Piano • Singing • Organ
Fergus teaches piano, singing and organ to the Associated Board syllabus. His students are all ages - from seven-year-old children to adults - all have an enthusiasm to learn, which Fergus finds infectious. The Peterborough Evening Telegraph described him as an 'inspirational teacher' when he was nominated for a 'Pride in Peterborough' Award.
He has extensive teaching experience, and has trained both children and adults for competition, music exams, auditions, secondary school music entrance exams and performances.
Fergus himself, knows how to pass exams successfully: he took his letters in music in 1999. Rather longer ago, when he was at school, he was awarded the Sheila Mossman Prize for the highest marks in the UK for his piano Grade VIII exam. In 2006 he undetook a week of training with the Associated Board, focussing on how grade exams are administered and marked, and how examiners assess the performances they hear.
To qualify as a member of the Private Teachers’ Section of the Incorporated Society of Musicians, the professional body for private music teachers in the UK, Fergus had to demonstrate qualifications, experience and a professional approach.
Applying for lessons
If you are interested in studying, please see my Vacancies Page for further information.
Teaching Philosophy
Fergus' teaching philosophy is based on four elements - he combines learning pieces with technical exercises, sight reading / singing and aural training. His favourite quote is:
"I consider that one of the main tasks of a teacher is to ensure as quickly and as thoroughly as possible that he is no longer necessary to the pupil; to eliminate himself, to leave the stage in time; in other words to inculcate in the pupil that independent thinking, that method of work, that knowledge of self and ability to reach his goal which we term maturity, the threshold beyond which begins mastery"
The Art of Piano Playing - Heinrich Neuhaus
XXX got the music scholarship. Thanks for your help
by text, 3rd Dec 2009
Hi Fergus
We have just heard that XXXXXX has been awarded the choristership! He (and we) are thrilled. Many thanks for your assistance in preparing him for the audition. Have a good christmas.
Regards
by e-mail, 16th Dec 2009
Hi sir,
It's XXX - Glad your practice went well. I received my letter saying I got into the National Youth Choir yesterday!
by e-mail, 22nd Dec 2009