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Contact

If the information you want isn't available in the links above, or if you want to make a booking, please don't hesitate to contact me markjackson(at)iinet.net.au (change the '(at)' to an '@' in your email program – I am trying to avoid spam). Alternatively you can phone me on 0430434291.

Individual teaching - Limited places

I teach a small number of students privately for those seeking the personal touch in trumpet, guitar, ukulele or singing. Primarily the teaching is a supplement for people who participate in the broader The Sum of the Parts activities.

I am largely self-taught and have always recognised and advocated the importance of playing with others to enhance enjoyment and improve learning. Playing music with others is where it is at for me! However we all still need to develop and practice our chosen instrument skills to attain and maintain a level of competency that enables us to participate in music-making with others. I myself attend regular lessons in my chosen instruments so as to maintain continuing improvement in skills and knowledge.

Ukulele

Given that I direct ukestras in the Lower Hunter, I often get requests to help people get set up on ukulele and to get them past first base and further when starting out on uke. I utilise Mike Dickison's very good and comprehensive book for teaching.  A lot of ukulele beginner books just provide chords and songs. In contrast, Kiwi Ukulele provides a lot of background on the uke and provides comprehensive adult-oriented content with a nice turn of phrase. I have copies of this very useful book for $20 (plus postage, unless you pick it up from me personally!). I consider it to be the best on the market.

Trumpet

I have played trumpet for some 33 years, and teach with standard trumpet texts. My personal practice involves what many consider the 'trumpet bible' - Arban's Complete Method.  I supplement this with specific scale training, which is important for the improvisation common in the sort of music I enjoy playing.

I am most suited to beginner through to intermediate levels of skill.

Guitar

I have played guitar for about 30 years. I am primarily a rhythm guitarist and enjoy learning and teaching about the construction of music, chords and scales through the guitar. Leavitt is my preferred text (A modern method for guitar) which is available at local music shops.

Singing

Again, though not formally trained, I often assist people to find their voice. We all can sing and often it is merely positive encouragement, practice and proper technique which help us find that voice.

Child-related employment Certificate

Anyone who teaches children must obtain a Certificate for Self-Employed People in Child-Related Employment with the NSW Commission for Children & Young People (often known as a working with children check). My Certificate Number is DE4487/23/12/2009. Certificates can be verified here.