The Philosophy…
“Bracebridge Music Aim to Provide Top-Class Music Lessons and Activities to the Wider Sutton Coldfield Area”
The Bracebridge Concept…
Hello, my name is Roger Barker, I am a professional musician and educator based in Sutton Coldfield possessing many years experience performing live and teaching within a variety of contexts. I founded Bracebridge Music in 2015 to promote my private music tuition as I strongly believe one-on-one education is the best method for music education. My specialisms include; guitar tuition, music theory tuition, songwriting/composition, music technology (both live and studio) and vocal coaching.
I very much hope you enjoy browsing through my site and look forward to speaking to you soon.
Teaching Experience
I have taught in a range of contexts for the past 18 years, but have spent many of the last 14 years lecturing within institutions. This includes spells at Sutton Coldfield College (helping to establish their level 3 music courses), Sandwell College, City College Coventry (successfully running the level 3 music technology program for 7 years), Coventry University (teaching across their BA and BSc Music and Music Technology courses for 6 years), and most recently Bournville College (where I was ‘Head of Music’ overseeing the department’s transition from ‘inadequate’ to ‘outstanding”).
Professional Experience
I have performed most weekends as a professional guitarist and vocalist for the past 12 years. I currently manage and perform with two bands; The Junos (one of the top bands in the UK) and Rock The 90s! (a premium 90s tribute show), performing throughout the UK and beyond!
I also work as a music technologist, producing local bands and solo artists, carrying out mixing and mastering projects, audio post production work and live sound reinforcement. I have my own recording studio and have had many of my productions played on TV and radio or used commercially for adverts or company promotional videos.
Education and Training
I started my musical journey when I studied guitar and music theory privately from the age of 12, completing my graded classical examinations. I then went on to study Music Composition at Coventry University where I achieved a 1st class honours degree, before completing my masters degree in Music Composition and Music Technology at De Montfort University. Finally I completed my teaching degree (DTLLS, first class) at Warwick University. I also holds my Pro Tools 101 and 110 certificates.