Rachel Naylor

Hello! I am a relaxed, enthusiastic and patient music teacher based in Cardiff. I graduated from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in July 2021 where I studied French Horn performance, and I have been absorbed in a musical world from the age of nine. I have a lot of varied experience in teaching from private tuition to group classes to ensemble training, and I try to make each lesson a positive, fun experience for everyone!

Whether you are a complete beginner or you would like to strengthen your abilities as an advanced player or you simply would like a practice partner, I will encourage you and bring out the best in you to ensure you reach your fullest potential!

Although my profile is relatively new, I have been teaching brass, piano and theory for the past 7 years. I have always taught through the ABRSM system but I am completely open to just enjoy learning/teaching a fun hobby with you! I am proud to say that my portfolio of past pupils have had a 100% success rate and gained both Distinctions and Merits in all their exams ??

I am a heavy believer in 1% talent and 99% hard work - everyone can achieve their goals as long as they are determined and put the effort in! My aim in teaching is to create constant reassurance and appraisal in the early stages of learning any instrument, alongside energetic and memorable exercises and games. I will never lose my temper or berate my pupils; I believe that if a student cannot understand, that is the responsibility of myself to change my approach to adapt to the learner and not the fault of the learner.

My ultimate goal in teaching is to develop discipline in the student ensuring they have confidence in practicing and learning on their own. Whether they participate in a few lessons with me or they spend an entire year working with me, they will gain key skills in training to become their own teacher and have all the tools they need to play their instrument!

Unlike some, I truly love teaching and sharing my passion for music whilst watching the progression of ability. I believe if you have the right motivation, age does not matter at all - it's certainly never too late to learn!

A major part of my teaching is to focus on getting to know my students on a personal level. I thoroughly enjoy teaching due to the vibrant, contrasting personalities that I encounter across my wide spread of pupils. Due to the differences in perspectives and personalities, I learn just as much from my students as they learn from me! Trust is an essential element in a teacher/student relationship which is something I prioritise in my lessons. Building a strong foundation of honesty and reliability enables us to work more effectively and efficiently in achieving your goals.

Review from past pupil - Thank you so much for teaching me over the years and mainly putting up with me. You helped me progress so much with playing and theory and also helped me enjoy piano and love music again because I genuinely hated it and wanted to quit piano before coming to you but now my dream is to make a career out of it. You’ve been the best teacher and I don’t know how you got through teaching me because I know I’m not easy and am very slow so thanks and you definitely will hear from me again!

If you require any further information or have any questions about my playing experience, please don’t hesitate to get in touch! I look forward to hearing from you ??!

Music Education Experience

Education Producer - BBC National Orchestra of Wales (From June 2024).
Inspire Manager - National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain (September 2022 - June 2024).
Learning & Engagement Coordinator for Education - Royal Scottish National Orchestra (November 2022 until August 2022).
Project Manager - Royal Scottish National Orchestra`s Community Orchestra (November 2022 until August 2022).
Horn Tutor - Dynamica Brass Academy (From January 2022).
Theory Teacher, Effective Practice Teacher & Horn Tutor for Orchestra - Wells Cathedral School (2022).
Bachelor of Music with Honours in French Horn Performance with an Education Endorsement - Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (Graduated July 2021).
Private Teacher for Brass, Theory and Piano (From 2017).
Pedagogy Training in Music Teaching - Sibelius Academy, Finland (2019).
Horn Tutor - East Ayrshire, Stewarton School Bands ( ).
Horn Tutor - National Youth Orchestra of Scotland Training Ensemble (2019).
Royal Scottish National Orchestra - Young Ambassador (2019).
House Staff Member - West of Scotland School’s Symphony Orchestra (2018).
Horn Tutor & House Staff Member - West of Scotland School’s Training Band (2018).
Conductor & Horn Tutor - Hamilton Grammar School prep band ( ).
Assistant Brass Tutor - Work experience around South Lanarkshire (2016).
Achieved ABRSM Grade 8 Distinction in French Horn, Piano and Theory (2016).