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James (trombone) |
Date: November 2010 |
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I was a late starter to the trombone, aged 41 (at the time!) and had been playing around two years before discovering Andrew on the musicteachers.co.uk web site, a friend taught me the basics, and then I spent a while in the "wilderness" trying to find a teacher. Trombone teachers are a rare resource, good ones doubly so, which is why Andrew is such a find.
From my initial discussion and consultation with Andrew the lessons were tailored to my requirements, those requirements being Ska and Jazz trombone, while my abilities were gauged the pieces I used in my initial lessons were hand written by Andrew, which I think represents an outstanding level of care and attention to detail.
In my year with Andrew I have progressed beyond my own expectations, I have recently passed my Grade 5 Jazz Trombone with a merit and we are now working towards Grade 6, my tone has improved dramatically and my range has extended by the best part of an octave, I can cleanly hit notes in the very top of the register.
I also play in the MJBO, which I believe was originally a vehicle for Andrew's students to get together, but now has evolved beyond this and we have a solid reputation in the local area, alongside this I am also receiving an increasing number of invitations to play with other big bands as a deputy.
So its all going in the right direction at a great pace, and the driving force is Andrew's excellent tuition, lessons are relaxed, informal and always informative.
The only downside I don't get nice handwritten tunes any more, its all obscure Thelonious Monk and John Coltrane tunes, but that the price for progression!
James - (Jazz) Trombone (Grade 5) |
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Alan (saxophone) |
Date: November 2010 |
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Having bought myself a saxophone, and never having played one before, I was seeking a teacher, and I was lucky enough to contact Andrew just as he had a space appear on his schedule. I can not stress how signficant that has been, not only for learning the saxophone, but for my whole development as a musician.
Andrew teaches through constant and unflagging encouragement, urging the learner on to meet new challenges whilst sensitively applying just the right amount of pressure to ensure success. He tailors his lessons carefully to allow his students to enjoy their own comfort zone, but gently nudging them into new ones. I've often found it astonishing how quickly something that I'd thought was beyond me has become second nature without me even noticing!
Andrew makes even the beginning musician feel like a real musician, and success for any learner from that point is assured! I now play at various professional gigs and venues and at every one I feel a deep sense of gratitude for what Andrew has taught me, and for what he teaches me still.
Alan (Grade 6 Jazz) |
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Ben (alto saxophone) |
Date: November 2010 |
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Mr Kerensky is a remarkably impassioned music teacher. His love for music means his lessons are always a hive of creativity as well as being a space for well structured, performance practice based learning. Mr Kerensky has an enormous understanding of both classical and vernacular musics particularly jazz and blues music which allows him to teach not only how to improvise but how to approach your instrument from a technical perspective. He is always clear and constructive when he believes there is something about your playing that could be improved; this allows you to become a more rounded performer without losing your self confidence.
In my many years of saxophone lessons with Mr Kerensky I acquired not only a deeper and stronger grasp of my instrument but also a great love for performance without which I can honestly say I would not be where I am today studying music as a full time student.
Mr Ben Wheeler [Undergraduate BA(hons) University of Newcastle] |
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Tony & Sam (guitar & trombone) |
Date: November 2010 |
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I first met Mr Kerensky in 2002 when we both received our teaching qualification.Since then I have used his services on a regular basis.
In addition he has also given classical guitar lessons to my daughter Samantha who was sixteen years of age at the time.With thanks to Mr Kerensky,Samantha developed her skills with the classical guitar,she enjoyed the lessons and also found them challenging.
I would have no hesitation in recommending Mr Kerensky for his music skills and teaching ability.
Tony Slater |
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Django (tenor sax) |
Date: November 2010 |
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Andrew Kerensky is a chap in possession of several fine tweeds and a silk dressing gown. There can be no higher testimonial!
D. Zazou,
Apartment 4a,
27 Avenida Peron
Buenos Aires
Argentina
(Thanks Django! Always the comedian) |
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