Catherine Ring
About
Online Tuition Update: Since March 2020 I have been teaching piano via Zoom and other video call platforms. The lessons follow a similar structure to those face-to-face, with amendments made where necessary.
Having graduated from Guildhall School of Music & Drama (GSMD) with a First Class (Hons) degree in Percussion and Timpani, and with my Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) piano diploma, I am highly qualified to teach a range of instruments.
I have over a decade of teaching experience, both individually and leading whole-class and First Access programmes. I teach all ages from Early Years (aged 4 and above) through to adults.
I can provide individual lessons in piano, drums, orchestral percussion and tuned percussion, specialising in 4-mallet marimba.
My group lessons include Samba drumming and West African djembe drumming. This can be adapted for classroom percussion instruments where needed too.
As an examiner for ABRSM, I have extensive knowledge of the examination process, for those wishing to take music exams.
I have taught many beginners the foundations of musical learning, as well as gifted young musicians at Junior Guildhall School of Music & Drama. Recently I have given masterclasses in marimba solo repertoire to undergraduate and postgraduate students at GSMD too.
What I / we help young people achieve
Teaching, performing and listening to music are the things I love to do and I want that to come across through my teaching. I hope to inspire my students to become confident musicians and to encourage them to explore different strands of music making to become the best that they can be.
Individually:
My examining experience allows me to structure lessons towards achieving success in music exams at the appropriate time, and for those learners who prefer not to take exams, I have an extensive knowledge of suitable percussion and piano solo repertoire. I want lessons to be an enjoyable and relaxed environment, yet with clear set goals each week, progression is achievable through regular practise.
Group:
Samba and African Drumming workshops are a great way to encourage group work and musicality. I have seen students grow in confidence through taking solos and performing to their school in concerts and assemblies. This can be through one-off workshops, or as a weekly programme.
Early Years:
I teach piano students as young as 5 years old, and have experience working with Blackbird Music using samba drumming and initial skills to children as young as 4 in small groups.
Opportunities for children & young people
- To learn to play an instrument and / or develop skills on an instrument
- 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
Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM)
Colin Currie Group
Ensemblebash percussion quartet
Perhaps Contraption
Times
- Term Time
- After School
- Weekends
- School Holidays
- Project based
- Seasonal
- Drop in
Taught Instruments
- Drums / percussion
- Piano / Keyboard
Ages Taught
- 4 and under
- 5-6
- 7-10
- 11-13
- 14-15
- 16+
Level Taught
- Beginners
- Intermediate
- Advanced
- Tasters
Qualifications, Grades & Certificates Taught
- Instrument grades
- Arts Award
Musical Clusters Covered
- Chippenham
- B-on-A / Corsham
- Calne & Melksham
- Trowbridge (CSL)
- Marlborough & Pewsey
- Malmesbury / WB / Purton
- Amesbury
- Devizes
- Warminster
- Westbury
- Mere & Tisbury
- Tidworth
Endorsements
“Catherine was very friendly and capable. She fully engaged all the young people and their evaluations of the project were very positive” – Carers Bromley, 2014
My Training & Development
I love to learn so have been taking drumkit lessons again to enhance my technique and teaching practises.
Through ABRSM I receive regular training and information at meetings and conferences.
I regularly meet with colleagues and discuss teaching methods to broaden my knowledge and approach to teaching.