Debby Jones

I am married with two grown-up children and am extremely happy to have become a grandmother last summer! I love being outside walking in the fresh air and countryside; I love spending time with my family; I love reading, knitting, watching films, as well as making music!

I was a primary school teacher for 25 years and have had experience of over 20 years of instrumental/theory, teaching all ages, from age 4 to adults of 85! (I have Qualified Teacher Status and my B.A. Hons degree is in Education and Music.)

I specialise in teaching beginners and can offer violin, flute, descant recorder, piano & keyboards, guitar (classical and acoustic), ukulele and singing at Beginner to Intermediate levels (depending on instrument), and up to and including Grade 5 Music Theory (which a student needs before moving onto Grade 6+).

I am also registered with the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (and can enter students for Trinity or Rock School exams), should a student wish to take exams. I am also enhanced DBS checked and hold public liability insurance.

I teach both online (see below) and from my home in Cinderford, in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire which has easy access of all local Forest areas, but also being approximately 30 minutes from Gloucester, 20 minutes from Ross-on-Wye, 25 minutes from Monmouth, 35 minutes from Ledbury and only 45 minutes from Hereford.

During Covid-19 Lockdown, I became very experienced with delivering online lessons via video-call. Although multiple students returned for face-to-face lessons, I have continued to deliver online lessons to many students, out of choice, and will continue to do so, if preferred, for either long-term, or on occasions where it is more convenient to do so.

I aim to make lessons fun, tapping into the student’s own musical interests and to include musical understanding/theory, sight-reading, aural training, practical theory, singing and improvisation as part of the lessons.

We usually begin lessons with a 'Listening Game'/aural, in order to warm up musical ears and develop understanding of the musical elements that are used in context during the lessons. Next, we will warm up, fingers/voice (depending on instrument), often using scales or chords and techniques relevant to the lesson. Most lessons include some improvisation (even at the early beginner stages) and elements of sight-reading, before looking at a couple of pieces. I produce clear practice notes after each lesson with a weekly 'key' for the student to aim to improve/achieve during their home practice.

Each instrument I teach have programmes that I have written, in progressive stages, with each lesson having a specific learning objective and adapt these for each individual student, being very experienced in both extending students and reinforcing learning when needed and thinking ‘on my feet’! I match the learning to the age, interest and goals of my students. I have experience working with children with ADHD and other Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.