Tutors

Paul is a pianist at The Glasgow School of Music who has devoted his life to mastering the art of music and has over a decade of experience in teaching. Paul has had the opportunity to work with some of the best tutors in the industry, including Paul Mealor, the composer to the royals, and Prof. Nigel Clayton, a senior professor at the Royal College of Music in London, as well as a world-renowned concert pianist and educator.

As the founder of The Glasgow School of Music, Paul has set out to make music lessons accessible to everyone in the central belt of Scotland. He understands that music is a universal language and that it should be available to all who wish to learn. Paul has used his vast experience and knowledge to direct his focus on teaching others, ensuring that each of his students receives the highest quality education possible.

Paul’s performances have taken him around the world, and he has had the privilege of playing for some of the most prestigious audiences, including HRH Queen Camilla and the late HRH Queen Elizabeth II & HRH Prince Phillip. He also performed the Scottish premiere of Martinu’s piano concerto for left hand alone, demonstrating his technical ability and artistic skill.

Paul’s inspiring journey has been chronicled in the highly popular documentary, Chopin Changed My Life, which aired on Channel 4 and made headlines around the world. The documentary focuses on Paul’s disability and how he overcame this major life event, becoming a master of transcribing some of the most difficult piano music for the left hand alone. Paul’s story is one of perseverance, determination, and an unyielding passion for music.

If you’re looking for a teacher who is not only highly experienced and knowledgeable but also passionate about making music accessible to all, Paul is a perfect choice. His ability to inspire and motivate his students is unmatched and his dedication to his craft is truly inspiring. Join Paul on your musical journey today and experience the joy of music like never before.

Sarah, a Dublin-born professional opera singer and voice teacher, holds a BMus and MMus from the TU Conservatory in Dublin. She furthered her education by obtaining a Postgraduate Diploma in Performance from The Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester. Sarah completed the Opera Course at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama in London and spent a year at the National Opera Studio before being invited to join Scottish Opera as an Emerging Artist. Since then, she has made Glasgow her home.

Sarah has performed in productions for Welsh National Opera, Buxton Opera Festival, Wexford Festival Opera, Irish National Opera and Scottish Opera. Her debut with Scottish Opera was as Rodelinda in Handel’s production of the same name. She has also been involved in premieres such as Hazel: Made in Belfast at Carnegie Hall, New York, Mary Gordon with the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra at the National Concert Hall, Dublin and Janice Kerbel’s Turner Prize-nominated work DOUG at Tramway, Glasgow.

Since 2013 Sarah has worked regularly with Scottish Opera’s Education Department and the Scottish Opera Young Company – a group of highly-talented young performers between 16-21 years old. She has appeared in five full-scale opera productions with them and given coaching both locally and internationally.

Sarah is an ISM-Registered Private Teacher who can teach students of all ages and abilities across various styles including classical, opera, musical theatre, folk and pop music. With her DBS/PVG Enhanced Disclosure certification that enables her to work with children or vulnerable adults safely, she can help improve your breathing techniques, posture, confidence, musicianship, repertoire, or even enter you for graded exams if desired.

Whether you want to sing solo or join a choir purely for pleasure, Sarah can help you discover your true voice!

My musical journey began at age 8 when I participated in various choral activities and played the piano by ear. At age 11 I received my first saxophone, after my primary school received musical instrument funding. At 12 I successfully auditioned to The City of Edinburgh Music School, based at Broughton High School. I am an avid music fan, with a wide variety
of tastes and was accepted to study jazz saxophone at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland commencing in September 2018 and graduating in 2022 with First Class Honours.

Whilst I am predominantly a saxophonist, I also have experience in teaching other instruments, improvisational skills and jazz theory.

MUSIC EXPERIENCE· 2017 – (now) The Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra alto/tenor saxophonist.
· 2012-2018 Edinburgh Schools Jazz Orchestra as an alto saxophonist.
· 2012-2018 The City of Edinburgh Music School jazz band, alto saxophonist.
· 2008-2017 The Edinburgh Gang Show, performing in the King’s Theatre annually.
2018-2022 The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland BMus Jazz course – graduated with First Class Honours
· 2012 – (now) Performed at various music festivals, including Eden Festival, Doune the Rabbit Hole, Edinburgh Jazz Festival, ELB Jazz Festival (Hamburg).
2022 – European Jazz Workshop in Hamburg.
2022 – Awarded McAuley Prize from Royal Conservatoire of Scotland for Academic Excellence.

Bands I have had the pleasure of performing with include Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra, Edinburgh Schools Jazz, Orchestra, Mother All Mighty, Bandakadabra, Ben Shankland Sextet, Nemo Ganguli Quartet, Supa and Da Kryptonite, The Vintage Explosion, The Big Papas, European Jazz Workshop, and my very own group, The Sean Megaw Quartet, consisting of Ewan Johnston (keys), Roan Anderson (drums), and Ewan Hastie (bass). All three are pioneering forces in Scotland’s Jazz Scene.

Isabella began studying violin at the age of 5 and quickly worked her way through ABRSM and then Trinity College London grades 1-8, achieving her grade 8 with distinction at the age of 15.

Her success led her to the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS) Junior Course. During her time at RCS Juniors she performed in numerous string and symphony orchestras. She studied the intricacies of music theory and honed her craft on the violin.

Isabella left RCS juniors in 2020 . Since then she has directed her passion for the violin towards local and University level string, sinfonia and fiddle orchestras. Through these groups she has gained experience in a wide range of genres and repertoire.

Issy has a passion for sharing the joys of music with others and has volunteered in a teaching capacity with various junior orchestras. She enjoys teaching violinists of all ages and abilities. She is currently completing a chemistry degree at the University of Glasgow and enjoying the new music scene in Glasgow.

David studied at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland on the BMus programme. While studying David had the pleasure of playing in many ensembles and for many leading international artists. David has a varied approach to teaching and will encourage students to play in a variety of different styles.

Charis is a classically trained flautist originally from New Jersey, USA. She has a widely musical background, being a part of numerous ensembles including a capella groups, choir, jazz band, and symphony orchestras. She moved to Scotland and completed her ABRSM Grade 8 Flute performance and ARSM Flute Diploma, both with distinction. She is currently completing a degree in Medicine at the University of Glasgow, where she is the principal flautist for the university orchestra, Kelvin Ensemble.

Because of Charis’s wide musical experience, she believes in an open-minded approach to music. Her style of teaching aims to nurture a student’s passion through playing a variety of musical genres and repertoire, whilst ensuring that each student builds a solid technical foundation. She understands that every student starts with a different goal in mind, and her flexible style of teaching allows for every student of any age or ability to explore their passion for music and reach their musical potential.

Most recently a Tenor Lay Clerk in Canterbury Cathedral and now singing and teaching as a freelance musician in Glasgow, Scotland, David Walsh grew up in Donegal, Ireland before studying Music at the University of Aberdeen, and has performed as a singer around the UK and internationally; singing professionally with ensembles including the Dunedin Consort, Sestina Early Music Ensemble, Northern Irish Opera, Aberdeen Vocal Ensemble and many more. David is a recipient of the University of Aberdeen’s Ogston Music Prize 2019, is an alumnus of Dunedin Consort’s ‘Bridging the Gap’ scheme and was also a scholar with the professional vocal group Voces8.

Alvaro Copetti is a young jazz guitarist, currently studying a BMus at the Glasgow University. Previously, he studied at Glasgow Clyde College and received a Music HND. During this time, he achieved a Rockschool Grade 8 Electric Guitar certificate, an ABRSM Grade 4 Jazz Alto Sax and an ABRSM Grade 5 Music Theory.

While performing with various groups and ensembles, Alvaro has accumulated an abundance of experience through these opportunities. He specializes in Blues, Jazz, Bossa Nova, and frequently composes and arranges music using Logic Pro X and Sibelius, while also applying his knowledge of music theory and orchestration. He has been fortunate to shadow at the Audio lounge with Studio Engineer Sean Devenny and participate in Music+ mentoring program

The learning of a new instrument can be demanding, but Alvaro brings his enthusiasm for music to his lessons, helping pupils every step of the way. Having taught one-to-one lessons with students of varying ages, he has refined his teaching methods to ensure their progress. Alvaro tailors his lessons plan and objectives to each student to encourage and promote learning. Furthermore, materials will be provided to keep them engaged and motivated to practice.

With over fifteen years of experience in music teaching, Catriona specialises in early years music training but also works with students of all ages and styles, including classical, opera, musical theatre and folksong. Additionally, she is an expert in music theory up to Grade 5, which can benefit all aspects of music education and exam preparation.

Currently serving as a vocal coach for several regional choirs for the National Youth Choir of Scotland and having previously worked with Ayr Choral Union and Lambeth Music Service, Catriona strongly believes in the importance of early age music education to instil confidence, commitment, communication skills and passion.

Apart from her teaching career, Catriona is a professional opera singer who has performed with prestigious organisations such as Scottish Opera (as an Emerging Artist), Glyndebourne Festival and Touring Opera, Garsington Festival Opera, The Grange Festival, Charles Court Opera, Opera Holland Park and English Touring Opera. She received her training at the Royal College of Music, Royal Northern College of Music and City of Edinburgh Music School.

Lalleh Memar is a classical flautist from Sydney, Australia. She is currently completing a Bachelor of Music at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland under a scholarship awarded by the RCS Trust, studying flute with Katherine Bryan and Ruth Morley and piccolo with Janet Richardson.

Lalleh began her music studies as a flute/piano double major student at the Conservatorium High School, a specialist music school in Sydney. Since then, she has performed as a soloist in Sydney’s major concert venues such as the Sydney Opera House concert hall, the Verbrugghen Hall, NSW Government House and the Sydney Conservatorium Recital Halls. In 2022, she was awarded a Young Artist scholarship at the Flutes In Tuscany summer course, performing a recital in the Chiesa di Tereglio. In August 2022, she was also awarded a bursary for the Scottish International Flute Summer School, participating in masterclasses and workshops with Wissam Boustany, Ian Clarke and Andre Cebrian. Lalleh was a featured soloist in the Festival of Instrumental Music Sydney Opera House Concert Series 2018 and 2019. In 2019, she was a finalist in the prestigious Australian Flute Festival International Flute Young Artist Competition.

Lalleh received her Australian Board of Music (AMEB) Cmus Piano and AmusA Flute diplomas in 2017 and 2018 respectively. She regularly rehearses and performs with her flute duo ensemble, Sonora Duo, and most recently performed a chamber music recital in February as part of the Wellington Concert Series in Glasgow. This year, she was a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland and Chineke! Junior Orchestra.

Lalleh greatly enjoys teaching flute, piano and music theory for all ages and abilities.

Christian is currently studying on the BMus programme at The University of Glasgow, with a particular interest in jazz performance and improvisation on the drums, as well as composition.

He has experience performing drums live in bands around Glasgow and throughout Scotland, predominantly in the indie and alt-rock scene. This is alongside experience in studio recording and live session recording settings.

He began playing guitar at 9 years old, and since focusing on drumming has developed learning techniques that he feels are transferable between instruments, resulting from being a mixture of self-taught and formally educated.

Christian believes that a ground-up approach to teaching is most effective, establishing a solid foundation of technique and vocabulary that allows students to nurture their own way of expressing themselves on their instrument.

Australian educator and performer, Francesca Masel has a passion for teaching cello and piano to students of any age and level. With over 8 years of teaching experience at schools and at her private studio, she is enthusiastic about tailoring the lessons to the individual with consideration of their personality, learning style and physiology. As a dynamic performer, Francesca has played extensively in Australia and internationally including at the 2022 Corso Internazionale di Musica in Italy, at the 2019 Icicle Creek Chamber Music Festival in America and frequently with Camerata: Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra and the Australian Youth Orchestra. Francesca has achieved her Associate in Music on both cello and piano. She graduated from the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University with a Graduate Certificate in Music Studies and a Bachelor of Music in Performance achieving a distinction in both degrees. Having recently moved to Glasgow, Francesca has started a Master of Music in Performance at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. When not teaching or performing, you can find her cooking up a storm or going for a swim.

Esther Norie is a harpist, cellist and pianist from Edinburgh. She originally studied Modern Languages but pursued music wherever possible, performing in orchestras and ensembles. She completed her Bachelor of Music with 1st class Honours and was awarded the Goudie Prize from the University of Glasgow. She is also an experienced choral singer, having sung with Sydney Philharmonia Choirs, Edinburgh Royal Choral Union and currently with the University of Glasgow Chapel Choir. Esther is currently an instrumental tutor and wedding harpist and has recorded with other musicians in Glasgow.

Megan has been singing most of her life and started to train professionally when she was 14. She always had a passion for music and eventually decided that music and teaching was the correct path for her to take. At the age of 17 she began to play piano and quickly began making progress no sitting at a Grade 5 standard level. She also has studied music theory up to a Grade 5 level, completely her ABRSM exam in the summer of 2019.

Megan has been studying at the University of Glasgow for the past four years on the Music MA course and is due to graduate this June. Whilst doing this she has also been working as an active tutor in both piano and voice teaching a range of styles including musical theatre, jazz and classical.

Outside of teaching, her main passion is musical theatre, where she has been working towards one day achieving one of her dreams of being on stage.