MUSIC TUTORS

Chris Aien

Guitar / Ukulele / Bass Guitar / Bandjam

Chris is a professional musician who is experienced in teaching students with a wide range of ages, abilities and social backgrounds.  He has taught one-to-one lessons and also facilitated larger group workshops as a specialist youth worker for various organisations in the East Lothian and Edinburgh areas.

Chris is competent with numerous music genres, and the theory that goes behind them, including rock, pop and jazz.  He plays guitar and sings backing vocals for Klones, a popular function band in the area, in addition to performing with various bands that write their own original music.  

Chris is currently in his fourth year at Napier University, studying on the Popular Music course as a mature student.

Andrew Brown

Vocals / Guitar / Ukulele

Andrew is a versatile and experienced musician as well as tutor.  He has a good knowledge of a variety of instruments but his main focus lies in vocals, guitar and ukulele.  Andrew has many stylistic influences ranging from rock to R&B as well as Hip Hop, but is happy to work with pupils interested in any genre.

A graduate of Edinburgh College with a BMus (Hons) in Music Performance, Andrew was previously awarded a Distinction in his Grade 6 theory from London College of Music.

Andrew has experience on the music circuit in Edinburgh playing with his band ‘Exit The Theatre’ and as a session musician, he is now currently working on a solo release.

On top of this Andrew volunteers at Edinburgh based ‘Dad’s Rock Academy’ and works as a lifeguard.

Luke Cunningham

Guitar / Bass Guitar / Piano / Music Theory

Luke has a BA (Hons) Popular Music from Edinburgh Napier University. He loves to teach music, working on teaching projects around Edinburgh City Centre, in the Glasgow area and has also spent two summers tutoring in the United States. Luke understands that no two students are the same but that passion, learning, determination, enjoyment and achievement are mutual goals for all.

Luke studies Guitar with a focus on jazz but he also has a keen interest for folk and contemporary acoustic guitar playing as well as rock/pop/blues electric guitar playing. Luke also studies jazz piano but started out learning and working through the traditional classical piano grades. Luke enjoys exploring popular music theory and performance by putting this to good practical use, as is evident in his one-man variety shows which have had full runs at the Edinburgh Fringe Festivals 2016 and 2017 – combining music and magic with theatre and comedy.

Garry Hall

Guitar / Bass Guitar / Mandolin / Piano / Bagpipes / Whistles / Music Theory

Garry is a professional musician and tutor, who teaches at various youth workshops and music classes and has lots of experience with both one-to-one and group lessons.

Garry graduated from Edinburgh University with a BMus (Hons) Music Technology after having completed a HNC Music Performance at Stevenson College. He has a range of experience in different styles including rock, jazz, folk and classical and he plays lots of instruments including the Guitar, Bass, Piano, Mandolin, Ukulele and Drums as well as the Bagpipes and Whistles. He is also a grade 8 classical singer and former member of the National Youth Choir of Scotland.

One of Garry’s passions is musical theory and he enjoys teaching pupils why they are learning, moulding them into great all-round musicians as well as instrumentalists.

He plays professionally in a swing band for weddings and corporate functions all over Scotland as well as local venues. Garry is also an experienced Sound Recordist and Live Sound and Lighting Technician. 

Callum Stevenson

Guitar / Bass Guitar / Piano / Keyboard / Music Theory

Callum is an Edinburgh College graduate, with a BA degree in Music.  Having played keyboard since 7 years old, Callum also went on to learn guitar and is now an expert in both.  In addition he has Grade 8 in Music Theory.

Since graduating, Callum has been tutoring pupils privately and also working for the Dads Rock Academy in Edinburgh, assisting children and their parents as they work towards their annual end of year show.

As a guitarist and keyboardist, Callum has built a respectable reputation in the industry, working in various genres including blues, funk, hip hop and electronica.  Callum has also worked as a guitar tech for bands including Idlewild, created music composition for a computer game and worked at WHALE teaching song-writing to pupils of all ages. Callum plays in an indie/ska band, The Begbies, who have performed at venues and festivals across Scotland.

Simon Toner

Double Bass / Bass Guitar / Piano / Guitar / Ukulele / Composition

With a Bachelor of Arts in Popular Music, in which he specialised with an ABRSM Diploma in Instrumental Teaching, Simon has applied over 10 years experience as a bassist and composer to his teaching practice focusing on enabling his students to grow a greater enthusiasm and love for music and sound.

As a teacher he specialises in bass guitar and double bass, jazz and composition. He also teaches beginner piano, keyboard/synth, ukulele and guitar in many different genres.  Simon tailors lessons to the student’s individual learning style and encourages ear training/active listening, sight reading and transcription in lessons.  

Amongst others, Simon’s musical heroes are Miles Davis, Charles Mingus and also film composers Bernard Herrmann and Michael Kamen, conductors Daniel Barenboim and unique artists such as Bjork.

Simon plays double bass and bass guitar regularly with jazz bands in the city, plus with the Nicole Smit Trio and as part of Luke Closely’s Mugician show.  Other work includes psych-rock band Soufon Fang and the Maxwell String Quartet.

Federico Bruera

Electric Guitar / Bass / Harmony / Guitar Improvisation / Music Reading

Federico has extensive experience tutoring guitar to students with a wide range of abilities. Assessing and implementing the best method of learning for each student, focusing on technical ability, studies of harmony and analysis of compositions of varied genres from classical, jazz, rock and popular to world music Federico is a professional musician, versatile performer, from Salsa to Hip Hop, Jazz or Rock. He has played and recorded with many artist in the UK, including a British film main soundtrack, selected and invited to perform at Prince Charles Event – “A Garden Party to Make a Difference” a charity event at Clarence House, August 2010. Federico is also a radio presenter at East Coast FM.

Scott D Whitefield

Violin / Viola / Cello / Fiddle / String Group / Music Theory

Scott is a professional musician and tutor with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Performance from The University of Abertay in Dundee.

Scott’s previous roles have included Leader of Fiddlesticks Orchestra, for which he was Principal Violinist and voluntary General Manager. He facilitated numerous rehearsals, sectionals as well as stepping in as conductor.

Scott is also the Violist of GDA Quartet and peripatetic Strings Tutor for Midlothian Council.  He has performed with numerous orchestras in and around Edinburgh as a Violinist and Violist.

Scott has vast experience of working with groups and individuals of a wide range of ages, abilities and social backgrounds. He aims to make lessons enjoyable and relaxed, helping pupils learn and improve their playing whether that be for enjoyment or preparing for grading exams/auditions.

Kimberley Harper

Cello

Kimberley began her cello studies at high school and is currently studying HND Music at Glasgow Clyde College. She has vast orchestral experience and has played in Fiddlesticks, Edinburgh Orchestral Ensemble and Edinburgh Open Orchestra, plus has participated in concert tours across Europe. Kimberley has worked alongside professional musicians in the Scottish Opera and assisted in music workshops with young children. With a distinction in ABRSM Grade 5 Theory, Kimberley incorporates this knowledge into her teaching. Kimberley aims to make cello lessons fun and enjoyable for everyone – regardless of age or ability.

Morgan Gilday

Vocals

Morgan completed BMus Degree in Professional Music Performance, specialising in Vocals from The Academy of Contemporary Music in Guildford in 2011. Since then Morgan has been singing and performing professionally in a variety of venues alongside various function bands, playing at parties, weddings and charity events all over the country, Europe and the USA. The subject of performance anxiety interests Morgan greatly and she considers it highly important for performers of all ages and abilities to understand and learn skills and strategies to cope with their own performance anxiety. Lessons with Morgan are fun and relaxed and can cover a wide range of genres from pop to musical theatre and many in between. Focusing on technique, warm up and healthy practice, breathing, posture, performance skills, and microphone technique, she will be able to help pupils strengthen their voice and develop confidence.

Lynnette Cruickshank

Vocals / Piano / Flute

Lynnette has a BA in Popular Music Performance through Abertay University, with a principle study in Vocals, however Lynnette also teaches piano and flute, and plays guitar, bass and recorder.  Lynnette has previously worked with Dads’ Rock Academy and Portobello Music School assisting with individual lessons and overseeing two children’s choirs, for ages 6+.  As well as teaching at Lamp House Music, she leads her own mummy-baby choir in Edinburgh.  Lynnette’s vocal experience is vastly varied and having sung in many styles – including classical, musicals, rock and pop – Lynnette is happy to teach in a wide array of music genres.  Lynnette has also proved her ability to support pupils through graded exams, with a 100% pass rate.

Lesley Wilson

Vocals  / Trumpet

Singing since the age of eight, and playing trumpet since age ten, Lesley has a first class BA (Honors) in Music from Kingston University. Lesley has experience in many music styles in both instruments, from classical to rock. Currently, Lesley plays trumpet and sings in bands ‘Noah Noah’ and ‘No Quarter’ who regularly play in various venues and festivals across the UK.  In the past, Lesley has performed with the National Youth Choir of Scotland, her highlight being a performance at Proms in the Park, and was a member of the Edinburgh College Big Band. As well as teaching at Lamp House Music, Lesley is skilled in music mixing and recording, which she does freelance.  Lesley’s music taste is extremely varied, her passions lie in jazz, blues, classical, soul and funk but she has experience of teaching vocals and trumpet in a vast range of styles and very much enjoys working in all genres – concentrating on the personal tastes of each pupil and making the lessons of utmost value to them.

Simon Walker

Drums / Music Technology

A graduate of Napier University, Simon has been involved with playing music for over 20 years, with many years of experience teaching music from everything from large groups to one to one lessons.  Simon has been a drummer with various bands over the years, taking him all over the world. He has played drums at some of the biggest music festivals including Glastonbury, T in the Park and toured supporting the likes of The Charlatans and Eliza Doolittle. His current bands include The Wynntown Marshals, one of Scotland’s top Americana bands, and Bones Carnival – where he is joined by another of our tutors, Chris – and has recorded a new album with producer Rod Jones of Idlewild.  Simon works as a drum tutor and professional musician playing with various function and original bands, he is also a live and recording sound engineer.

Ryan Cairney

Drums

Ryan is a passionate and experienced drummer and tutor with many years experience playing for theatre groups, jazz orchestras, and ensembles of all styles. He received his BMus (Hons) in popular music performance through Kingston University, undertaken at Edinburgh College – receiving the Marsden Citizenship award in 2015. 

Ryan was involved in the creation of Dad’s Rock Academy in Edinburgh and as such, has taught a wide age range of pupils – always aiming to provide a fun but educational approach to lessons. His specialised styles include funk, latin, afro-cuban, jazz, blues and rock.

 Extremely motivated and passionate about music (especially drums!) Ryan has performed in bands and projects across the country.  Previous experiences include playing over 70 shows in the 2017 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, performing with professional ballroom dancer Tibor Poc, and touring with the Robin Robertson Blues Band. 

Michael Ready

Flute / Clarinet / Saxophone / Recorder / Piano / Music Theory

At the age of ten, Michael Ready began learning the flute, and has not stopped playing since.

From Edinburgh, during his high school years, Michael played with several local wind bands and orchestras as well as many of the ensembles in his high school.  Michael then went on to study for a BA Honours at Edinburgh Napier University, specialising in flute performance under the tutelage of Andrea Kuypers and Katherin Bryan.

Michael has been teaching woodwind since his first year at University and aims to prioritise students’ aims and goals in lessons.  He has an excellent pass rate in ABRSM and Trinity exams, but also keeps lessons varied and interesting by using different musical styles.

Jennie McDowell

Saxophone / Piano

Jennie has been playing saxophone and piano since she was eleven years old and has been involved in various different ensembles and groups since then.

Jennie graduated last year with a BMus (Hons) degree in Classical Music, where she specialised in saxophone performance. Jennie has a passion for education and enjoyed researching different methods of music education as part of her degreee.  Jennie has always enjoyed playing various styles of music, including classical and jazz, she also experimented with contemporary, 20th century music during her degree.

Jennie has a lot of experience teaching both individual and group lessons and has taught students of all ages and abilities.  Jennie always aims to create a happy learning environment and to make lessons fun and enjoyable for every student.

Penny Jackson

Piano / Recorder / Music Theory

Penny is an experienced music teacher who teaches individuals to a high standard and has an excellent pass rate in Associate Board and Trinity Guildhall examinations.  However, making music is firstly about enjoyment for Penny, and therefore exams are an option, not a necessity – Penny’s main aim for all  pupils being to pass on her own enthusiasm, love of music and musical creativity.

Penny has qualifications in practical music, musical theory, dance and music composition, she plays regularly at wedding ceremonies, as well as being Music Leader and Kirknewton and East Calder Church where she also runs a vocal group who perform each Sunday and at events in the Church Calendar.

Samantha Swan

Piano

Samantha studied piano at Napier University and for the past fourteen years has taught piano across all age groups and levels of experience, from beginner to advanced. She has 100% success rate in getting pupils through their ABRSM piano and theory exams and has a particular passion for teaching Beginners – offering them an encouraging and supportive experience as they start their musical jouney.

Samantha also trained as an Occupational Therapist, working in the field of Mental Health, and is interested in the connection of music to health and well being.  She is enthusiastic about teaching piano to anyone who feels it could be of therapeutic benefit to them within their current life circumstances.

Samantha is based at Lamp House Music during the day, and as such is particularly suited to teaching adults.

Elaine Campbell

Piano / Violin

Elaine is an experienced tutor who qualified from The Royal College of Music in Dublin in both Piano and Violin. She has taught both instruments for pleasure and at exam level for many years. She has both a Traditional and Classical background being an “All Ireland Ceol Slogadh” bronze medallist whilst also playing within many ensemble/groups in schools and with The Galway Youth Orchestra. Elaine enjoys teaching at all levels and believes that her lessons should be a relaxing experience which is enjoyable and fun and brings out the best in her pupils.  Elaine is based at Lamp House Music during daytimes, therefore is particularly suited to adults and home schooled children who are looking for daytime lessons.

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