Helen Smith

First Access Tutor:

I have been whole class teaching the Clarinet, Saxophone, Flute, Keyboards, Ukulele, Guitar, Djembe and Percussion for the music service since 2006, working with schools to deliver a curriculum that works around their individual needs as a school. I enjoy using the instrument as a method of delivering an experience that supports the school's curriculum whether that be ensemble playing, songwriting and creative practices, music theory, CPD for the class teacher, and overall ensuring a positive musical experience for the children in the class.

ISG Teacher:

I have been teaching both individual and small group tuition for the music service since 2008 with a focus on Piano, Woodwind, and Singing tuition. I like to ensure every child has an experience that is tailored to their own learning styles and musical inspirations and I aim to encourage all children to follow their own musical journey whether that be the traditional exam route, performance related skills, or just the joy of playing.

Plymouth Junior Concert Band leader:

I have been leading the Plymouth Junior Concert Band since 2017. The concert band is the first stepping stone into wider ensemble work with many children joining after their first access experience at Key Stage 2. Many of the children that come through the Junior Concert Band have progressed onto the Youth Concert Band and now the Youth Symphony Orchestra. I have many children who enjoy staying with the Junior Band as they get older and end up becoming mentors to the younger players.

Plymouth Youth Concert Band/Plymouth Youth Symphony Orchestra supporting tutor:

I have been a supporting tutor for both of the Youth ensembles we have had in the city since 2014. Many of the children that come through the Junior Band progress into the Youth ensembles and I enjoy helping them continue their musical journeys once the move onto the next step.

I have been teaching the Piano, Woodwind, and Singing privately since I graduated in 2004.

I have taught children of all ages throughout this time, as well as a number of adult learners. I enjoy all aspects of music teaching and enjoy teaching a variety of pupils with different musical experiences, many beginners but also many who were returning to playing after many years. I enjoy delivering in different delivery methods depending on the needs of the learners.

I have been performing as a Piano led songwriter and performer since 2012, both as a solo performer and with a band. I have performed both original music and covers and enjoy entertaining in general as a musician.

I have been lucky enough to be asked to perform on multiple recordings for other musicians, as a singer, woodwind player, pianist and orchestrator.

I particularly enjoy using my skills to collaborate with other musicians, create together, and develop social and musical connections.