Alx Leeks, MA Musicology, BMus (Hons)

About Alx Leeks, MA Musicology, BMus (Hons)

I teach PIANO, SINGING and OBOE, but it doesn't stop there. My ethos is to use ears, eyes, rhythm, melody, intuition, improvisation and many other ways to encourage my students (whatever age and ability) to grow into as musical a being as possible!

I've dedicated the last 30+ years to music and achieved a bunch of qualifications that I have listed, including two music degrees, numerous ABRSM examinations and a wealth of experience playing in some of the most prestigious concert halls in the country. But more than that, I have spent decades immersed in top standard training and quality performance, learning from incredible teachers and peers, developing my own intuitive ways of working with every student to forge their own musical path. I've never stopped learning, and continue to train and undertake lessons, most recently undertaking Music Therapy courses with Nordoff Robbins and Estill Method vocal courses with The Voice Explained.

Music lessons are far from just a weekly event. It's mine, and the belief of many, that music tuition prepares individuals for many of life's challenges and develops skills which are of great importance in many aspects of life.

We all learn differently, all respond to different methods of teaching, and all love different types of music. Together, we will embrace what flows naturally and tackle together what is more of a challenge. My considerable experience as a teacher, coupled with my holistic approach, will ensure that I adapts my style of teaching to best suit your ways of learning, whilst motivating and preparing you to achieve your goals.

If you'd like to take music exams then I will prepare you for them. If you'd like me to accompany you while you sing your favourite songs for fun, then that's cool too - singing is a fantastic creative outlet to release tension and lift the spirits. I can also help you with songwriting and mentor you as you hone your craft.

What I teach:
Covering all genres for vocal tuition including: Classical/Music Theatre/Pop and Rock
Oboe: Baroque through to Modern Contemporary styles (all levels)
Piano: Classical and Popular Music, playing by chords, learning to play by ear (beginner up to grade 7)

Very happy to work with absolute beginners or those that need confidence building in order to really shine!

I also offer dedicated lessons for AURAL TESTS and SIGHT-READING. Lack of time in lessons can often mean that pupils are less prepared and don't achieve their potential in these sections of examinations. If you're terrified of exam SIGHT-READING, or lacking confidence in AURAL TESTS, I will help spend time on developing these skills in a way that works for YOU, to prepare you better and make it all a whole lot less scary!

Graded examinations available, ABRSM, Trinity Classical & Trinity Rock & Pop.
FACE-to-FACE lessons or ONLINE.
Ages 7yrs upwards.

Whatever you'd like to achieve, let's talk about it, and start making Music for Life!



QUALIFICATIONS AND COURSES
Alx teaches singing based on the Estill method, which she is currently studying, taking courses with Anne-Marie Speed @ The Voice Explained, and receiving her own vocal training from Gareth Ellis who also teaches this method.

Recent Estill training courses attended:
20th June 2021 - Estill for Singing Teachers
7th March 2021 - Estill and Contemporary Commercial Music
8th February 2021- Estill and Contemporary Legit in Musical Theatre

Other courses:

3rd October - December 2019 - An Extended Introduction to Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy, London

28th November 2020 - West End Music Theatre Workshop - Helen Washington, Gareth Ellis, Kris Manuel, Online

30th July - 19th August 2020 - With Gareth Ellis, Online
Warm-Ups and Vocal Health
Breathing and Support
Twang, an introduction
Belting, an introduction

MA Musicology 1999 - 2000, City University, London
BMus Hons 1996-1999, City University and Guildhall School of Music, London (2:1)
Oboe - ABRSM Advanced Certificate Distinction (A,A)
Voice - ABRSM Grade VIII Distinction
Piano - ABRSM Grade V Merit (Gd 6-7 standard)
Over 30 years of performance experience as a soloist and across a variety of ensembles, big bands, orchestral and choral groups. She also composes and write songs as Hanging the Star.