Tom Cooke

I am a qualified music teacher with 27 years experience in the classroom. I have a proven track record of working with students of all ages and abilities, as part of a team, or as the sole member in a music department.

I am able to meet deadlines and believe that giving myself time to prepare enhances the experience offered to the Students.

Throughout my career I’ve always followed a CPD program and believe this has enhanced my skills as an educator. Much of this has focused on things like assessments and how we assess music, creating assignments that are fit for purpose, allowing pathways for student’s personal development. I firmly believe this has improved my teaching and there have been numerous occasions where I have led CPD and been able to pass on my knowledge and experience.

As a music teacher I have had to work with various outside agencies. I have arranged trips and visits for pupils, organised peripatetic tuition, I have had to arrange associated board practical exams, GCSE exam examinations, I have become an ABRSM member and on numerous occasions worked with other schools and educational establishments to create performances or productions.

I believe I have an outstanding subject knowledge in the area of music, music, education, and music technology. I am a classically taught pianist and self-taught Trumpeter, DJ and producer. I have many years of classroom experience in key stages three, four and further education teaching music from the national curriculum and also devising and teaching GCSE, BTEC and A-level courses.

I am a practising musician playing professionally with several bands. I also produce music, I’m familiar with digital audio works stations such as FL, Cubase and logic, virtual studio technology, current sound production and recording techniques. My music has been used in videos, presentations, productions and released by myself.

I am always trying to enhance my ability and knowledge through practice and performance and consider this my own personal CPD. I have always followed correct safeguarding procedures and taken the yearly update as required by teachers.

I have experience of planning and preparing students for assessment. I have experience of creating appropriate course content and assignments for students in further education. I am able to create a scheme of work students can follow that will enhance and improve their music skills and abilities whilst allowing them to learn about general musicianship and other aspects of the music industry.

I have experience of leading pupils in further education on their chosen courses. I was the course leader for music technology and taught on the music A-level and BTEC music courses whilst at Sunderland College. I also taught key skills for pupils who had been unsuccessful in their GCSE maths English and ICT.

I have been in a classroom for many years and believe this gives me a great deal of experience and ability as an educator. I have worked with students of all abilities and ages from absolute beginners to highly proficient performers preparing for exams or professional performances. I sincerely believe diversity is key in music and a place where who we are and where we’re from isn’t important, I firmly believe music is for everybody and everybody can take something from it.