Karen Barr
Other Info
Qualification(s): Classical guitar - Grade 8; Piano - Grade 7; Electronic keyboard - Grade 5; Music theory - Grade 5Teaching Preferences: I teach from my home in Borehamwood. I offer 30 min lessons to students. Please note: I have cats living here, so if you're scared or allergic, I'm sorry, but you'll need someone else! Also there is no space for parents to wait during a lesson, so you'd need to be prepared to find something to do for half an hour.
Despite being trained as a Dispensing Optician, I entered the world of Instrumental Music teaching in 1990 after my first child. I have loved music all my life, and having recognised its importance in my own development, am keen to pass that on to others. Many of my past students have gone on to follow music as a career in some way, or have gone on to study it further. My first instrument was recorder, which I taught myself at the age of 7. I went on to study Classical Guitar and took my Grade 8. I also studied piano and took my Grade 7 which enabled me to teach myself keyboard. I took the highest level Electronic Keyboard exam at the time and now find that it’s my most popular instrument in schools. For my own self-improvement, I also studied and took Grade 5 Theory (which I passed with 100%!)
I have been giving instrumental lessons for over 25 years both privately and in schools. I have an excellent success rate in exams and most of my students pass with Merit or Distinction, even at the highest levels. I am experienced in all age groups from 5+
I currently teach in 6 different schools for the local music services, and from home. I have an annual student concert, called the Grandma Becky Music Concert which I have run for over 17 years. I believe performance is a very important part of music learning.
I like to work methodically through tutor books with the aim of working towards exams for the student, where possible. I believe this sort of goal setting is important and motivates students to practise and therefore progress.
I should add that I have cats, so if there are any problems with allergies etc, I apologise, but I’m not for you!
Also, I should point out that parents can’t stay during the lesson as I don’t have sufficient space for a waiting area.
Other Info
Qualification(s): Classical guitar - Grade 8; Piano - Grade 7; Electronic keyboard - Grade 5; Music theory - Grade 5Teaching Preferences: I teach from my home in Borehamwood. I offer 30 min lessons to students. Please note: I have cats living here, so if you're scared or allergic, I'm sorry, but you'll need someone else! Also there is no space for parents to wait during a lesson, so you'd need to be prepared to find something to do for half an hour.
