tUTORS
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pete rigby
FOUNDER, DIRECTOR OF MUSIC GUITAR/BASS/UKULELE
Pete, after graduating in music from Sheffield University has spent over 20 years as a session player in everything from 20 piece soul bands to rockabilly, pop functions to running a jazz quartet.
On top of that, Pete has 20 years experience teaching music in schools, including stints in senior leadership and as head of music departments. His business and skill as a guitar luthier in repairs and building led to the founding of Rigby music.
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Jonny Ball
FOUNDER, DIRECTOR OF MUSIC
GUITAR/BASS/UKULELE
Since graduating in music from Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Institute For Performing Arts in 2015, Jonny has worked as a musician/artist supporting the likes of ‘The Libertines’, ‘Feeder’ and ‘The Rifles’ around the UK and Europe. He has additionally recorded music with producers Ken Nelson (Coldplay, Paulo Nutini) and Rich Turvey (Blossoms, The Coral) which have resulted in UK radio support from Radio 2, Radio 6, Radio X as well as stations all over Europe.
His 10 years experience in teaching all ages both in schools and in a highly successful private practise includes designing unique instrument syllabuses and learning pathways that contribute to the make up of Rigby Music Learn’s very own.
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FREDDY S
TUTOR
GUITAR/BASS/UKULELE
Freddy has worked as a musician and artist across the UK, and his ventures with various Hard Rock and Metal projects have seen him tour across Europe, playing major festivals both as a session player and original artist.
Having graduated in Music from Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Institute For Performing Arts in 2015, Freddy also plays in various function bands across the country, regularly performing at weddings and cruise ships. He has fully produced various releases, in addition to having taught music both privately and in schools for several years.
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KATIE E
TUTOR
KEYBOARD/SINGING
Studying music at the University of Manchester, Katie was classically and operatically trained yet always pursued her love for jazz. folk, latin and pop. She grew up playing keys and singing in local jazz bands, and now as a freelance musician, she performs and tours all over the UK (having recently performed at festivals such as Y Not, Greenman and Victorious).
As an active participant in the Manchester music scene, Katie hopes to inspire the students she works with and show them the importance and benefits of music-making. She is very experienced in working with students in both 1:1 and group settings, and with a breadth of musical experience in many different styles, she can adapt to a student's needs and personalise their lessons to what they want to learn.
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Paul O
TUTOR
GUITAR/BASS/UKULELE
Paul has worked as a professional bassist and guitarist for over 40 years, touring all around Europe and Ireland. Having worked as a college and university lecturer, he has been a live and session bassist for a wide variety of world, celtic, jazz, soul, funk and blues artists over the years, including the likes of Michael McGoldrick (Mark Knopfler Band), Ian Fletcher (Future Trad Collective) and Sean Regan (Sharon Shannon Band).
With many years' teaching experience, Paul covers all aspects of bass technique including finger style, plectrum style, 'walking jazz bass', slap technique and other approaches.
As a guitar tutor, Paul can develop learners' skills in all aspects of acoustic and electric guitar from beginners to more advanced players, taking in basic chord skill, playing with others, songwriting, improvising and developing lead solos.
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Louise D
TUTOR
PERCUSSION/UKULELE
Louise has a background as a percussionist and performs regularly around Manchester at a variety of gigs. This includes a past performance at BBC Radio Manchester with Iain Mellor’s Drum Machine.
Louse additionally has experience in leading percussion groups and drum workshops, teaching music in schools as well as working with young people and adults with additional learning needs. This is further supported by her work in metal health at Ealing NHS and TOG Mind.
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DAN P
TUTOR
DRUMS/GUITAR/KEYBOARD/UKULELE
Dan has worked as a session drummer, performing and recording in a range of projects of different musical styles and genres. As well as teaching drums to an advanced level he also teaches guitar, keyboard and ukulele in addition to delivering ensembles for in school for all ages.
Alongside this, Dan runs music workshops for young people with special educational needs, and has worked on health and wellbeing music projects for adults. He has a background as a youth worker, facilitating music sessions for groups of young people.
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Tom F
TUTOR
DRUMS, GUITAR, UKULELE
With a First Class Honours degree in Popular Music Performance (Drums), Tom brings a wealth of experience and creativity to his teaching.
As a versatile session player, he has toured the UK, performed in creative projects spanning pop to jazz fusion, and frequently plays in venues all over Manchester.
Teaching privately since his university days, Tom has since led music workshops, taught in public schools for several years, and mentored students of all ages. His teaching philosophy is rooted in getting students playing along to music they love from the very start. From there, he focuses on building solid foundations and empowering students with the skills to express themselves creatively, drawing inspiration from great educators like John Riley and Gary Chaffee.
Fun fact: He once had the honour of introducing The Who at the Royal Albert Hall.
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Max H
TUTOR
GUITAR/DRUMS/UKULELE/KEYBOARD
Max is a multi instrumentalist, electronic and ambient music producer with over 15 years experience of learning and playing music. Since graduating from the University of Hull studying Creative Music Technology, he has played many major festivals and gigs across the UK and had the opportunity to support the band Her’s on multiple occasions.
Since moving to Manchester, he has taught in schools and out across Greater Manchester and continues to produce original music.
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Ellie R
TUTOR
BASS
Ellie is a bassist, active in the local Manchester music scene. She has played bass for a variety of artists, including but not limited to the ska/punk genre, and gigs regularly around the UK. This is in addition to playing on and producing her own jazz-funk instrumental tracks under her own artist name.
Her playing incorporates a range of styles, from jazz and blues to punk, funk and 60s rock; all of which inspire her teaching style. As well as her experience in teaching bass, Ellie brings with her a passion for the learning process with a keen specialism in developing improvisational skills.
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JACK B
TUTOR
DRUMS
Jack is a freelance session drummer based in Manchester with a masters degree in music performance from The Royal Northern College Of Music. He has toured across the UK, Europe & Asia playing everything from intimate shows to sold out arena’s.
In addition to his proficiency in live work he’s also recorded with producers Dan Lancaster (Blink 182, 5 Seconds Of Summer, Bring Me The Horizon) & James Bragg (Ben Howard, Gengahr). Jack has over half a decade of teaching experience and holds an arsenal of valuable skills & musical guidance that he can pass on to his students.