Samuel J W Warner BMus (Hons), LRSM, MISM
About
As a versatile and open-minded musician, I have been fortunate enough to have taught a huge variety of players from all backgrounds, ages and abilities. I constantly seek inspiration for myself, to ensure this is reflected in my teaching, keeping students motivated.
I’ve helped my students to achieve music scholarships, gain places in National Youth ensembles, secure places to study music at further education and give them the confidence to receive excellent marks from exam boards including ABRSM, Trinity (classical and rock & pop), Rockschool and RGT.
My regular ensembles coaching covers everything from complete beginners (members joining after receiving approximately five-ten lessons), through the intermediate stages, all the way to post-grade 8 level symphony orchestras and adult amateur orchestras.
I graduated from Cardiff University Music Department, with first class results and scholarship awards for performance and analysis modules. Since graduating, I have taken a Licentiate diploma in cello performance (LRSM). I also hold Grade 8 certificates in piano, clarinet and music theory.
What I / we help young people achieve
It is my belief that progression is the most powerful motivator. Whether this be recognised by examination achievement, ensemble participation, or reaching mid to long term goals.
I will discuss what works best for the individual student, helping them to find the best way to get the most out of their lessons, reminding them that learning music is a journey, not a destination. I enjoy helping people to discover styles of music they may otherwise be unfamiliar, taking them out of their comfort zone, whilst also providing the opportunity to play pieces of their own choice, to maximise enjoyment of music making.
Being a well rounded musician is incredibly important to me, I help students to learn how to recognise the transferable skills and how powerful these are to all aspects of life.
Opportunities for children & young people
- To learn to play an instrument and / or develop skills on an instrument
- To learn to sing
- To create / write music and / or lyrics
- To develop recording /production skills
- 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
South Gloucestershire Music Hub
Cathedral Schools Trust, Bristol
Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music
Times
- Term Time
- After School
- Weekends
- School Holidays
- Project based
- Seasonal
- Drop in
Working with special needs
I’ve had experience teaching children with mild to severe autism, dyslexia, behavioural and pastoral issues, and arthritis.
Taught Instruments
- Woodwind
- Strings
- Guitar & Bass
- Recording & Producing
- Piano / Keyboard
- Music Theory
- Musical Director / Conductor
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
- Rockschool
- Duke of Edinburgh Award
Musical Clusters Covered
- Chippenham
- B-on-A / Corsham
- Trowbridge (CSL)
Endorsements
“My son had been taking regular lessons with a teacher whose teaching style began to impact on his confidence and we knew that we either had to find a new teacher or the cello lessons would stop. To stop lessons would have been such a shame after so many years of working through ABRSM grades. We knew of Sam through his involvement in the local music community and decided to get in touch. This was to be the single best decision we made. Sam was organised, enthusiastic, patient and engaged with my son at the right level for his age and cello playing experience. His positive attitude was infectious and my son began to enjoy playing his cello again and looked forward to his lessons. We are so grateful to Sam and wholeheartedly recommend him.” – Catherine, Graham & Matthew (Y13)
“Sam teaches Suzanne (11) the cello and Stephen (45!) beginner piano. He is an engaging and creative teacher. Sam regularly introduces new pieces from different genres into lessons, an approach which makes sight reaching a natural thing rather than a chore, and keeps up interest and challenge levels. At the core of his approach is that music is a wonderful and joyful thing, and that you should follow your instincts and interests when playing.” – The Finer family
“Dan ( and I ) are really enjoying your lessons. Being a background part of the sessions has been a brilliant step forward for me as a parent, being very aware of what you are teaching has meant much more meaningful practice as a shared experience. We love your dynamic approach in the lessons, your teaching style is highly engaging, fun and focussed. All time is used effectively with what feels like a huge amount of ground covered.”
“Sam is an outstanding energetic musician & performer who never lacks professionalism, knowledge and passion for teaching and performing music within orchestras and as a soloist. We know him more for his significant talents as a Cellist, but he is multitalented being able to peform & teach a diverse range of instruments. Sam is a pleasure to work with, he is always calm and no challenge is too great for Sam!” – Victoria (parent)
“Sam communicates really well with me as a parent, he sent lots of detailed info to help prepare for my son’s exam and keeps in touch regularly by email. He’s shared his enthusiasm for music by encouraging us to go to concerts and showing inspirational (and amusing) video clips.” – Fiona (parent)
“Sam has been an inspirational and fun cello teacher for my son. He has introduced a range of musical styles and supports the performing aspect of playing music by encouraging his pupils to learn a bit about the history of various composers. He applies the right level of encouragement to keep his pupils moving forward. I have already recommended Sam to several friends, and would do so again!” – Coralie (parent)
“Lucy really enjoyed her online lesson. She soon got used to need to take turns when speaking, and even with our slightly temperamental Wi-Fi, it worked really well. You talked her through exactly what you wanted her to do really clearly and very soon it didn’t feel very different from a normal lesson.” – Ruth (parent)
“I really enjoy my online clarinet lessons. I feel like it breaks up my school day and gives me something to look forward to. I think if I wasn’t doing online music lessons my clarinet skills wouldn’t be improving and I wouldn’t be learning new things to help me excel in my musical skills. I played the clarinet, along with some other residents on an accordion and violin for the NHS clap/support evening in our street, and I believe that my clarinet online lessons helped me enormously to learn a new piece of music each week. Online music lessons give people a chance to talk to someone else other than the people in their household and Sam makes them fun and interesting. I’m really glad I participate in it because it’s so good to have something different to do within your day.” – Jodi (Y10)
“Sam is fun and lively and he always goes the extra mile for me.” – Rory (Y5)
“Sam Warner is a good teacher who is very enthusiastic and always has constructive feedback to give me. I thought that it was great that he was able to accompany me in my exam.” – Annie (Y9)
“My daughter enjoys her cello lessons and finds Sam inspirational, he is a very committed teacher and offers the students lots of support.” – Zoe (parent)
My Training & Development
I constantly strive to improve my own instrumental technique and teaching resources/approach. I attend regular CPD provided by music hubs, recently covering topics such as behaviour management, quality assurance, and make the most of events run by ISM. I undertake regular training in first aid, safeguarding and child protection awareness.
Sharing good practice is always a high priority for me, I am always happy to suggest resources and my practice room door is always open to those who want to observe, and make constructive comments.
As a freelance cellist, I spend much of my time playing with string quartets, trios and as a soloist for events when I’m not teaching. I enjoy playing in pit bands for musical theatre shows, and regularly put on fundraising performance events with my wife. I constantly critique my own performance by recording myself.