Tuition

I have run a successful private teaching practice at my studio near Norwich, offering tuition in drumkit and percussion; piano and electronic keyboards; music technology and production; and music theory since 2007.
In that time, my students have achieved grade exam successes at every level; gone on to study music at A-Level, and at prestigious universities; formed or joined bands; played gigs and recordings of their own; and written and produced their own songs.
Remix workshop at Keyboard Camp (Photo: Hannah Brigham)
Remix Workshop At Keyboard Camp · Hannah Brigham

I believe that my students benefit hugely from the tuition of a gigging professional with contemporary, real-world music industry experience, and from learning within a professional studio environment from day one. All my skills are road-tested on my own gigs and tours, and are passed onto my students having gained the seal of approval from multiple artists, musical directors and band leaders.

In 2008 I joined the Norfolk Keyboard Orchestra team, working on the first of our now-famous Keyboard Camp residential courses for piano and keyboard students. The work I do with NKO is extremely important to me, and Keyboard Camp – now into its sixteenth year – is a powerful vehicle for introducing students to ensemble playing and a collaborative music experience. In recent years, we have been proud to welcome former students to the team as tutors, and they credit NKO with a significant amount of their personal and musical development.

SEYO percussionists in rehearsal (photo by Jana Svobodová)
SEYO Percussionists In Rehearsal · Jana Svobodová

In 2011 I was brought into Sistema In Norwich (then part of a three-pronged government pilot scheme called In Harmony Norwich, which also included ‘In Harmony’ nucleos in Lambeth and Liverpool) to work as a percussion tutor.

Based on the famous, transformative El Sistema programme pioneered in Venezuela, Sistema In Norwich is focused on using orchestral music as a vehicle for social change and wellbeing. I was immensley proud to be involved in this vital work, using my skills as a musician to make a difference to children growing up in my home city. As part of my Sistema teaching, I had the opportunity to work alongside some incredible educators and musicians, and to link up with Sistema-inspired nucleos from all over the world during residential courses and summer schools wih Sistema Europe in Milan.

During eight years working with Sistema In Norwich I was able to witness first-hand what an extraordinary difference this project can make in the lives of the young people we work with. The El Sistema philosophy is a fantastic lens through which to view arts education generally, and has helped to shape a lot of my approach to teaching in all areas.

I am passionate about making music accessible for everyone, and I believe that learning to express yourself on a musical instrument is one of the greatest joys we have in life. Whatever your age or current ability and understanding is, if you are keen to learn more about music you can see a brief ovreview of what I can offer below – or feel free to contact me to talk about how we can achieve your musical goals together.

Drumkit / Percussion

I teach drumkit and percussion students from beginner to advanced level, and I have an excellent record of success with entries for the RSL and Trinity graded exams at all levels.

All my lessons are tailored to suit the aims and needs of individual students, with a strong focus on technique and musicianship skills.

Piano / Keyboard

I teach piano students to the ABRSM or Trinity graded piano exam syllabus. I am happy teaching to a classical or a jazz piano style, according to individual students’ aims and needs.

I also teach electronic keyboard as a solo instrument, to the Trinity Guildhall graded exam syllabus – or as a part of a band, including techniques such as sequencing, synthesizer programming, etc.

I also teach piano and electronic keyboard in local schools, and with the Norfolk Keyboard Orchestra.

Music Technology

I teach music technology to the RSL music production exam syllabus, and students can benefit from the opportunity to hone their skills on top-quality recording equipment in a professional studio environment.

My experiences of working on both sides of the console – as a session musician, and as an engineer – help me to prepare my students for a life working in the music industry.

Theory Of Music

Although I usually incorporate some elements of music theory into percussion and keyboard lessons, I can also offer separate theory tuition, if needed. I teach music theory to the ABRSM grade exam syllabus – including specialist coaching for instrumental students looking to acquire Grade 5 Theory – and I can also offer extra help with GCSE or A-Level music revision as required.

Whether students are looking to focus on songwriting, composing and arranging music; listening and analysis; or just want to improve their general music knowledge to complement their playing, I’ll be able to help my students gain a better understanding of the theoretical side of music in many different styles.

Kit Marsden // Musician