Rick is PCET Networks FE Champion this month!

FE CHAMPIONS JUNE 2007

Rick Millington

Interview

PCET Network: What is your job role? How long have you been doing it? Career History?

I first started teaching in autumn of 2003 when I was offered the opportunity to teach guitar and bass one to one. It is now my aim to take my experience to a higher level and use it to aid other individuals in gaining their own qualifications in a more academic setting. During my time with Stringstocks I gained multiple teaching skills such as teaching guitar, bass, improvisation, performance skills and music theory. I have also carried out a combined five-day period of teaching in both primary and secondary schools in the Barnsley area as part of my degree requirement for the Music in Education program. In this exercise I delivered a series of composition, arranging and performance workshops. As well as having a great deal of practical and theoretical knowledge, I also have a great deal of knowledge in contemporary musical history, the music business and band management. As an enthusiastic musician and tutor I have always relished taking part in contrasting topics in order to improve myself as a cultured musician and I therefore believe I am in a position to offer myself as a tutor with a versatile teaching background.

In August 2006 I was hired by Leeds based workshop co-ordinator Richard Sabey to aid in the deliverance and development of one of his summer projects. The workshop was aimed to have participating students rehearsing three songs for a final performance at the end of the week. This workshop was a major success and was personally proud to be involved in such a well-supported government funded project with a professional of Richard’s calibre. I have also written and delivered my own workshops in areas such as such as performance, guitar techniques & fingerstyle guitar in which were also very successful in terms of public interest, productivity and participant attendance.

PCET Network: What do you enjoy most about teaching adult learners?

Many of my past and present adult learners, the participant has made a conscious decision to take part and will enter the lesson with a more focused and open-minded approach. Being an instrument tutor the vast majority of my past and present adult students are learning an instrument as a hobby and something in which to help them relax. These turned out to be some of the most productive and enjoyable lessons I have ever taught. I would teach the students some finger picking exercises, follow them up with chords and with this the student would be able write simple and relaxing pieces. This in turn would help the student to achieve the basic song-writing and fingerstyle techniques as well as achieving its optimum target, relaxation.

PCET Network: Do you have any good advice that you wish to share with other FE Tutors?

Always try to make the lesson as enjoyable for yourself as well as the student. Teaching can be the most rewarding occupation in the world but it can also be the toughest. It’s always important to show the student that you care and really want to be there and they will treat the lesson with the same enthusiasm and respect. This is only a minor point but can make all the difference to the outcome of the students learning experience.

PCET Network: What Interests you to become an FE Tutor?

Throughout my teaching career to date I feel I have acquired a broad spectrum of teaching experience working with a wide variety of individuals with alternative learning backgrounds and preferences. My main areas include instrumental & music tuition and writing and conducting workshops & lessons. As a young and ambitious teacher I am relishing the opportunity to use my versatile teaching knowledge and bring them into any learning environment. I believe I have the mental capacity and experience to teach a wide spectrum of student and I feel that my reputation and rapport with each of my past and present students reflects this. I have obtained a 2.1 degree in popular music studies and have over 3 years of teaching experience and am therefore confident I can provide support, information and lesson plans specific to your requirements.

PCET Network: What would you say to someone that is thinking about becoming an FE Tutor?

If they have the same passion and desire to succeed within the teaching profession as myself then I would say “Do it”. The job satisfaction & self worth there is to be had through teaching makes the years of hard work in education all worth while. To contribute towards the growth and development of future professionals is an achievement and an experience to be proud of.

PCET Network: Do you have any interesting hobbies or pastimes?

Music would be the obvious choice but I also take a keen interest in computers, comedy, football, reading & socialising.

PCET Network is pleased to introduce Rick Millington as the PCET Network FE Champion for June 2007.

Note: If you feel that you, or a tutor that you know, deserves to be recognised as an FE Champion, then please submit their name and email address to info@pcet.net – quoting FE Champion in the subject field.