tuition centres: 1-2-1, small tutor groups, or classes. * An individualised study programme with exercises and lessons year 1 to GCSE * Easy to follow analysis reports showing progress at topic level, diagnosing problem areas. * Freephone Teacherline to get help with homework * Weekly email reports on progress. * Free membership of Shop2Learn for the family. * Free advice and guidance on educational matters Affordable Options Not only do we offer of 1-2-1 tuition, but we also have a wide range of packages to suit every individual and every budget. With our Tutor Groups, where there are only 4 in a group, it means that each student still gets a lot of individual 1-2-1 help during each session, giving fantastic value at just £16 (£19 for GCSE) and £33 for 2 GCSE lessons per week. Our unique methods give 24/7 access to exercises and lessons year 1 to GCSE (National Curriculum compliant). Targeted Tuition Every student has tailored tuition and weekly work to do which is set at their individual level. The study programme reports mean that the tutor will know exactly where to help and what work to set, ensuring the best use of the tutor's and student's time. We monitor progress to ensure that they are getting the most out of their sessions and that we target precisely where help is needed. On top of that the work is both engaging and enjoyable for the student. Educational Advantage Having access to a tutor and the right tools is just part of the equation. Giving students access to tutor group study sessions and lessons, with expert advice on exam technique, helps them pass their exams. For GCSE students our tutors focus on how to get the best result they are capable of. By working jointly with a tutor and each other in tutor study groups they build confidence and gain additional skills in teamwork. Tutor group sessions can be added at very affordable prices. The reports give you and our tutors a complete road map of your children's progress.

Michael Starkey

michael starkey

Edinburgh

I’m Michael Starkey. I’m an experienced music tutor offering lessons for 5 string banjo and acoustic guitar in Edinburgh, Scotland. These are for individuals and groups of all ages and abilities who maybe don’t know how to get started with their playing; feel stuck with where their playing is at; or are looking to hone their skills further by developing specific playing techniques. I help musicians (and aspiring musicians): Get their playing off the ground by learning the basic skills needed to begin making music Appreciate their existing skills and build on these by offering advice and ways to move forward with their playing Gain confidence making music with other people Develop techniques specific to old time clawhammer banjo playing, fingerpicking folk and country-blues acoustic guitar and acoustic guitar accompaniment for traditional folk music My reasons for teaching: I believe that music has had a very positive impact on my life. I started playing as a young teenager and have always been in bands and going out to gigs and sessions since. For me, it’s a good way to spend time with other people but also with myself. I find that when I’m playing, I’m less likely to be worrying about other things. A bit later on, I came across clawhammer banjo and old time stringband music and got obsessed. I found that there weren’t that many people to play with or learn from where I live so I decided to take up banjo teaching. I like to travel in the US, learn from musicians there, pickup new tricks and tunes and then bring them back over here to share. My experience: I am a full time musician, teacher (and gardener). I had my first guitar student when I was a teenager. I work with individual students from my home in Leith and also teach group classes for the Scots Music Group in Edinburgh. In recent years as a community gardener I have worked in therapeutic horticulture with people struggling with their mental health and with individuals with Autism. I’ve also worked as a tree planter. I play in a number of different bands, have toured and gigged across the UK and have made a number of recordings. I also co-host a weekly old time music session in Edinburgh. Check out my personal website – michaelstarkeymusic.com to see and hear my latest projects. Get in touch….. If you are interested in banjo and/or guitar lessons then I’d like to hear from you. Please use the contact form or have a look at the other pages on the site to find out more about banjo lessons or guitar lessons. There is also a page with some field recordings and more information about old time music. I’ll leave you with this clip of fiddle player Jeri Foreman and myself playing the old-time tune, Five Miles of Ellum Wood.