McCusker Music Glasgow

My name is Avril McCusker and I am a well established, friendly, qualified and experienced teacher of singing and piano. I offer in person and remote lessons through Skype, Face Time, Zoom, etc. I also offer audition and performance preparation for children and adults in Cardonald, Glasgow.
I have a BA, Dip.of the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, PGDE(Music), Fellow of the Incorporated Society of Musicians, Association Of Teachers Of Singing certified. I was an examiner with the London College of Music for 10 years.
Lessons are flexible and tailored to each individual student and can include theory, aural training, sight singing and sight reading. Preparation for ABRSM, LCM and Trinity music exams, school music exams, festivals and competitions.
Payment methods accepted are: cash, Paypal or bank transfer.

One to one tuition.

My qualifications: Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Music Performance from Glasgow University, post graduate diploma in Lieder and oratorio from RSAMD (now the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland) Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) secondary music teaching; Estill Voice Training Levels 1 and 2. Experienced Kodaly educator.

Examiner in music for all instruments with the London College of Music (LCM) for 10 years.

Taught HNC and HND Music Theatre in Further Education colleges

Singing teacher, Kodaly educator and conductor with the National Youth Choir of Scotland (NYCoS) and Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) junior chorus; singing adjudicator for the Maltese Islands Festival 2020. Current students include a number of RSNO Chorus members, professional pop singers and professional music theatre singers, as well as children and adults who sing as enthusiastic non-professionals, for health or just for fun.

FISM member (Fellow of the Incorporated Society of Musicians)

AOTOS member (Association of teachers of singing)

Students can choose to study to sit external/school exams or for leisure.

Good breadth of experience with professional musicians, child and adult beginners and re-starters.

Lessons can be of 30, 45 or 60 minutes.

Theory of music, sight reading and aural training also included in lessons.

Singing

The first lesson is always a chance to find out where you voice is at the moment and where you would like it to be. You'll find out the range of your voice and we can discuss the type of songs you'd like to sing. I will record your melody and accompaniments so you can practise at home. I will also accompany your singing exams.

If you have an audition coming up, then we can work on suitable songs and any aural requirements.

Large library of music with access to online music stores.

Study classical singing, pop vocals or musical theatre singing.

Current students include a number of RSNO Chorus members, professional pop singers and professional music theatre singers.

Learn how to accompany yourself on piano or guitar without compromising your singing technique.

Dedicated expert with a proven record of success.

Enter for LCM (London College of Music); ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music); Trinity College London

Lessons are tailored to suit you.

Work with songs written by yourself.

Former students who are now professional singers.

Including Paolo Nutini, Michelle Chantelle Hopewell, Francis Mayli McCann, Greg Barrowman and many more.

Piano

Learn the styles of music that you you would like to play.

Choose to enter exams or play for your own pleasure in progress.

If you played as a child and would like to rediscover the piano, then join the many adult returners enjoying playing the piano again.

Exams prepared for are: The London College of Music (LCM). The Associated Boards of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) and Trinity London.

This is my piano which you will play during lessons.

McCusker Music

A well established, friendly teacher of singing and piano in Cardonald, Glasgow.

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Feedback from current students and parents of students

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for all your help with Alexander. He has come on dramatically not only with his piano but also in confidence. We all see a big difference in him and love listening to him play and every time he comes back from a lesson we ask him how he got on he always says it was FUN which is so important.

So thank you once again”
Tommy Stafford
January 2018
“I have been having singing lessons with Avril for over three years and what has truly stood out for me in that time is how much knowledge she has, within many different genres of music and in technical aspects of the voice, which has caused my voice to improve vastly. She has an excellent ear for choosing pieces to suit my voice and is always open minded and supportive when I want to try any specific piece. Most importantly, she always makes sure I am at ease, enjoying what I am singing and performing to my best ability.”
Jennifer
January 2018
“I have been having piano lessons with Avril for about 15 years. I cannot recommend her highly enough. She has a bubbly outgoing personality and is patient and unfailingly supportive and enthusiastic of my progress no matter how small I feel it has been. She is a really skilled piano teacher - always has a variety of techniques at her fingertips to help me develop. She is honest and understanding when giving feedback, and good at highlighting the positives while suggesting ways of improving the things that need to be worked on. She is a great communicator, an easy person to get along with and has a very flexible approach to learning. I always come away from my lessons feeling encouraged and inspired.”
Rosemary Morgan
February 2018
“My bucket list contained two items
1. To see Garth Brooks live in concert
2. To sing a song in tune
Coming from a musical family I had a deep inferiority complex as I believed I was tone deaf. I covered it up with humour but I hated having to pass every time it was my turn to sing. Then last year my sister purchased 6 singing lessons with Avril McCusker. I remember the feelings of fear and trepidation as I stood in front of her for the first time thinking she would politely inform me that I was wasting my time. I had even planned to give the remaining lessons to my granddaughter. However I needn’t have worried. Avril put me at my ease and through her patience and kindness made me feel as valued as any of the wonderful singers she taught. She has gradually built up my confidence and chosen songs suited to my range, ability and personality. I have continued with my singing lessons and during lockdown they were the highlight of my week. I am never likely to join a choir, or launch a solo career in music, however I cannot fully express the wonderful feeling I had when I managed to sing in tune at a family party. Thank you so much Avril.“
Myra
August 2020

“I have had singing lessons from Avril for over a year and have enjoyed every minute of our hour together each week. In spite of her professional musical background she accepted my lack of singing ability and has taught me with thoroughness, patience and a sense of humour. The lessons in the studio at her house and then on computer using Zoom have been constructive and very enjoyable. My singing lesson is a highlight in my week. I now have a large number of songs both popular and more serious and love singing them.”
Joy
August 2020