tony barber music - piano tuition in ponteland
Music has played an important part in my life since primary school days. At
first I learnt organ, - the electronic organ was having its heyday and I was
fully involved. As a young teenager I would demonstrate these instruments for
local retailers at 'road show' events throughout Northern Ireland. A major
highlight was performing at a public concert in the Ulster Hall, Belfast, along
with organ legend Reginald Dixon (of Tower Ballroom Blackpool, Wurlitzer fame)
when I was only 14 years of age. At the same time I was progressing with my
formal music education both at school (A-Level Music), and with private tutors
on both classical organ & piano. I successfully passed ABRSM (Associated Board
of the Royal School of Music) Grade 8 at the age of 17, and later went on to
earn 'merit' in a Guildhall School of Music Performance Exam. I have held the
post of organist and choirmaster at churches in Northern Ireland and here in the
North East. I have also provided entertainment (Organ & Drums Duo) at functions
and dinner dances, and performed on both Radio & TV. My teaching experience
spans 30+ years, and to help me continue progressing in my understanding of
latest teaching ideas I've attended a number of ABRSM professional development
sessions, and completed their highly respected and accredited Teaching Music
Effectively course. I also participated in a two day Music Teacher Conference
entitled Nurturing potential, Encouraging success. And, in association with
Music Mark, attended Musical Progression and the role of assessment sessions to
keep my skills right up to date.
