Music Tuition

I have always been musical, and as a child I was inspired to take piano lessons by my grandfather, whose own father had studied with Edward Elgar. I studied piano and singing and performed many times at the Torbay Music Festival throughout my childhood. I have now been Chair of the music festival for 10 years, which has recently relocated to TGGS. 

I studied Psychology at Plymouth University before training as a primary school teacher, completing my PGCE at Exeter University. My background in psychology underpins my approach to both teaching and performance, shaping how I perform and how I support my pupils in preparing to perform.

I first began giving piano lessons while teaching and living in Dubai in 2005. In January 2025, I was awarded a distinction in the ARSM in Music Teaching with ABRSM, and at that time I was one of only eight teachers worldwide to achieve this qualification. I am now working towards the LRSM, with the aim of completing the FRSM—the highest music teaching qualification—over the next two years.

I remain committed to ongoing professional development. I am an active member of the European Piano Teachers Association (EPTA), having attended their European conference in Slovenia in October 2025, and I will be attending the 2026 conference in Tallinn this summer.

I firmly believe that the teaching I provide offers carefully considered, personalised learning, grounded in extensive experience and training, and represents excellent value. As parents, we all (quite rightly) expect the highest standards of education and a strong return on our investment.

I have been teaching drums and percussion throughout Devon for thirty years. After gaining a degree in Music at Bath Spa University, I moved back to Devon and went straight into teaching and playing throughout Devon, Cornwall and Somerset. I continue to play in a variety of bands and theatre shows throughout the South West, from Abba, to Blur, to Motown tribute shows, as well as performing regularly with Country, Funk, Soul, Rock, Jazz, Folk and Electronic Dance acts.

I have a passion for drums and drummers. In 2024, I started a YouTube channel where I have interviewed drummers from bands such as Bastille, Chase & Status, Dermot Kennedy, Pendulum, Phil Collins and Genesis. Drumming is my life and I want to help grow the next generation of drummers through education.

Originally from Bournemouth, Steve studied classical guitar from the age of 10.

He turned professional in 1984, working as a freelance musician, and amassed fifteen major holiday centre summer seasons as a resident house band guitarist, and eight professional winter show/pantomimes for theatre companies including E&B Productions London.

Steve also spent several years as guitarist and vocalist in the late Mike Morris London function band, working mainly West End of London Hotels. He also has worked, on occasion, for the Ray McVay Orchestra and the Sid Lawrence Orchestra (now run by Chris Dean).  Steve was employed as resident guitarist on one cruise ship, worked abroad as the house band guitarist at the Dubai Marine Hotel Cabaret room, and spent a winter as guitarist/vocalist as part of a trio in Gran Canaria.

Steve still does the occasional Amateur Dramatic theatre show for The Plymouth Theatre Company, and the odd Big Band live performance. 

However these days, as well as running a busy private teaching practice, both from home and as a peripatetic teacher in schools,  he also works as a music and theatre examiner for London College of Music Examinations (LCME).

Several of his pupils are now professional  musicians / teachers themselves…

Instruments Taught:

Classical Guitar
Acoustic Guitar
Electric Guitar
Bass Guitar
Ukulele.

After a degree in music at Exeter University, (singing and piano), Helen completed a two year postgrad in vocal studies at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, where she was selected for the college’s Opera course, run by Donald Maxwell and was winner of the Shirley Bassey scholarship.

She has performed in most of the mezzo Gilbert and Sullivan roles in Plymouth; and appeared at the International G and S Festival in Buxton, with the G and S Opera Company. She has experience in operatic roles including Carmen, Prince Charming (Cendrillon), Eurydice (Orpheus in the Underworld), Flora (La Traviata), witch (Macbeth) and Papagena (Magic Flute).

Helen has sung as a soloist with the CBSO and Bournemouth Symphony Orchestras; as well as with Torbay Symphony, Radio Light and Exeter University Symphony Orchestras.  She has also performed and recorded with the BBC National Chorus of Wales for Radio and television as well as commercial recordings.

When not working classically, Helen follows her true love of Musical Theatre. She has performed in various musicals across the South West, with her favourite roles including Evita, Nancy (Oliver), Lady of the Lake (Spamalot) and Eliza (My Fair Lady). Last year, Helen appeared as Florence in 'Chess' at the Hall for Cornwall and Princess Theatre Torquay, and as Diane in the regional premiere of  'Come from Away' at the Palace Theatre, Paignton, with TOPS.

Aside of teaching both adults and secondary age students, Helen runs a work's choir for Stephens Scown Solicitors in Truro and Exeter, and is assistant MD of PGS Theatre Company in Plymouth. She will be appearing as soloist with Plymouth Philharmonic choir in Vivaldi's Gloria, in July at St Andrews Church, Plymouth, and is MD for the PGS summer tour of HMS Pinafore.

Helen has a lot of experience across years of teaching and performing, and a huge passion for vocal coaching to give students the tools they require to sing across a wide range of vocal styles, from pop, to Musical Theatre, to Classical genres. Excellent technique provides singers with the vocal health and strength to continue singing long into their futures. Previous students have studied up to and including vocal diplomas, and gone on to Musical Theatre courses and music degrees. She hopes to infect all her students with the magic of performing and expression through the story telling of music, as well as through the camaraderie and close harmony work of the chamber choir at TGGS, which Helen runs.

With over 10 years of teaching experience, I provide engaging and supportive singing, and piano lessons for students of all ages and abilities. I hold a BA (Hons) in Music and specialise in helping students build confidence, develop strong technique, and enjoy their musical journey. Lessons are available for complete beginners through to diploma level.

Alongside instrumental tuition, I offer music theory lessons to support students preparing for ABRSM exams, GCSE and A Level Music, and I also play as an accompanist for exams. 

Students have the option to work towards graded exams in Musical Theatre, Pop & Rock, and Classical (singing or piano), with preparation available for ABRSM, Trinity, LCM, and RSL exam boards. My students have a high distinction rate in their exam results, with over 90% gaining this in Pop/Rock & Musical Theatre exams.

All lessons are tailored to the individual, using a student-led approach that encourages creativity and exploration across a range of musical styles. Whether your goal is to take exams, learn your favourite songs, or develop performance skills & techniques, lessons are designed to suit you.

In addition to teaching, I perform regularly as a wedding and events musician across the South West. I continually expand my repertoire, bringing fresh material and real-world performance experience into lessons. This allows me to support students not only in their technical development but also in building stage presence and performance confidence.

 I have enjoyed working as a music educator in Devon for more than 45 years, teaching pupils of all ages from beginners to advanced levels in clarinet, saxophone and flute. I am proud to say that my pupils have achieved outstanding results whilst enjoying lessons and working to fulfil their potential.

I graduated from Leeds College of Music in 1977 and Rolle College (Education) in 1981. I began my teaching career in Devon and successfully held a number of management positions (Area Music Coordinator for West Devon & Head of Woodwind for Devon Youth Music), before leading the development of Devon’s award-winning Music Service from 1992 to 2018, and holding the position of Principal Adviser to the Devon Music Education Hub Board from 2012. As part of my teaching role, I also directed Devon Youth Jazz Orchestra for more than 20 years.

In my professional playing career, I have performed with a range of international artists and featured on a number of commercial recordings. I have led the premier West Country Big Band AJs for many years, led the Big Band at Britannia Royal Naval College, and continue to perform regularly in the Southwest.

I hold an Enhanced Certificate from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and take part in regular Pupil Safeguarding training sessions.

Lessons are delivered in school (10-12 each term, depending on the length of the school term) and invoices are issued towards the end of each term.  I also currently organise a Reeds Ensemble in school for girls to experience ensemble playing, and take part in both school and public performances – no additional cost.

Heidi completed her acting training at the University of Michigan in the USA, and obtained a Master's degree in English Language and Education from the University of Reading in the UK. Heidi holds a full qualification as a Drama teacher, with Enhanced DBS clearance. Her background includes being the Head of the Drama Department at St. Margaret’s School in Exeter and Stoodley Knowle in Torquay, where she also taught GCSE and A Level Drama. She is an examiner for LAMDA, with two of her students achieving perfect scores in their recent exams.

Heidi's expertise lies in Acting, Musical Theatre, Public Speaking, Verse and Prose, and Shakespeare for all age groups. Since 2012, Heidi has specialised in teaching LAMDA, initially at Stoodley Knowle and later being invited to deliver the LAMDA syllabus at Churston Ferrers Grammar School in 2015. Currently, she is actively teaching Drama and leading lessons at schools in Torbay. Heidi’s passion for the performing arts extends beyond the classroom, as Heidi frequently conducts workshops and masterclasses that inspire and nurture young talent. Heidi's dedication to Drama is evident through her volunteer work with local theatre groups and her ongoing efforts to promote the art. She believes that drama and performance are powerful tools for personal development, helping individuals build confidence, empathy, and communication skills. In addition to this, Heidi has directed numerous theatre productions for both children and adults and has made appearances in popular shows such as Poldark, Broadchurch, The White Princess, and The Coroner. She is also a committee member for the Torbay Drama Festival.

I am an experienced piano teacher with over 30 years of teaching students of all ages and abilities, from beginners to advanced level.

Trained at Trinity College of Music, London, I combine a strong classical foundation with a wide range of professional performance experience.

My teaching focuses on developing confidence, technique, and a genuine enjoyment of music, with lessons tailored to each individual student. I prepare pupils for graded examinations and auditions where appropriate, while also supporting those who wish to play for enjoyment.

I hold a current DBS certificate and up-to-date safeguarding training.

Please see my website for more information about me as both a teacher and performer. www.miketaylorpiano.com

A classically trained actor with teaching abilities and assessment skills to help students of diverse backgrounds and abilities. Focused on meeting students at personal skill levels to encourage development and improve performance skills. Dedicated to student success and maintaining positive environment.

As well as LAMDA work, I also undertake theatre work and projects, audio work and medical role playing. LAMDA is for any students with an interest in acting and the performing arts.

LAMDA is the oldest drama schools in the UK and their syllabus is designed to enhance and build confidence through theatre and performance skills, encouraging teamwork and creativity

You will work towards taking LAMDA performance examinations that are graded

The grades are recognised by Universities and Drama schools and provide UCAS points.

30 minute lesson = £18.00 or £9.00 for a duologue

With over a decade of teaching experience and an ARSM diploma in Music Performance, I am a dedicated and enthusiastic piano teacher committed to helping students of all ages and abilities. I teach both piano and music theory, supporting learners from complete beginners through to advanced levels, including graded examinations and diploma preparation, with ABRSM and Trinity exam boards.

Alongside one-to-one piano tuition, I offer music theory support and accompaniment for instrumental exams, providing a well-rounded musical education tailored to each student’s goals.

My teaching approach is rooted in a genuine passion for music and a strong belief in nurturing both skill and enjoyment. Lessons are engaging, varied, and personalised to keep students motivated while developing solid technical foundations and musical understanding. I aim not only to build ability, but to inspire a lifelong appreciation of music.

I take pride in supporting students through every stage of their musical journey—from managing practice routines and exam preparation to building confidence in performance. One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is helping students recognise their potential and achieve things they once thought were out of reach.