Welcome to Martins Music School
Music Lessons in Waterlooville
We are Barbara and Robert Martin and we teach music lessons to a wide range of students of all ages, from young beginners to advanced from our home in Waterlooville.
Many of our students take ABRSM exams, achieving excellent results, others are learning just for pleasure or to extend their skills. I use a variety of approaches, tailoring lessons to the needs of each student. Music theory is incorporated into the lessons, ensuring a secure foundation for practical skills.
Whenever possible we encourage our students to play together in ensembles. Our entries for the Portsmouth Music Festival have won their classes on several occasions!
“Barbara’s teaching is excellent, the lessons are well planned and progressive, full of encouragement and humour. Any player would benefit from Barbara’s wealth of experience as a professional cellist.”
– Susie, Adult Cellist
We teach a variety of instruments
To a wide range of students
Piano
Piano is taught by Barbara.
“In my private teaching practice we have a wide range of ages and abilities, from 5 year old beginners to advanced students.
I particularly enjoy working with adults coming to the piano for the first time, and with those wishing to rediscover their keyboard skills after a break.
Students can work towards ABRSM exams if they wish, and are encouraged to develop performance skills in concerts and festivals.
Learning the piano is an excellent way to improve your memory, develop aural skills, and boost your confidence and self-esteem.”
Cello
Cello is taught by Barbara.
“My private practice cello students are now mainly adults, covering a wide range of abilities from complete beginners to those playing at Grade 8 standard and beyond.
My approach is different with each individual, depending on their previous musical experience and knowledge, and their reason for learning. Some choose to work towards ABRSM exams, others want to play purely for pleasure, and they all enjoy sharing the learning process with others in ensemble sessions offered alongside their individual lessons.
Young cellists can start lessons from age 7, and in the early stages I focus on developing a good ear and general musicianship alongside technical skills.
Ensemble sessions provide an opportunity to meet with others and have fun whilst learning to play together. Our entries for the Portsmouth Music Festival have won their class on many occasions!”
Violin
Violin is taught by Robert.
My passion for playing the violin has never diminished, which makes it easy for me to motivate and enthuse my pupils to play to the best of their ability.
Accustomed to teaching pupils of all ages and abilities, from 5 to 80 years, I have developed strong interpersonal skills and adapt my teaching style to the needs of each pupil.
Meet your teachers
Barbara & Robert Martin
Barbara
I am a qualified teacher with an Honours Music degree from Reading University, where I studied Cello with Edith Churton alongside my academic music studies
I have taught music in a variety of settings – as a visiting instrumental teacher in schools, in private practice, and teaching curriculum music at all stages from infants to A Level.
I particularly enjoy working with adults coming to their instruments for the first time, and with those wishing to rediscover their keyboard skills after a break.
Robert
After graduating from the Royal Northern College of Music I joined the Regimental Band of Her Majesty’s Scots Guards, where I led the orchestra and the saxophone section.
During this time we played a wide range of music for a variety of prestigious occasions from the massed bands at the Queen’s Birthday Parade to a string quartet for the 250th anniversary of number 10 Downing Street and from Investitures at Buckingham Palace to touring the United States with the Black Watch Pipes and Dancers. I also had my first experience of teaching violin during this time, teaching at two schools in Tooting.
After leaving the Army I qualified as a Suzuki violin teacher then taught for Somerset Music Service. During this time my seventy strong Suzuki group regularly opened the show for the “Somerset Music Spectacular” at the Octagon Theatre Yeovil.
What our students say
“I have been having lessons with Barbara for the past 5 years, and my daughter started 2 years ago and already passed the initial-grade exam. Barbara is amazingly calm, patient and reliable. She has a relaxing manner in which she shares her musical knowledge and skills. There is no pressure or comment if you don’t manage to practice at home much or have no desire to take exams. I would highly recommend Barbara’s lessons.”
– Michelle, adult piano student
