ROBERT FOLKES

Musician and Teacher

Home: Welcome

ABOUT

I am a professional singer, trumpeter and teacher of the following instruments and skills — trumpet, piano, singing, academic Music and Music Theory. A graduate of Cambridge University, where I was a choral scholar and read Music, I currently perform in numerous choirs, ensembles and function bands including Amusical, The Messengers, I Dodici and Bobby Ganoush. I am also a Choral Scholar at St Martin-in-the-Fields London.

Home: About Me

MY EXPERIENCE

My first experience of professional music was as head chorister at Salisbury Cathedral. After this I went to Sherborne School as a music scholar, achieving an ATCL diploma with distinction on my trumpet. I went on to study Music at Fitzwilliam College Cambridge University. During my time there I sang at Robinson and Sidney Sussex College with whom I went on tours to Italy, Germany, Dubai and Jordan. Since then I have performed in bands at the Edinburgh Fringe for comedy shows, and performed at many prestigious venues including The Royal Albert Hall, St Paul's, Westminster Abbey, Notre Dame & St Martin-in-the-Fields London. I continue to perform in groups for private events as well as expanding my freelance choral and solo singing.

Home: About

TEACHING

Home: Image

During this period of lockdown I have been able to continue my teaching virtually and am now looking to develop this further. I currently have students in all of the areas below and can tailor lessons to individuals needs and goals. I am based in Maida Vale, London and teach virtually as well as in person.

I already teach a wide range of ages, from 5 to 35, and enjoy teaching students of any age.

SINGING

I have experience singing a wide variety of styles, including solo classical, jazz, choral and pop. Singing with the correct technique is vital for all forms of singing and will benefit performance as well as a student's enjoyment.

TRUMPET

Like my singing I also enjoy the versatility that playing the trumpet allows. I play and teach a variety of styles including funk, jazz and classical, with students just starting out and looking to gain confidence, right up to those taking grade 8.

PIANO

I have been teaching students from beginners to grade 3 and am very comfortable progressing students towards the higher grades.

THEORY AND HISTORY

Since graduating from Cambridge I have tutored students in Music A-level as well as preparing applications to university, particularly for Oxbridge. I can also teach the very basics and this is often a great accompaniment to learning an instrument as it help students gain a better understanding of the music they are playing.

Home: Lessons

TESTIMONIALS

Home: Student Testimonials

My daughter Allegra age 10 has been working with Rob to reinforce the piano classes that she has at school and we've found him to be a great teacher! He has been very receptive to Allegra's progress pushing and challenging her when needed and also letting her have a play with pieces she's interested in learning. He has also been very accommodating with our schedule which has been a plus right now in the current situation. I've found it surprising how well the classes have worked over VC, teaching is happening!

Lucero - parent of piano student

My lessons have been really educational and fun and I’ve come such a long way in a very short amount of time. Robert has been versatile, friendly and engaging from day one. I feel totally relaxed around him, which was really important for me, as I’ve always found it difficult to sing in front of others.

Alistair - singing student

Rob is an enthusiastic, confident and capable teacher. My son has progressed from complete beginner to grade 2 in 9 months and looks forwards to his lessons. Rob makes each session enjoyable. He communicates effectively both with the student and with the parent. I highly recommend him.

Helen - parent of trumpet student

My sessions with Robert are lighthearted and fun, yet rigorous and demanding. I feel immensely satisfied to work with him on a one to one basis and the results are highly rewarding.