Biography

Edward Jones BMUS – Kodály Musicianship and Instrumental Teacher

I initially self-learned the guitar before earning my Bachelors degree in music from Goldsmiths College in London, learning from several notable teachers during this time. I was eventually introduced to the Kodály (pronounced “cod-eye”) music educational concept From that moment everything started to click into place and I went on to study solfege musicianship further with London Kodály Centre, as well as taking certification with the British Kodály Academy.

I initially took up guitar tutoring to support myself during my degree, before going on to teach for a local music service Berkshire Maestros. I found Kodály to be such a rational and enjoyable way to learn music though that I eventually set about running my own classes and sharing it with others. Since then, I’ve pursued a career as a freelance music teacher whilst I developing my own methodology for running group guitar classes.

I think of music as being something we do for its own sake, because it enriches our lives. Music is best learned through getting stuck-in, doing, making mistakes, and learning to speak with fluency and understanding. When we develop musical fluency it is called musicianship, and when children learn musicianship they learn the feel and “meaning” of music. Musicianship teachers show children how to look at written music and hear it in their heads and hearts, a skill which crosses the boundaries of all musical instruments. Those that learn music this way eventually become independent, self-motivated and capable of directing their own musical journey.

Fret 1 is the book which I created to help me structure my guitar/musicianship classes in order to get the correct balance of musicianship, instrumental technique, understanding and enthusiasm in the early stages. For those interested it is available to purchase here.

Many of my students have gone on to learn music formally at conservatories such as Trinity Laban and The Royal Academy, which is hugely rewarding to see; however, my classes are focused for the most part on getting the fundamentals right..

I have two of my own children, both of whom are enthusiastically learning music too. They often join in with my guitar classes and both attend Colourstrings Music School in South-London. More recently they also began attending Stepping Notes Music School in Englefield Green. My son plays the violin as his first instrument and has begun attending residential courses at the National Youth String Ensemble (NYSO), my daughter is yet to choose.

I am lucky enough to be able to draw upon all of these influences, as well as the training and experience that I’ve received so that I can apply it to my own classes locally and give other children a happy and structured experience of taking part in music.

I currently play the guitar, mandolin, Irish banjo, sing in a choir and play some basic piano. I enjoy joining in with folk music sessions, attending music courses, drawing, swimming, reading, long walks, nice food, travelling and time with my family.