Meet The Music Teacher #6: Alicia

My Cherie Armour

leverly bringing together music teachers of all chords and creeds, Darryn and Elaine Scott have high hopes for their Harmonics Music School.

Especially given that everyone involved loves what they do.

Just how much, we decided to find out by asking each of the teachers involved just where their passion for music came from.

And how it got them from getting down in front of their bedroom mirror to teaching classes on Theatre Lane.

Third up to the podium, it’s Alicia Newton, who teaches the endless wonders of the piano…

And so it begins…

When did the music bug first bite?
I remember from the age of 4 asking for a pink Barbie electric violin for Christmas and making a Britney headset mic out of tinfoil as I was convinced I was going to be on Top of the Pops.

I was a real diva back then. I was sent to dance lessons at 5, so was no stranger to the stage. I was going to piano and oboe lessons – and junior orchestras – by the age of 7, so I was always immersed in music.

My primary school choir won several TV competitions in the UK so we were constantly rehearsing for TV shows and events with Aled Jones, Pete Waterman and the Royal Family. Although I hate to admit it, my dad’s extremely vast and somewhat whacky taste in music has definitely influenced me. He has bought my brother and I an array of instruments over the years, including a drum kit and DJ decks, much to my mum’s dismay. I was always eager to pick up a new instrument and see what I could create.

Was there a point when it went from a hobby to a passion, to something you wanted to do for a living?
I used to teach piano in the dining room from the age of 16, charging a whopping £5 per lesson but I really never thought I would become a music teacher. I was forced to play in the South Ulster Youth Orchestra every Saturday morning but I really wanted to be out on a hockey pitch, so my parents laugh at the fact I am now a music teacher.

The fine art of teaching has as a degree of the Yoda about it, given that it involves the passing on of magic, when did you decide to become a Jadoo master?
All jokes aside, there is something very special about witnessing a student’s musical progression and seeing them build confidence to perform and create music.

Finally, what can students expect in your particular class, what’s your approach?
I hope that my classes kindle a love for music in a relaxed environment, allowing students to reach their full potential while having fun!

You can find out more about the Harmonics Music School on their website here, or contact them directly on [email protected].