Daniel Merrill
An enthusiastic and experienced musician and teacher who loves nothing more than making music, listening to music, and talking about music. There are other things to... but it's mostly music!
MUSIC THEORY: -
I love music theory... pure and simple, and I believe that most people know more about it than they give themselves credit for; they just don't know the words to express what they mean.... yet.
What is most important to getting to grips with theory is making it less... well, theoretical. A good knowledge of music theory is useful no matter what area of music you are working in. Building this knowledge and the skills to apply it is best done through seeing how it applies to the music that you are passionate about.
Therefore my lessons are tailored to the individuals tastes and interests, as well as their needs. I can help prepare you for graded exams, if that is what you want, but overall the aim should always be to make yourself a better musician.
MUSIC TECHNOLOGY: -
I have a wealth of professional experience working as a sound engineer (both live and studio), as well as teaching both Diploma and Degree course in the subject. Being currently active in production and composition produced and mastered albums, and soundtracks, and my work has featured on BBC documentaries as well as been shown at the Tate Modern.
Be it learning how to use a mixing desk and effects, or constructing and editing pieces in programs such as logic, what you get with me is an enthusiastic and contemporary approach.
One-to-one lessons
Experience
Lecturer in Music
Between 2004 and 2012 I taught at Colchester Institute, Essex on both the National/Extended Diploma programs (for which I was the course leader) and the Degree and Foundation Degree programs.
Over this period I taught music theory and aural skills, predominently to popular music students who had little or no background studies in this area, and over a two year period working to help them achieve an A level equivalent qualificaiton, and ABRSM grade 5 standard.
Most students progressing form the diploma course went on to study at university. Those that have remained in contact have informed me they felt very well prepared by their understanding of theory achieved in our classes.
Dates:
Oct 2004 - Jul 2012 Performance/Composition
In 2002 myself and two friends formed the Dead Rat Orchestra, an experimental, free folk ensemble. Over the past decade we have toured and performed both Nationally and internationally, as well as recording several albums.
My compositions have been performed by the ensembles such as London Contemporary Orchestra and soon by the Britten Sinfonia, as well as having written, recorded and produced a sound track for a BBC documentary.
Aside from this I have created numerous arrangements of works for songwriters, bands and worked as a session musician for a number of other bands, as well as composing and producing two albums of my own material.
CV available on request.
Dates:
Jan 2002 Educational history
MA Creative Cultural Entrepreneurship
Dates:
September, 2012
Institution:
Goldsmiths PGCE (Post Graduate Certificate of Education)
Dates:
September, 2004 - June, 2006 BA Hons Music 2:1
Dates:
September, 1998 - June, 2002
Institution:
Colchester Institute Services
Aimed at: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced.
THE SMALL PRINT
RATES
Negotiable depending on your requirements. As a guide line, a lesson for an individual will be around £20 per hour. After an introductory session the lessons will be booked by the half dozen. I prefer to do lessons by the hour; it allows us to get more into the subject.
I can do intensive sessions, for examples - a 1 or 2 hour lesson every day for a week/fortnight, but this will need advance planning.
I am happy to teach individuals, or small groups, of any age (mixed age groups are fine by me). Please be aware that I will charge more for group sessions, but it won't be extortionate (I like working with small groups).
Last login: 11 years 1 week ago
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