Lessons

Former Director of Music • At a specialist Music College

I was previously responsible for the Musical education for 1400 children aged 11 – 18. This included GCSE and A Level teaching. Managed a team of 15 instrumental teachers and organised Concert tours across Europe.

Private teaching practice • Violin and piano •Theory of Music, KEYBOARD HARMONY and Viola

I currently teach pupils from age 5 to adult; total beginner to advanced as well as those wishing to return after taking a break.

My enthusiastic approach is greatly appreciated by parents. I relate very well to pupils of all ages and my teaching methods and styles are adapted to individual pupils and their own individual needs. I am able to teach pupils with special educational needs

I aim to make the learning of a musical instrument accessible as well as enjoyable. Flexible and relaxed approach – can be prepared for music exams grades 1 – 8 or can learn just for pleasure.

I use a range of music to suit all tastes and interests – from Bach, Beethoven to Billy Joel, and Beatles – and other styles including Jazz, Latin, music from films & TV, Musicals and easy listening. Not forgetting sight reading, scales, arpeggios and aural training!!

I am a Graduate of the London College of Music

( Directed by Dr William Lloyd Webber CBE )

A three year Degree course specialising practical studies of piano and violin. Included history of music, harmony, counterpoint, orchestration, improvisation, keyboard harmony and aural skills.

Post-graduate training – PGCE – Post Graduate Certificate in Education . University of Exeter.

A specialist education course encompassing the principles of teaching, the psychology of teaching and teaching practice. Qualified as a specialist secondary school music teacher – awarded Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

I have an Enhanced DBS Check.

The service I offer and Fees

Lessons are either 30 minutes, 45 minutes or 1 hour long and take place in the pupil’s home. Guidance about what needs to be practiced is written down for the pupils to refer to each lesson. There is no extra charge for travelling to the pupil’s home.

Current charges are:-

£32 for 30 minutes ( minimum charge )

£46 for 45 minutes

£59.00 for 1 hour

I look forward to hearing from you.

Mark Banks GLCM, LLCM(TD), AmusLCM, ALCM, PGCE

email: markbanks2030@gmail.com

Telephone: h. 01420 562035 m. 07793 204758

Reviews:

Mark is an excellent teacher. Every lesson sheds light into previously dark corners. He explains everything clearly, keeps me up to the mark in a pleasant but unavoidable way when I feel like backsliding and is the main reason I am proud to see seven framed certificates on my wall. In five years, I have achieved Grade 5 piano and Grade 7 Music Theory. Roll on Grades 6 and 8! Barbara ( Adult student )

Mark Banks has been teaching our two boys for five years, our 15-year-old the violin and our 13-year-old, the piano. What initially appealed about Mark was his coming to the house for lessons rather than our having to drive elsewhere. But what has since developed is a rich and rewarding musical relationship. While grades have been disrupted by lockdowns etc, their playing has vastly improved and their enjoyment of music deepened. Mark has been supportive of the boys’ efforts to set up a jazz band and has also taught the violinist how to play the double bass. He is currently guiding them towards Grade 5 theory. Mark’s patience and musical knowledge are boundless and I wholeheartedly recommend him as a music teacher.

Mark is an excellent teacher. His work with my daughter has accelerated her progress on the violin significantly and she has reached a good level for her age founded on great technique. He has also taught my son piano since he started learning at quite a young age and has been very patient with him and makes his lessons really good fun. I would highly recommend Mark as a teacher on both violin and piano. ( pupils: Violin 11 year old, piano 6 years old )

My 19 year old daughter has been having violin / piano lessons with Mark for the past 7 years and her love for all things music has grown with his dedication, patience and passion. He goes above and beyond the allocated lesson times and we feel very lucky to have found such a great teacher.

Mark is extremely experienced and has a lovely, patient manner with our two kids ( aged 14 and 15 ) – he manages to balance high expectations with gentleness and has made great progress with our children in a relatively short period of time.

My 5 year old daughter can’t wait for her piano lesson each week. Mr Banks is clearly very experiened at dealing with young children – this shows in the way in which he engages with her: choosing challenging but fun pieces to learn and producing stickers as rewards which she loves. Her progress has been amazing. Highly recommended.

Piano Tuning

It is advised that pianos are tuned regularly – ideally every 6 months. I can personally recommend David Ashford who is a qualified piano tuner. He not only tunes pianos but can carry out repairs, maintenance and restoration all to a very high standard. His telephone numbers are 01962 713064 or 07501 063503. http://www.davidashfordpianotuner.com/