Hi everyone! My name is Richard McDermott and I teach Piano and Violin (piano being my first instrument). I cover Classical, Contemporary and Popular genres of music and also tutor for the graded exam syllabuses.

From a very young age I got involved with all things creative and artistic; gaining a wealth of experience in Speech and Drama and Musicals – performing in theatres and festivals throughout the Island, completing all grades in piano, violin and drama.

My Violin journey has been fantastic! Growing up through the Education Authority music system… Playing in orchestras and, sometimes, quartets – as well as solo playing at festivals. We would go on tour around Europe a few times with the EA orchestra and I have fond memories of my musical experiences with them. Later my Violin playing would eventually see me sitting at first desk with my University Orchestra.

Playing piano from a very young age proved like a natural medium for me to use. Again experiencing festivals and enjoying solo performances at school with local events and public appearances. I had the opportunity to experience attending a Music and Drama College in Wales, returning back to the University of Ulster to complete my studies majoring in performance – which I concentrated solely with Piano for those modules.

I found myself intuitively going into tutoring straight after my Degree with both piano and violin, fortunately landing myself several performing jobs with piano in various public venues leaning myself to become a Society Pianist. This includes high profile private events, corporate and custom made events. Always available for a wedding or a divorce party! It’s such great fun not knowing what event is coming next and what event is organised for performance… Sometimes they can be arranged at very short notice which keeps me on my toes!

I enjoy playing at events as it let’s your repotiore extend through the genres. It makes me aware of what ambience and atmosphere I need to create as a musician and how to read the room to get the best musical impact strengthening my adaptbility levels and has enhanced my professionalism in managing my muscianship .

I’m keen to support students in gaining confidence with performance related ideas. For example: controlling nerves and thinking about sound and style.

I’m also available to enter students for examinations.

Many thanks!

Richard