MUSIC TUTORS

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.

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 since 2016 – 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. 

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 The 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.

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 Simon 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.

Conor O’Donnell

Guitar / Ukulele / Bass Guitar / Mandolin

Conor is a Popular Music graduate and having recently completed his Honours degree at Edinburgh College he is now enjoys making music teaching one of his main focuses.

Conor has been playing guitar for 11 years as well as bass and mandolin, throughout this time he has pursued many different musical projects from his punk band ‘The Tesla Coils’ to more eclectic solo albums produced and recorded under the name Cod O’Donnell’. Throughout this time guitar has been a central part of these arrangements.

Through experience working as a private tutor to working secondary school placements, Conor has learned the importance of keeping lessons fun. His teaching style incorporates a little of the madcap to assist the retainment of information, plus trying to make lessons less predictable but really tailoring the experience for the student.

Conal McIntosh

Guitar / Ukulele / Bass Guitar / Music Theory

Conal has worked as a professional musician and music tutor since completing his BA (Hons) in Popular Music at the University of Highlands & Islands several years ago.

Since starting his music studies with piano at age 7, Conal has been intensely focused on music, specialising in stringed instruments. His ability to play in various styles on a broad range of instruments makes him a versatile teacher.

Working on projects such as Dads Rock Academy and Tinderbox Frontiers has given him experience of teaching people over a range of ages, abilities and in various different settings. Lessons are tailored for each individual student and delivered in a fun and relaxing atmosphere. Conal also regularly plays across the country with his band SUPA & Da Kryptonites.

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.

Federico has played and recorded with many artists 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.

Andrew Brown

Vocals / Guitar / Ukulele

With a BA in Music from Abertay University, Andrew is a versatile and experienced musician as well as tutor. 

Andrew has a good knowledge of a variety of instruments, but his first being vocals, his second guitar. He has many stylistic influences ranging from rock to R&B as well as Hip Hop and enjoys teaching a variety of genres, depending on the pupil’s own tastes in music.

Andrew taught a variety of ages and abilities at Lamp House Music for a couple of years, and having left for a short spell to work in the financial sector, Andrew is returning to education.  He looks forward to working with previous and new pupils in a cover role, as well as the ever-popular evening ukulele groups!

 

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.

Kari McKenna

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

Kari is a highly qualified musician, having been classically trained at the Junior Department of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, before going on to achieve a BA in Music & English at Cardiff University and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Jazz Performance from Napier University, Edinburgh.

Although Kari enjoys teaching pupils from beginner level, she is an incredibly accomplished musician and is more than able to work with the most experienced of students.  Kari herself is primarily a jazz musician but having studied a diverse range in music – from Indian classical music, to salsa, to Welsh folk music and everything else in-between – she is happy to teach all musical genres!

Kari also has a theatre background, having studied acting in New York, but music is her first love and she has performed with numerous groups, orchestras and renowned musicians around the world.  Having now lived in Edinburgh for several years, and performed there on copious occasions, 2018 saw Kari showcase her own project ‘Cosmic Waltz’ at the Edinburgh Fringe to great acclaim.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

Elaine 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.

Call us on 01620 825630 or

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