Bob Ball
About
I have been teaching Guitar/Bass in schools and privately since 2005, I have a wealth of experience working in both Primary and Secondary schools on a mainly one to one/pairs basis, although as and when needed I do teach small groups and ensembles.
I have studied at the Guitar Institute in London (2003) and am a grade 8 (distinction) on electric guitar and am efficient on acoustic guitar, Bass Guitar, Mandolin, Ukulele, Synths and drum machines.
I work with Devizes Musical Theatre as a pit musician and play in a couple of Rock bands that perform regularly around the country.
What I / we help young people achieve
I aim to help my students get the most out of their music, I work with primary school students up to GCSE/A level students and help to prepare them for performances and final exams. In addition to following the school curriculum I encourage my students to work towards Trinity Rock and Pop/Rock school grades, I have a 100% pass rate with the majority of students getting much higher.
Above all, my aim is to ensure that students enjoy playing an instrument, I encourage creativity through songwriting and improvisation.
Opportunities for children & young people
- To learn to play an instrument and / or develop skills on an instrument
- To create / write music and / or lyrics
- To play, perform music with others
- To learn things about oneself , other subjects or life-skills through musical activity
- To work with and support other young musicians
- To develop their wellbeing
Also Works With
Swindon Music Service (Swindon Young Musicians)
Bradon Forest School (Secondary)
Matravers School (Secondary)
Aloeric School (primary)
Seagry School (primary)
Times
- Term Time
- After School
- Weekends
- School Holidays
Working with special needs
I teach several students on the Autistic spectrum and a Partially sighted older student. I keep my lessons very inclusive and am able to adapt the lessons to the students individual needs.
Taught Instruments
- Guitar & Bass
- Ukulele
- Music Theory
- Songwriting / Composition
- Digital Music
- Music Production
Ages Taught
- 5-6
- 7-10
- 11-13
- 14-15
- 16+
Level Taught
- Beginners
- Intermediate
- Advanced
- Tasters
Qualifications, Grades & Certificates Taught
- Instrument grades
- Rockschool
- Duke of Edinburgh Award
Musical Clusters Covered
- Chippenham
- B-on-A / Corsham
- Calne & Melksham
- Trowbridge (CSL)
- Salisbury / Wilton
- Marlborough & Pewsey
- Downton
- Malmesbury / WB / Purton
- Amesbury
- Devizes
- Warminster
- Westbury
- Mere & Tisbury
- Tidworth
My Training & Development
I am subjected to regular performance reviews at all schools in which I Teach, this is part of ongoing quality assurance. I liaise with classroom teachers to keep me updated with the current curriculum so that I can tailor my lessons accordingly.
I have undertaken online courses (Artemis) regarding child safety and protection, this was by request of the Swindon Music Service.
I attended the Prevent training course at Bradon Forest school.
At Matravers school, I have attended a child protection course. This included policies specific to the school as well as more general advice.
I have attended a Seminar regarding music teaching and autistic students.