Find an Approved Tutor
York Music Hub has an extensive list of Approved Tutors offering a huge range of instrumental and vocal tuition. They all have DBS clearance and have undergone safeguarding training. Approved Tutors also adhere to the York Music Hub Code of Conduct and are observed regularly to ensure quality.
The filter below can be used to show Approved Tutors based on the musical instrument they teach.
A number of our Approved Tutors are currently offering online tuition. Tutors marked with a currently offer online tuition.
Become an Approved Tutor
If you would like to be included in our list of tutors, you need to be a teacher in the City of York, agree to our terms and conditions and complete the application form below. You will need to be part of the DBS update service, complete online safeguarding training, and also supply an up to date photograph.
We have currently suspended the processing of accepting applications pending the completion of our merge with North Yorkshire Music Hub. If you would like to be added to our list when we resume accepting applications please complete the form below:
Emma Leaman-Brown
- Cello
- Violin
Emma offers online tuition
Emma studied music at Sussex University and continued her interest in Baroque music as a post-graduate at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. As a professional musician and composer, she has contributed to a number of film, television and theatre projects as well as performing in many concerts around the UK as both a cellist and a recorder player.
Emma has been teaching cello and recorders to individuals and groups of all ages for over thirty-five years. Based in York for the last twenty years and previously in London, she teaches in several independent schools and privately. In addition to teaching in person, she is also now able to teach pupils through video calling.
Not everyone approaches music with confidence, even if they have a talent and enthusiasm that needs to be nurtured. Emma has particular experience and strengths with young people that benefit from a little more patience and encouragement. She has helped many pupils overcome their nervousness and grow into fine musicians.
Marcus Bousfield
- Guitar
- Viola
- Violin
Marcus offers online tuition
Marcus studied Violin with Haroutune Bedelian at Chethams school of Music in Manchester and with Erika Klemperer at the Guildhall School of Music in London. He studied Guitar with Fred T. Baker at the Birmingham Conservatoire of Music. He has worked as a freelance musician in both this country and abroad travelling as far afield as South Africa. He has been an instrumental teacher in York for the past 15 years and plays with several ensembles and orchestras including English National Orchestra. He has written and recorded string parts for groups including Ben Bruce (Asking Alexandria) and Shed Seven. His quartet performed for the Queen on her recent visit to York and has appeared on BBC Television and Radio. His previous pupils have gone on to become professional musicians in both teaching, performing and record producing. Marcus holds an Associate of Trinity College London (ATCL) and is working towards a fellowship. He is a founder member of York Strings Collective.
Candice Chan
- Flute
- Theory
Candice is a committed and motivating flute and music theory teacher, and is passionate about music education. She has over 20 years of teaching experience in both schools and private settings in Hong Kong and UK. She has seen hundreds of her students through graded practical and theory exams with excellent results. She studied Instrumental Teaching at the University of York and has got a Master Degree in Music Education.
Candice is confident in providing lesson plans to suit the learning objectives and styles of different students. Her aim is to keep the enjoyment in for every student at all levels or with different abilities.
Imogen Clarke
- Recorder
- Theory
- Viola
- Violin
Imogen offers online tuition
My name is Imogen, and I am a friendly and enthusiastic teacher, performing and working in the York and Leeds areas. As well as teaching privately, I currently teach violin and recorder in primary and secondary schools.
I am an experienced and well-qualified teacher. As well as teaching individuals of all ages, I am also happy to teach in small groups, for instance, siblings or friends learning together. As well as a Master of Arts degree in Music performance, I have a Postgraduate Diploma in Music Education: Instrumental and Vocal teaching.
I have experience in teaching both adults and children. My aim is to suit the lessons to each individual, and to ensure that each pupil gets the most out of and enjoys their experience. I always prioritise making sure that my students enjoy their lessons and the instrument they are learning.
I believe strongly that music is something that can be enjoyed by everyone. My teaching is focused on learning but also enjoyment and I feel that this principle is important for success. I incorporate Kodaly and Suzuki pedagogies into my teaching, for example, by including singing games and rhythms with younger pupils, and music theory and memory with older students, to develop well-rounded musicians. Please do get in touch with me if you feel I would meet your needs.
Hannah Crawford
- Theory
- Ukulele
- Viola
- Violin
Hannah offers online tuition
I am an approved tutor with over 12 years of professional teaching experience working both privately and for York Arts Education. I teach from home and provide individual and group lessons in primary and secondary schools around York.
Many of my students achieve distinction and merit up to grade 8 ABRSM. I have a 100% pass rate and some of my students have gone on to gain music scholarships to York’s prestigious private schools.
In addition to my regular teaching I also run whole class world drumming sessions for KS1 and KS2, weekly sessions for nursery and reception children, co-conduct the Junior String Orchestra at York Music Centre and have experience rehearsing intermediate and senior orchestras.
While studying for my Community Music MA at The University of York, I facilitated rehearsals of All Seasons Community Orchestra and created both the Music Development course and a series of percussion based workshops for rehabilitation at Converge, an organisation based at York St John University supporting mental health service users.
I also contributed to the writing of a paper published in the International Community Music Journal.
I am a passionate advocate for the value of music education and believe music has the power to support diversity, self confidence and wellbeing. I conduct myself with generosity of spirit, praise the efforts of my students and celebrate their success.
Matthew Crisp
- Theory
- Violin
My work spans four musical strands: performance, collaboration, education and participation. Each strand is a vital part of my musical life but they are all interconnected and constantly overlapping.
In 2019 I graduated from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance having built an extensive performing experience of solo, recital, chamber and orchestral repertoire under the tutelage of Diana Cummings. My studies have also taken me to the International Academy of Musical Excellence leading to performances in Graz and Vienna.
Please get in touch if you are interested in violin lessons.
My teaching pledge:
I teach every student uniquely, responding to the needs and wishes of each individual.
I teach sophisticated technique to every student right from the start.
I teach every student to the best of their ability.
My role as a teacher is to enable my students to express themselves through their music-making.
I teach all ages and abilities and can also offer bespoke music sessions to fit your needs. As well as teaching, sessions can include:
Family music time
Music for babies and toddlers
Musical storytelling
Music games for children
Guided music play for siblings
Help with practice
Music theory
Mentoring
For more information, do visit my website: https://www.matthewcrispmusician.com
Elise Fairbairn
Based in North Yorkshire, UK, Elise is a flute player with strong interests and focus on musical performance and interpretation. Elise studied at the University of Hull, where she specialised in solo contemporary works of the 20th Century and New Music of the 21st Century. This experience has utilised her with advanced experience across the whole flute range, as well as performing with live electronics. Elise has a keen interest in body mechanics, and since 2020, has been a member of the rarescale Flute Academy.
As an educator, Elise has been teaching music theory and flute since 2019, using the methods and techniques of Alexander, Dalcroze and Kodály. Since September 2021, Elise has been working with In Harmony Sage Gateshead teaching flute and leading the Wind Orchestra. In 2019, Elise was awarded the second prize winner in the Young Artist category at the annual British Flute Society competition.
Tim Farnhill
- Flute
- Piano/Keyboards
- Theory
Tim offers online tuition
I am an experienced and passionate music educator, based in York, teaching piano, flute and keyboard. I teach all ages and all standards. For more information, please visit my website: www.timfarnhill.com
Jonathan Hepworth
- Bass Guitar
- Drums
- Guitar
- Piano/Keyboards
- Vocal
BA (Hons) in music, grade 8 guitar and grade 5 theory. I am a tutor at Rocks N Pops teaching bands and instrumental lessons in primary schools across York. I can teach a range of styles including rock, pop, ska, reggae, folk, blues, hip hop, metal and indie and all of the appropriate techniques involved. I play in various bands and perform regularly. Also in my work with Rocks N Pops (and outside Rocks N Pops) I record, engineer and produce music in the studio and my mobile studio. I am a big believer in helping students build a passion for music first and foremost. If they love what they’re doing they can do anything they set their sights on!
Jonny Hill
- Vocal
Jonny Hill has just finished studying his Postgraduate Diploma in opera at the Royal Northern
College of Music under the tutelage of Quentin Hayes as the Drapers’ de Turckheim Scholar. As well as studying, Jonny has recently become a Bass Vicar Choral at York Minster. He is also a freelance ensemble singer in the North of England and regularly sings with the professional chamber choir Kantos.
Jonny has also been involved in a number of Opera’s over the past few years in Leeds,
Cumbria and Manchester. Last year Jonny performed the role of Sir Thomas Bertram in RNCM’s production of Mansfield Park. In 2022 he worked with British youth opera as a member of the chorus for their production of Sir John in Love. He has starred in Cumbria Opera Groups production of Cosi fan tutte and performed the role of Leporello in Leeds University’s production of Don Giovanni. Jonny has also performed as the character Goffredo in the stage premier of Judith Weir’s Armida and The Armchair and The Black cat in Ravel’s L'enfant et les sortilèges with the University of Manchester. As well as these Jonathan has had the privilege of performing in the chorus for Opera North’s production of Silent night by Kevin Putts and Bergen National Opera’s production of Britten’s Peter Grimes.
Andy Jennings
- Drums
- Percussion
Since graduating from the University of Salford in 2004, I have worked as a professional/semi-professional musician and as a peripatetic drum tutor. I have been fortunate enough to have toured central Europe extensively and have played as far afield as America, Canada and Mexico. I’ve played in venues from Murrayfield to Shepherds Bush Empire to Reading & Leeds Festivals, supporting artists such as Bryan Adams, Kings of Leon, Paulo Nutini and Elbow along the way.
Lessons are designed to focus on what the individual needs and can cover a wide range of musical genres; from rock bands to orchestras and everything in between. From beginners to advanced, for players of all ages, tuition is available at a pace that suits the individual.
Jessica Kettlewell
Kristl Kirk
- Piano/Keyboards
With 30 years of experience accompanying and performing, I also teach piano and music theory. I prefer to centre lessons around the student’s goals, which can include anything from preparing for exams, learning to improvise, studying theory, composing or merely playing pieces for enjoyment. I teach individual and group lessons. I have some experience teaching neurodivergent students; dyslexia and music education is the specific focus of my current research at the University of York (PhD student). I enjoy working with students of all ages and abilities.
Nina Kumin
Emmanuel Kuudzadombo
Karen Langtree
- Piano/Keyboards
- Vocal
Karen offers online tuition
Karen is a musician, writer and composer. She writes musicals for schools and books for children. She has been a primary school teacher for over 15 years and in 2012 decided to become a private and peripatetic piano and singing teacher. She has over 40 pupils ranging from absolute beginner to grade 7 standard. Her pupils range in age from 6 to sixty something. She has qualifications up to Grade 7 in piano and grade 8 in singing. Karen loves to encourage creativity in her teaching, so includes improvisation and composition in her teaching. She also teaches theory to grade 5. Not everyone wants to do grades of course, so Karen is flexible in her teaching methods and develops a unique pathway of learning for each pupil. She hosts a concert once a year to include as many of her pupils as want to take part, and a summer barbecue and open mic. She also encourages other opportunities for her pupils to perform throughout the year.
Vanessa Lee
- Flute
- Piano/Keyboards
- Recorder
- Theory
- Ukulele
- Vocal
I am an experienced Music tutor, teaching Flute, Piano, Singing, Recorder, Ukulele and Music Theory. I offer tuition at all levels. Please refer to my website at https://musicleev.wixsite.com/studio71/home
I look forward to sharing and facilitating your musical journey.
Rachel Letham
- Clarinet
- Flute
- Oboe
- Piano/Keyboards
- Saxophone
- Theory
Rachel offers online tuition
Rachel graduated from Birmingham Conservatoire in 1994 with a BA(Hons) in music majoring in piano and oboe. She then went on to complete a MA in music therapy.
After qualifying as a teacher, she went on to teach in a number of secondary schools in York whilst also teaching piano and oboe privately. Rachel then joined the peripatetic music service in York as a woodwind specialist teaching oboe, flute, clarinet and sax and now teaches across the city and on a private basis. Rachel also teaches music theory privately and at York Music Centre.
Jessa Liversidge
- Piano/Keyboards
- Vocal
Jessa offers online tuition
Jessa Liversidge is an experienced and empathetic teacher, specialising in singing across a wide range of styles. A qualified vocal health first aider, Jessa works with singers of all ages on finding their authentic voice and finding the joy in singing, whether they aim to make music their career, work towards exams, or improve their general confidence and wellbeing through music.
Sarah Loughran
- Viola
- Violin
Sarah offers online tuition
Violin and Viola teacher available for online or in-person lessons.
Rosie Lynch
- Clarinet
- Flute
- Oboe
- Recorder
- Saxophone
Rosie offers online tuition
I am an oboist, classically trained, teaching oboe, flute, clarinet, saxophone and recorder to beginners upwards, of any age.
My commitment to providing accessible, enjoyable tuition for all, at competitive rates, focuses on the individual needs and development of each student in their musical journey, in turn promoting self-confidence in other areas of their lives. As an Approved Tutor though York Music Hub and York Arts Education, I have nine years’ experience teaching in schools throughout York and privately. I also continue to offer online tuition, having adapted quickly to this medium when the first lockdown was announced in 2020.
I am currently undertaking a PhD in Music at York University. I have an MA Music (Merit) from York University, BA Hons (2:1) In English from Lancaster University, an ABRSM Diploma in Performance, Grade 8 Oboe (Distinction). I perform with the university Baroque Ensemble, as well as in local orchestras and ensembles, also playing oboe and cor anglais in pit bands for musical theatre productions in and around York.
Adam McGuinn
- Guitar
I am a professional session guitarist that has been earning a living by performing, recording and teaching music. I have successfully taught students from learning how to hold their instruments in their very first sessions through to performing live shows, writing and recording music, graduating to music college and, in some cases, becoming professional musicians themselves. I am experienced in preparing students for their grades 1 - 8 in all the major examination boards, and I am very proud to boast a 97% pass - distinction rate across the numerous students that have studied with me over the years.
My qualifications include:
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Grade 8 ABRSM in Classical Guitar Studies
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Grade 8 RSL in Contemporary Guitar Studies
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BA in Jazz and Popular Music
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Above all, I ensure that all my sessions are adapted to the individual needs of the student. Some students attend my sessions as a means to use their music time to detach from the strains and stresses of everyday life. In our sessions we will work together so that you get the most out of each session and, fundamentally, walk out of our lessons feeling more enlightened and enriched than when you walked in. Please feel free to look at my website for where you will find some online tutorials and examples of my work:
Connor McLean
Nichola O'Connell
Alisun Pawley
- Theory
- Vocal
Alisun Pawley is a singer, teacher and musicologist with over 20 years
experience in music education. She has taught in a variety of contexts,
including schools, colleges, universities, music schools and arts centres.
She currently teaches singing at Fishergate Primary School, Knavesmire
Primary School, Millthorpe School and online.
Alisun has a responsive, engaging teaching style that enables students
to progress in technique, performance, creativity and musicality. Lessons
cover different vocal styles, including pop, musical theatre, folk and
classical. Students can work towards graded singing exams, should they
wish to. Most of all, there is a focus on enjoyment!
Alisun studied vocal performance at New College of Florida, University
of Newcastle and University of York. She currently sings with The Ebor
Singers and Ex Corde Vocal Ensemble, including regular performances,
recordings, tours, and broadcasts on BBC Radio and Classic FM.
Growing up in Miami, Florida, Alisun now lives in York with her family.
She also plays piano and violin, and has a PhD in “singalongability.”
Daniel Saddington
- Guitar
Oliver Seton
Kyle Sherwin
- Brass
- Trumpet
Kyle offers online tuition
Peripatetic Brass tutor in and around the York Area, Musical Director and Tutor for the RI Development Band, Senior Tutor and Musical Director of the beginners and Development bands at Easingwold Town Band.
Bronwen Tuffen
- Clarinet
- Piano/Keyboards
- Recorder
- Saxophone
I have been teaching Clarinet, Saxophone and Piano in Primary schools and privately for around 10 years. I have a degree in Music and an MSc in Music Technology as well as Grade 8 in all three instruments.
Richard Wilton
- Brass
- Clarinet
- Horn
- Saxophone
- Trumpet
Richard offers online tuition
Peter Woodrow
- Brass
Peter Woodrow is an accomplished Music Educator with a strong background in
performance and composition. He graduated from Huddersfield University and served as
principal flugelhorn of the University of Huddersfield Brass Band, under the renowned Philip
McCann. Following his graduation, Peter completed a Postgraduate Certificate of Education
with 'Outstanding' merit.
Following his travels through Europe, Peter secured a position at Malton School, where he
successfully managed a single-man department. Starting with a blank canvas, he
significantly enhanced the school's music provision by establishing various ensembles,
including choirs, Jazz band, Soul band, Orchestra, Show band, and a Massed Primary
School Orchestra. His efforts were recognised in his first year with the Newly Qualified
Teacher of the Year award in North Yorkshire and a nomination for the 'Pride of Malton and
Norton Award' due to his contributions to youth music and the community.
During his time at Malton School, Peter increased GCSE and A-Level music enrollment well
above the national average, with over 10% of the student body actively participating in
musical opportunities. Highlights of his career include taking his students to the Royal
College of Music, the Royal Albert Hall, and the Music for Youth National Festival. Outside of
school, Peter assumed the role of Musical Director for the Swinton District and Excelsior
Brass Band, where he successfully led the band in the North of England Championships.
Since relocating to Thirsk, Peter has dedicated himself to enhancing the local brass music
scene through 'Woodrow Tuition.' Peter feels privileged to have performed with some of the
finest brass musicians under the direction of leading brass conductors in the country. As a
current cornet player with the North of England Champions, Easington Colliery Brass Band,
he brings a wealth of experience to his roles. Currently, Peter serves as the Brass Specialist
at Thirsk School, Resident Tutor of various Brass Bands and is excited to take on an
additional role as the Brass Specialist of Terrington Hall Prep School in September.
He is successfully collaborating with local schools and community groups, recently
organising a brass workshop for over 50 students from six different schools in partnership
with Brass Bands England and other organisations. "The day was a huge success," Peter
notes, "It's vital to have local schools on board with the youth music movement and the
opportunities and life skills it brings to our young people."
Peter continues to passionately promote music education, inspiring young musicians, and
fostering a vibrant musical community.
